Page:History of fair Rosamond (1).pdf/5

5 cares of a new life, the honour that he sought, engrossed the mind of Henry; he had little leisure to devote to softer thoughts; a reflection on the pleasant moments passed with Rosamond, would however intrude itself, but he only gave a sigh for his early hours, and buried his grief in the bustle of warlike preparations. In the meantime Rosamond, had expanded into womanhood; she was now seventeen; her person was tall, and exquisitely proportioned; her hair, which was of a light golden colour, flowed in such profusion, that it seemed as if nature had designed it for a garb, for it reached even to her feet; her face was exquisite; her eyes dark, and formed a fine contrast to her skin which was beautifully fair, and of a transparent hue.

When Henry had laid aside his armour, secure of ultimately wielding the sceptre, his thoughts reverted to the companion of his boyish rambles. He soon quitted the south of England for the metropolis, and from thence bent his course to Oxford. He retraced every step of his boyhood; he reached the tree upon whose trunk he had fondly carved the name of his enchanter;—he looked upon the name that was indelibly engrav-