White Doe of Rylstone; or the Fate of the Nortons

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1867 edition. Excerpt: ... lingered in the rear: Thought followed thought--and ere the last Of that unhappy train was past, Before him Francis did appear. " Now when 'tis not your aim to oppose," Said he, " in open field your foes; Now that from this decisive day Your multitude must melt away, An unarmed man may come unblamed; To ask a grace, that was not claimed Long as your hopes were high, he now May hither bring a fearless brow; When his discountenance can do No injury, --may come to you. Though in your cause no part I bear, Your indignation I can share; Am grieved this backward march to see, How careless and disorderly! I scorn your Chieftains, men who lead, And yet want courage at their need; Then look at them with open eyes! Deserve they further sacrifice? My Father! I would help to find A place of shelter, till the rage Of cruel men do like the wind Exhaust itself and sink to rest; Be brother now to brother joined! Admit me in the equipage Of your misfortunes, that at least, Whatever fate remains behind, I may bear witness in my breast To your nobility of mind! " " Thou enemy, my bane and blight! Oh! bold to fight the coward's fight Against all good "--but why declare, At length, the issue of this prayer? Or how, from his depression raised, The father on his son had gazed; Suffice it that the son gave way, Nor strove that passion to allay, Nor did he turn aside to prove His brothers' wisdom or their love--But calmly from the spot withdrew; The like endeavours to renew, Should e'er a kindlier time ensue. r-rv. "jROM cloudless ether looking down, The moon, this tranquil evening, sees A camp, and a beleaguered town, And castle like a stately crown On the steep rocks of winding Tees;--And, southward far, with moors between, Hill-tops, and floods, and forests green, The...