Was loth to assault the majesty he loved:

Else had the strongest fastnesses proved weak

To guard the royal brood. The sailing glead,

The wheeling swallow, and the darting snipe;

The sportive sea-gull dancing with the waves,

And cautious water-fowl, from distant climes,

Fixed at their seat, the centre of the Mere,

Were subject to young Oswald's steady aim,

And lived by his forbearance.

"From the coast