Marriage by Susan Edmonstone Ferrier
page 79 of 577 (13%)
page 79 of 577 (13%)
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Round the fields of our battles our spirits still hover;
Where we oft saw the streams running red from the mountains; But dark are our forms by our blue native fountains. "For our fame melts away like the foam of the river, Like the last yellow leaves on the oak-boughs that shiver: The name is unknown of our fathers so gallant; And our blood beats no more in the breasts of the valiant. "The hunter of red deer now ceases to number The lonely gray stones on the field of our slumber.-- Fly, stranger! and let not thine eye be reverted. Why should'st thou see that our fame is departed?" "Pray, do you play on the harp," asked the volatile lady, scarcely waiting till the first stanza was ended; "and, _apropos,_ have you a good harp here?" "We've a very sweet spinnet," said Miss Jacky, "which, in my opinion, is a far superior instrument: and Bella will give us a tune upon it. Bella, my dear, let Lady Juliana hear how well you can play." Bella, blushing like a peony rose, retired to a corner of the room, where stood the spinnet; and with great, heavy, trembling hands, began to belabour the unfortunate instrument, while the aunts beat time, and encouraged her to proceed with exclamations of admiration and applause. "You have done very well, Bella," said Mrs. Douglas, seeing her preparing to _execute_ another piece, and pitying the poor girl, as well as her auditors. Then whispering Miss Jacky that Lady Juliana looked |
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