If every devious step, thus trod, Dread thou to speak presumptuous doom But say, "He died a gallant knight, XXXVIII. I do not rhyme to that dull elf, That all through Flodden's dismal night, That, when brave Surrey's steed was slain, 'Twas Wilton mounted him again; 'Twas Wilton's brand that deepest hew'd, Amid the spearmen's stubborn wood: Unnamed by Hollinshed or Hall, He was the living soul of all; Paint to her mind the bridal's state; That Wolsey's voice the blessing spoke, More, Sands, and Denny, pass'd the joke : That bluff King Hal the curtain drew, And Catherine's hand the stocking threw; And afterwards, for many a day, That it was held enough to say, In blessing to a wedded pair, "Love they like Wilton and like Clare!" L'Envoy. TO THE READER. WHY then a final note prolong, 1 Who long have listed to my rede ?1 Sound head, clean hand, and piercing wit, A garland for the hero's crest, And twined by her he loves the best; To every lovely lady bright, What can I wish but faithful knight? To every faithful lover too, What can I wish but lady true? And knowledge to the studious sage; And pillow to the head of age. To thee, dear school-boy, whom my lay Has cheated of thy hour of play, Light task, and merry holiday! To all, to each, a fair good-night, And pleasing dreams, and slumbers light! 1 Used generally for tale, or discourse. |