Kt)lf H ROIVIAKCE OF lOBB. tmma^ ^z^'^ \i/ - ^\ //-•'-W ,,«?> '■■; ^:^v :^^i^ .^:^«^; .;^ .^•r^^ P^lv, ^r- ' Alll (•^-^ r-- ;AVf. '-.%\ ^. i^' '\r V fM ' M^ : ^^'^ c ■\ i^ MMi>^ f\^%: r > /;^^^^ \ ,'Kr -^o-. pA^s ^^rA"),Q:f A')(7:^^''s-»rA')') Romance of the year 1066, suggested by thoughts of the great author^ s * '' Harold,^^ and two fair Kentish Memories, BY If r'L::^£^ S. iBiTT j©RAFFEN * Sir E. Bulwer Lytton. LOAN STAOC Z)3£3 ^f)ii:a. Romance of the year 1066, suggested by thougJds of the great author^ s * " Harold,'' and t'lvo fair Kentish Memories. I. tH ! once again let me recall My childhood's blest Spring-tide ; When Harold by the ivied wall Sought Edith, his fair bride. II. Too oft stern Duty's clinging care Kept the betrothed apart ; For King and Country ever were Eooted in thy loyal heart. * Sir E. Biilwer Lytton. ^ ^ A III. But when at eventide we met Beside Thor's altar stone, The glist'ning stars our vows reset In their own love-lit zone. IV. One shadow only seemed to veil Our joy, and grief awake, The king and priests within the pale Of kin our vows would break. V. And, linking with the cloister's cell Ereedom from unblest ties, The Queen her godchild counsels well Love changeless most to prize. VI. Oh ! Saint Queen, through the convent gate l Rushes thy meed of peace — But Edith, Life's glad joys await, And joys the years increase. VII. Was ne'er a time when o'er Thy brow Thoughts bright as hers were tAvin'cl, Ere, on thy country's altars, Thou In suffering all resigned ? VIII. But hark ! what anxious rumours soar Of Norman rule the while ; And England's destiny once more Erom Edith cares beguile. IX. His mother too claims Harold's troth, Erom William's Court release Of Haco and her joy Woolnoth, Long hostages of peace. X. And Hilda too by charms hath long Sought clearer light to gain ; But Edith sees dim shadows throng, And hears the sad refrain XI. Of Sanguelac ! and broken vows — , Of saintly relics' might ; The frauds that William too well sows, On his doom'd head alight. XII. Her words are vain, Harold the brave. Leal-hearted, aye and true. Dares first the dangers of the wave To the famed shores of Rou. XIII. At last ambition took the reins. With Hilda's goal the lure ; Lost in her weird and tangled skeins Dimm'd Edith's lessons pure. ft XIV. How wisely Gurtli, Earl Harold chides, Dread danger to forego — Uncertainty in which abides All England's weal or woe. XV. Oh ! fatal voyage, treacherous land ! Thence shalt thou ne'er depart Without that hrand, that deepest hrand When Conscience pierc'd thy heart. XVI. Eor England's sake, too, guile met guile, Thy freedom link'd her own ; And faithless promises awhile Beckon like Hope long flown. XVII. Thus to win freedom ne'er more free Of Hope's glad smile hereft, His Honor stain' d — ah ! misery ! What hath proud Harold left ? XVIII. The Waltham Monastery hells Are chiming Vespers' hour ; Harold's desire to anguish swells In Ailred's ears to pour XIX. The tale of all that Norman ruth Had will'd against his life ; Lip-perjur'd England's crown forsooth Dared he thus merge all strife ? XX. Was there no pardon, no release Prom rash vows wrung by pain ? A sin to save his country's peace P Blest lot ! to bear* her bane ! I XXI. I Pardon ? ah ! yes, but penitence In fitting deeds must show, ' ~Fov England and her laws' defence Canst dearest hopes forego ? XXII. Now near her shores Hadrada dread, The poet warrior bold, Ealse Tostig has by avarice led, And England's crown nigh sold. XXIII. Him Harold vanquished on the coast, New perils need his aid — Mercia, Northumbria a host By civil war invade. XXIV. Now thanes and ceorls, and priest and friend By council wise decide O'er England — Love must Duty lend, '' Aldyth shall be thy bride." XXV. But Harold pleads for his life's life, The twin soul wed to his — With sorrow every lot is rife. But not such woe as this. XXVI. Edith, enchain' d by memory's bliss. Spares Harold this dread choice ; Be-hallows by her parting kiss The bonds of England's voice. XXVII. Grieve not Beloved, tho' doomed to part. How could I shed a tear ? Whilst thou and England share my heart All is sweet for cause so dear ! XXVIII. Thy Edith is not weaker now Than in those happy days When thou pure seeds of Faith did'st sow, And Love shed virtue's ravs. XXIX. Then in such strength I breathe farewell, Remembering pride of yore. Nor could I love thee now so well Lov'dst thou not England more. XXX. No woman tempts tliee from my side, Nor rival deem'st thou fair — Thy Country aye shall be thy bride. And woo thee from Despair. SXXI. England not Aldytli sacred trust With Edith shalt entwine Self-sacrifice — consoling must The light of Ereedom shine. XXXII. Illum'ning e'en in after years With triumph our sad path ; Just men deem Edith, amid tears. Worthy to share thy hearth. XXXIII. Loving thee as her guardian star, Could such love be a sin ? Resigning for thy sorrow's war The church's ban would win. XXXIV. Sad Queen ! thy warnings in mine ear Now unforbidden rise, The bough is dead, the leaflets sere, 'Tis sunset, now Hope dies. XXXV. I dread the cloister's cell no more, Beloved ! thence for thee, Morning and evening prayer shall soar. Thy shield Paith's blessing be. ****** Ages are past, still Harold's Pame Braye British hearts e'er guard. Last of the Saxons still thy name Breathes Peace Thy Life's reward. HOME USE M CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT MAIN LIBRARY This book is due on tlie last date stamped below. 1 -month loans may be renewed by calling 642-3405. 6-month loans may be recharged by bringing books to Circulation Desk. Renewals and recharges may be made 4 days prior to due date. 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