Whose ponderous grate, and massy bar, Against the desolate and poor. Though born in such a high degree; When kindness had his wants supplied, And the old man was gratified, Began to rise his minstrel pride. * Anne, Duchess of Buccleuch and Monmouth, representative of the ancient Lords of Buccleuch, and widow of the unfortunate James, Duke of Monmouth, who was beheaded in 1685. And he began to talk, anon, Of good Earl Francis*, dead and gone, And how full many a tale he knew, Though stiff his hand, his voice though weak, He could make music to her ear. The humble boon was soon obtained; The aged Minstrel audience gained. * Francis Scot, earl of Buccleuch, father to the duchess. † Walter, earl of Buccleuch, grandfather to the duchess, and a celebrated warrior. Perchance he wished his boon denied; And scenes, long past, of joy and pain, And then, he said, he would full fain He never thought to sing again. It was not framed for village churles, But for high dames and mighty earls; He had played it to King Charles the Good, When he kept court at Holyrood; And much he wished, yet feared, to try The long-forgotten melody. Amid the strings his fingers strayed, And an uncertain warbling made And oft he shook his hoary head. In varying cadence, soft or strong, THE LAY OF THE LAST MINSTREL. CANTO FIRST. I. THE feast was over in Branksome tower, And the Ladye had gone to her secret bower; Jesu Maria, shield us well! No living wight, save the Ladye alone, Had dared to cross the threshold stone. B |