Volume Ii Part 129 (1/2)

LADY ANNE BOTHWELL'S LAMENT

Balow, my babe, lie still and sleep!

It grieves me sore to see thee weep.

Wouldst thou be quiet I'se be glad, Thy mourning makes my sorrow sad: Balow my boy, thy mother's joy, Thy father breeds me great annoy-- Balow, la-low!

When he began to court my love, And with his sugared words me move, His feignings false and flattering cheer To me that time did not appear: But now I see most cruelly He cares ne for my babe nor me-- Balow, la-low!

Lie still, my darling, sleep awhile, And when thou wak'st thou'll sweetly smile: But smile not as thy father did, To cozen maids: nay, G.o.d forbid!

But yet I fear thou wilt go near Thy father's heart and face to bear-- Balow, la-low!

I cannot choose but ever will Be loving to thy father still; Where'er he go, where'er he ride, My love with him doth still abide; In weal or woe, where'er he go, My heart shall ne'er depart him fro-- Balow, la-low!

But do not, do not, pretty mine, To feignings false thy heart incline!

Be loyal to thy lover true, And never change her for a new: If good or fair, of her have care For women's banning's wondrous sair-- Balow, la-low!

Bairn, by thy face I will beware; Like Sirens' words, I'll come not near; My babe and I together will live; He'll comfort me when cares do grieve.

My babe and I right soft will lie, And ne'er respect man's cruelty-- Balow, la-low!

Farewell, farewell, the falsest youth That ever kissed a woman's mouth!

I wish all maids be warned by me Never to trust man's courtesy; For if we do but chance to bow, They'll use us then they care not how-- Balow, la-low!

Unknown

A WOMAN'S LOVE

A sentinel angel, sitting high in glory, Heard this shrill wail ring out from Purgatory: ”Have mercy, mighty angel, hear my story!

”I loved,--and, blind with pa.s.sionate love, I fell.

Love brought me down to death, and death to h.e.l.l; For G.o.d is just, and death for sin is well.

”I do not rage against His high decree, Nor for myself do ask that grace shall be; But for my love on earth who mourns for me.

”Great Spirit! Let me see my love again And comfort him one hour, and I were fain To pay a thousand years of fire and pain.”

Then said the pitying angel, ”Nay, repent That wild vow! Look, the dial-finger's bent Down to the last hour of thy punishment!”

But still she wailed, ”I pray thee, let me go!

I cannot rise to peace and leave him so.