"To Reason I attention lent;
Th' advice was good,—and, strait or bent,
I now resolv'd to be content. | } |
| |
"Thus, as I urg'd my onward way,
In spirits rather growing gay, |
With saddle bags and all alone,
A sprightly horse came trotting on,
As if he had his rider thrown. | } |
The beast I, with some trouble, caught,
And then its fallen master sought,
Whom, within half a mile I found
All pale and stretch'd upon the ground:
When I approach'd, as in surprise,
He gave a groan and op'd his eyes.
A crystal brook ran murm'ring by,
Its cooling fluid to supply,
And soon its sprinklings did afford
The power that banish'd strength restor'd.
Thus, when re-mounted on his steed,
We did, in progress slow, proceed:
I cautious pac'd it by his side
With tighten'd rein the horse to guide;
And with attentive eye, prevent
Another downfall accident. |
| |
"We might have gone a mile or more,
When we beheld a lofty tower
That did in stately form arise,
A welcome sight to anxious eyes,
Marking a spot where might be found
Some styptic to a bleeding wound. |
I shall be brief,—the Horseman's head
Was soon repos'd on downy bed;
The Surgeon came and he was bled: | } |
The lancet was by blisters follow'd,
And potions, in due order, swallow'd.
He look'd his thanks, then squeez'd my hand,
Bade me, what gold could pay, command;
Of all I wish'd to take my fill,
Enjoy myself, nor fear the bill.
I took my patient at his word,
And what the Blue Bell could afford,
(An Inn of good repute and worth,
Well known to all who travel North,)
As it was his desire, enjoy'd,
Till with good living I was cloy'd.
But his sick bed I did amuse,
I told him tales and read the news;
So that with emphasis he swore
He almost griev'd his ills were o'er. |
