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YOUNG LOCHINVAR.
——
O! Young Lochinvar has come out of the west,
Through all the wide border his steed was the best;
And save his good broad sword, 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 staid 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 concented, the gallant came late;
For a laggard in love, and a dastard in war,
Was to wed the fair Helen of brave Lochinvar.
So boldly he enter'd the Netherby Hall,
Among bridesmen, and kinsmen, and brothers and all;
Then spake the bride's father, his hand on his sword,
(For the poor craven bridegroom said never a word,)
“O 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 at its tide—
And now I am 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 Lochinvar.”
