[171] 1837.
Two days, as many nights, he slept
Alone, unnoticed, and unwept;
For at that time distress and fear
Possessed the Country far and near;
The third day, One, who chanced to pass,
Beheld him stretched upon the grass.
A gentle Forester was he,
And of the Norton Tenantry;
And he had heard that by a Train
Of Horsemen Francis had been slain.
Much was he troubled—for the Man
Hath recognized his pallid face;
And to the nearest Huts he ran,
And called the People to the place.
—How desolate is Rylstone-hall!
Such was the instant thought of all;
And if the lonely Lady there
Should be, this sight she cannot bear!
Such thought the Forester express'd,
And all were swayed, and deemed it best
That, if the Priest should yield assent
And join himself to their intent, 1815.
[172] 1837.
That straightway ... 1815.
[173] 1840.
... on a bier
In decency and humble chear;
And psalms are sung with holy sound. 1815.
And psalms they sung—a holy sound
That hill and vale with sadness hear. 1837.
[174] 1827.
Tow'rds ... 1815.
[175] 1820.