22
But length of life is length of woe,
I liv’d to mourn his fall:
I liv’d to mourn his godlike sons,
And friends and followers all.
But thou the honours of thy race,
Lov’d youth, shalt now restore,
And raise again the Percy name
More glorious than before.
He ceas’d, and on the lovely pair
His chosen blessings laid:
While they with thanks and pitying tears,
His mournful tale repaid.
And now what present course to take
They ask the good old sire;
And, guided by his sage advice,
To Scotland they retire.
Meantime their suit such favour found,
At Raby’s stately hall,
Earl Neville and his princely spouse
Now gladly pardon all.
She suppliant at her nephew’s throne,
The royal grace implor’d:
To all the honours of the race
The Percy was restor’d.
The youthful Earl still more and more
Admir’d the beauteous dame;
Nine noble sons to him she bore,
All worthy of their name.
