Page:Keats - Poetical Works, DeWolfe, 1884.djvu/334

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 * You shall not throttled be in marriage noose;
 * I've said it, sire; you only have to choose
 * Bertha or Bellanaine." So saying, he drew
 * From the left pocket of his threadbare hose,
 * A sampler hoarded slyly, good as new,

Holding it by his thumb and finger full in view.


 * Her name, see here, Midsummer, ninety-one."
 * Elfinan snatch'd it with a sudden jerk,
 * And wept as if he never would have done,
 * Honoring with royal tears the poor homespun;
 * Whereon were broider'd tigers with black eyes,
 * And long-tail'd pheasants, and rising sun,
 * Plenty of posies, great stags, butterflies

Bigger than stags,—a moon,—with other mysteries.


 * These day-school hieroglyphics with a sigh;
 * Somewhat in sadness, but pleas'd in the main,
 * Till this oracular couplet met his eye
 * Astounded,—Cupid, I do thee defy!
 * It was too much. He shrunk back in his chair,
 * Grew pale as death, and fainted—very nigh!
 * "Pho! nonsense!" exclaim'd Hum, "now don't despair;

She does not mean it really, Cheer up, hearty—there!