And soon those honoured dear remains To England were convey'd ; With holy rites were laid. For me, I loath'd my wretched life, And long to end it thought; Till time, and books, and holy men, Had better counsels taught. They rais'd my heart to that pure source Whence heavenly comfort flows; They taught me to despise the world, And calmly bear its woes. No more the flave of human pride, Vain hope, and fordid care, The bold Sir BERTRAM now no more Impetuous, haughty, wild; But poor and humble Benedict, Now lowly, patient, mild: My lands I poor, I came to end my days. This sweet fequefter'd vale I chose, These rocks and hanging grove; For oft beside that murmuring stream My love was wont to rove. My noble friend approv'd my choice ; This blest retreat he gave : And here I cary'd her beauteous form, And scoop'd this holy caye. Full fifty winters, all forlorn, My life I've lingered here; I drop the pensive tear. And thou, dear brother of my heart, So faithful and so true, my bosom rue. Yet not unpitied pass’d my life, Forsaken, or forgot; Would grace my lowly cot. Oft the great Earl, from toils of state And cumbrous pomp of power, Would gladly seek my little cell : But length of life is length of woe; I liv'd to mourn his fall : And friends and followers all. But thou the honours of thy race, Lov'd youth, shalt now restore, And raise again the Percy name More glorious than before. : He ceas'd, and on the lovely pair His choicest blessings laid: While they with thanks and pitying tears His mournful tale repaid. And now what present course to take They asked the good old fire; And, guided by his fage advice, To Scotland they retire. Meantime their suit such favour found At Raby's stately hall, Now gladly pardon all. She suppliant at her nephew's throne The royal grace implor'd : To all the honours of his race The PERCY was restor'd. The youthful Earl still more and more Admir'd his beauteous dame; Nine noble fons to him she bore, All worthy of their name. |