Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/422

416 "No, not to morrow, but to night," Quoth Guise, "I'll fight with thee:"

And now the sun declining low Bestreak'd with blood the skies; When, with his sword at saddle bow, Rode forth the valiant Guise.

Full gently pranc'd he o'er the lawn; Oft roll'd his eyes around, And from the stirrup stretch'd to find Who was not to be found.

Long brandish'd he the blade in air, Long look'd the field all o'er: At length he spied the merry-men brown, And eke the coach and four.

From out the boot bold Nicholas Did wave his wand so white, As pointing out the gloomy glade Wherein he meant to fight.

All in that dreadful hour so calm Was Lancastere to see, As if he meant to take the air, Or only take a fee:

And so he did — for to New Court His rolling wheels did run: Not that he shunn'd the doubtful strife; But business must be done.

Back in the dark, by Brompton park, He turn'd up through the Gore; So slunk to Cambden house so high, All in his coach and four. Mean-