62 THE DESTRUCTION OF SENNACHERIB. 54. THE DESTRUCTION OF SENNACHERIB. THE Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold, Like the leaves of the forest when Summer is green, For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast, And there lay the steed, with his nostril all wide, And there lay the rider, distorted and pale, And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail, BYRON. 55. PEACE. THE hand of peace is frank and warm, And he who quells an angry thought ELIZA COOK. THE MOTHER AND CHILD. 56. THE MOTHER AND CHILD. BEHOLD! a little baby boy, A happy babe is he; His heart how light, His throne his mother's knee. Now in her face with laughing eye And now at rest, He gently sinks to sleep. His lips are red, his teeth like pearls, ! he has but two; His golden hair, How soft and fair; His eyes, how bright and blue! His tiny hands are white and plump, Beneath his clothes His little toes How cunningly they peep! Oh! many things are beautiful; When day is done, The rainbow in the skies. 63 SWEET mercy! how my very heart has bled That mocks thy shivering! take my garment-use Of purple pride, that scowls on wretchedness. Who met the Lazars turned from rich men's doors, And called them friends, and healed their noisome sores. COLERIDGE. THE NEW LEGEND OF WARK WORTH. 65 58. THE NEW LEGEND OF WARKWORTH. AN ORIGINAL BALLAD. LISTEN, young Harry, lay your ball Your great-great-great-great grandpapa, Said once unto his lady, "Ha! This news bodes ill and shame. The Tiger-turkey, bred they say He gobbled up the friars all And fairly cleared the cloister, Then gulp'd the Bishop in his stall As I would gulp an oyster. Then he pounc'd down on Carlisle town, Ate up the Vestry-board, And swallow'd the Mayor in his elbow-chair, 1 The children of the infant school All but thrée dunces; a born fool, 66 THE NEW LEGEND OF WARKWORTH. Zooks if the monster's taste should be As good as I surmise, He'd lick his lips, my love, at thee, And when he has slept off his meal, I have fought often with the clan Bring me my horse, for I'll ride on; My friends and comrades true, Smith, Clutterbuck, and Widdrington, Will take good care of you." At this dread news his lady fair Lord Percy wept to see her plight, So off he rode, the beast to fight, And when he came to Warkworth town The folk were running up and down, And screech'd and howl'd like mad. |