Stories of the Border Marches by John Lang;Jean Lang
page 87 of 284 (30%)
page 87 of 284 (30%)
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and slew him ere he had gone many miles. Wherefore Arthur caused a cross
to be erected there on the spot where the slain man fell; and the place is called Cumming's Cross to this day. Of the building of the castle of Sewingshields, or Seven-shields, there is the legend told in _Harold the Dauntless_: "The Druid Urien had daughters seven, Their skill could call the moon from heaven; So fair their forms and so high their fame, That seven proud kings for their suitors came. King Mador and Rhys came from Powis and Wales, Unshorn was their hair, and unpruned were their nails; From Strath-Clywd came Ewain, and Ewain was lame, And the red-bearded Donald from Galloway came. Lot, King of Lodon, was hunchback'd from youth, Dunmail of Cumbria had never a tooth; But Adolph of Bambrough, Northumberland's heir; Was gay and was gallant, was young and was fair. There was strife 'mongst the sisters, for each one would have For husband King Adolph, the gallant and brave; And envy bred hate, and hate urged them to blows, When the firm earth was cleft, and the Arch-fiend arose! He swore to the maidens their wish to fulfil-- They swore to the foe they would work by his will, A spindle and distaff to each hath he given, |
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