Page:Young Lochinvar (2).pdf/2



YOUNG LOCHINVAR.

O' Young Lochinvar has come out of west,

all the wide border his steed was the best;

And save his good broadsword, he weapons had none,

He rode all unarm'd, and he rode all alone.

So faithful in love, and so dauntless in war.

There never knight like the young

He staid not for brake, and he stopped not for stone,

He swam the Esk river where ford there was none;

But, ere he alighted at Netherby gare,

The bride had consented, the gallant came late;

For a laggard in love and a dastard in war,

Was to wed the fair Helen of brave Lochinvar.

So boldly he enter'd the Netherby Hall:

Among bridemen, and kinsmen and brothers and all;

Then spake the bride's father, his hand on his sword,

(For the poor craven said nevera word,)

"O come ye in peace here, or come ye in war,

Or to dance at our bridal, young lord Lochinvar?"

"I long woo'd your daughter, my suit you denied;

Love swells like the Solway, but ebbs as its tide—

And now I am come with this lost love of mine,

To lead but one measure, drink one cup of wine.

There are maidens in Scotland more lovely by far—

That would gladly be bride to the young Lochinvar."