WILLIAM BELL SCOTT
And close about us coil'd a mist
Of gnats and midges, wasps and flies,
Like the whirlwind shaft it rist.
Drawn up I was right off my feet,
Into the mist and off my feet; And, dancing on each chimney-top, I saw a thousand darling imps Keeping time with skip and hop.
And on the provost's brave ridge-tile,
On the provost's grand ridge-tile, The Blackamoor first to master me I saw, I saw that winsome smile. The mouth that did my heart beguile, And spoke the great Word over me, In the land beyond the sea.
I call'd his name, I call'd aloud,
Alas' I call'd on him aloud. And then he fill'd his hand with stour, And threw it towards me in the air; My mouse flew out, I lost my pow'r!
My lusty strength, my power were gone;
Power was gone, and all was gone. He will not let me love him more! Of bell and whip and horse's tail He cares not if I find a store.
But I am proud if he is fierce! I am as proud as he is fierce;
stour] dust.
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