The mystic notes of Nature’s Anthem clear,
Which holiest bards have heard and heavenly deemed!
’Tis even thus as to that sage it seemed—
’Tis Beauty makes the dreams of Wisdom, dear!
THE WIDOW OF NEWBURY.
———
BY THE AUTHOR OF “HENRI QUATRE.”
———
’Twas the eve of Newbury fair, and the time near the close of the long reign of Harry the Eighth, after monasteries were suppressed. Reform stalked through the land—all things were turned topsy-turvy—abbots and monks beggared, that poor lords might thrive—priests permitted marriage, and nuns driven from their pleasant retreats, were forced to spin for a livelihood. But amid the greater marvels, the townspeople of Newbury had often leisure to ask why Mistress Avery remained so long a widow.