AN EARLY PASSAGE IN SIR JOHN PERROT'S LIFE.
BY L. E. L.
There is a very curious and rare biography extant of this accomplished knight and courtier, and it was placed in my hands by Mr. Crofton Croker, who thought that I should find a variety of subjects for poetical illustration in Sir John Perrot's adventurous and romantic career. The present incident he especially marked as very characteristic of the picturesque tone of the age. To Mr. Croker I beg to inscribe the ballad, and trust the rest of its readers will partake in his sympathy for the memories of our ancestors.
The evening tide is on the turn; so calm the waters flow,
There seems to be one heav'n above, another heav'n below;
The blue skies broken by white clouds, the river by white foam,
The stars reflect themselves, and seem to have another home.
A shade upon the elements, 'tis of a gallant bark,
Her stately sides fling on the wave an outline dim and dark;
The difference this by things of earth, and things of heav'n made,
The things of heav'n are traced in light, and those of earth in shade.
Wrapt in his cloak a noble knight stept to and fro that deck,
Revolving all those gentler thoughts the busier day-hours check.
A thousand sad sweet influences in truth and beauty lie,
Within the quiet atmosphere of a lone starry sky.
