And, thus beset, he heaved a sigh; To Emily in the yew-tree shade: So forward with a steady will He went, and traversed plain and hill; up Pursued; and, on the second day, There Francis for a moment's space Made halt but hark! a noise behind Of horsemen at an eager pace! He heard, and with misgiving mind. -'Tis Sir George Bowes who leads the Band: They come, by cruel Sussex sent; Who, when the Nortons from the hand Of Death had drunk their punishment, Bethought him, angry and ashamed, His whole bold carriage (which had quelled All censure, enterprise so bright That even bad men had vainly striven Against that overcoming light) Was then reviewed, and prompt word given, That to what place soever fled He should be seized, alive or dead. The troop of horse have gained the height They hem him round - Behold the proof, He did not arm, he walked aloof! ، I am no Traitor," Francis said, "Though this unhappy freight I bear; It weakens me, my heart hath bled Nor do a suffering Spirit wrong, He stood, nor weaponless was now; He from a Soldier's hand had snatched A spear, and with his eyes he watched Their motions, turning round and round: His weaker hand the Banner held; And straight, by savage zeal impelled, Forth rushed a Pikeman, as if he, Not without harsh indignity, Would seize the same: instinctively – Did Francis from the brake advance ; A mortal stroke: - Thus, thus, the noble Francis fell: VOL. IV. E There did he lie of breath forsaken; The Banner from his grasp was taken, And borne exultingly away; And the Body was left on the ground where it lay. Two days, as many nights, he slept Alone, unnoticed, and unwept; For at that time distress and fear Possessed the Country far and near ; And of the Norton Tenantry; And he had heard that by a Train Of Horsemen Francis had been slain. Much was he troubled. for the Man Hath recognized his pallid face; And to the nearest Huts he ran, And called the People to the place. How desolate is Rylstone-hall! Such was the instant thought of all; Should be, this sight she cannot bear ! Such thought the Forester expressed; And all were swayed, and deemed it best Apart, some little space, was made The grave where Francis must be laid. In no confusion or neglect This did they, but in pure respect That he was born of gentle Blood; Of kindred for him in that ground: In decency and humble cheer; And psalms are sung with holy sound. But Emily hath raised her head, And is again disquieted; |