Page:Young Lochinvar (1).pdf/2

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

YOUNG LOCHINVAR.


O! Young Lochinvar has come out of the west,
Through 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 was knight like the young Lochinvar.

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 gate,
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 entered 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 bridegroom said never a 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—