A book of Famous Verse

of the West! Through all the wide Border his steed is the best; A.nd, 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 stay'd not for brake and he stopp'd not for stone; He swam the Eske 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 Ellen of brave Lochinvar. So boldly he enter'd the Netherby Hall, Among bridesmen and kinsmen and brothers and all; ? ITien spoke the bride's father, his hand on his sword, For the poor craven bridegroom said never a word, " Oh, 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 like its tide ; And now am I come with this lost Love of mine To lead but one measure, drink one cup of wine. There are maidens in Scotland more lovely by far That would gladly be bride to the young Lochin- var!" The bride kiss'd the goblet, the knight took it up, He quaff'd off the wine and he threw down the cup ; She look'd down to blush, and she look'd up to sigh, With a smile on her lips and a tear in her eye : ? He took her soft hand ere her mother could bar ; " Now tread we a measure...