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"But hid the dread; and I resolved at least "Not to expose it to the powerful beast.

"Come, John,' I said, suppressing fear and doubt, "Walk on before, and let a lady out!'

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Lady!' the wretch replied, with savage grin,
Apply to him that let the lady in:

"What! you would go, I take it, to the Dean,
" And tell him what your ladyship has seen.'

"When thus the fool exposed the knave, I saw
"The means of holding such a mind in awe,
"And gain my safety by his dread of law.

"Alas!' I cried, I fear the Dean like you, "For I transgress, and am in trouble too: "If it be known that we are here, as sure "As here we are we must the law endure: "Each other's counsel therefore let us keep, "And each steal homeward to our beds and sleep.'

"Steal!' said the ruffian's conscience-Well, agreed; “Steal on, and let us to the door proceed:" "Yet, ere he moved, he stood awhile, and took "Of my poor form a most alarming look;

"But, hark!' I cried, and he to move began,— "Escape alone engaged the dreadful man: "With eager hand I oped the ponderous door"The wretch rush'd by me, and was heard no more.

"So I escaped,—and when my dreams came on, "I check'd the madness by the thoughts of John: "Yet say I not what can or cannot be,

"But give the story of my ghost and me."

TALES OF THE HALL.

BOOK XXI.

VOL. III.

N

A Widow at the Hall-Inquiry of Richard-Relation of two Brothers-Their Different Character-Disposition-Mode of thinking-James a Servant-Robert joins the Smugglers— Rachel at the Hall-James attached to her-Trade failsRobert a Poacher-Is in Danger-How released-James and Rachel-Revenge excited-Association formed-Attack resolved-Preparation made for Resistance-A Night Adventure -Reflections.

TALES OF THE HALL.

BOOK XXI.

SMUGGLERS AND POACHERS.

THERE was a widow in the village known
To our good Squire, and he had favour shown
By frequent bounty-She as usual came,

And Richard saw the worn and weary frame,
Pale cheek, and eye subdued, of her whose mind

Was grateful still, and glad a friend to find,

Though to the world long since and all its hopes resign'd:

Her easy form, in rustic neatness clad,

Was pleasing still! but she for ever sad.

"Deep is her grief?" said Richard-"Truly deep, "And very still, and therefore seems to sleep; "To borrow simile, to paint her woes,

Theirs, like the river's motion, seems repose,

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