Out of the carriage. He was grown so thin, And when he came to shake me by the hand I hardly knew the voice. GREGORY. On all our merriment. That smoak'd before us, It struck a damp 'Twas a noble Ox and the old October Went merrily in overflowing cans; But 'twas a skin-deep merriment. My heart JAMES. I fear'd it then, He look'd to me as one that was not long For this world's business. GREGORY. When the Doctor sent him Abroad to try the air, it made me certain That all was over. There's but little hope Methinks that foreign parts can help a man Born on the estate, and now that I've out-lived it, . . Have you heard aught of the new Squire ? JAMES. But little, And that not well. But be he what he may Upon a stranger. What's on the opposite hill? GREGORY. 'Tis I think, some horsemen. Aye! there are the black cloaks; and now I see The white plumes on the herse. JAMES. 'Tis hid behind them now. Between the trees ; THE WEDDING. TRAVELLER. I pray you wherefore are the village bells Ringing so merrily? WOMAN. A wedding Sir, Two of the village folk. And they are right TRAVELLER. An ill-match'd pair So I conceive you. Youth perhaps and age? WOMAN. No,.. both are young enough. TRAVELLER. Perhaps the man then, A lazy idler, one who better likes The alehouse than his work? WOMAN. Why Sir, for that He always was a well-conditioned lad, One who'd work hard and well; and as for drink, Save now and then mayhap at Christmas time, Sober as wife could wish. TRAVELLER. Then is the girl A shrew, or else untidy. One who'd welcome Or drive him from a foul and wretched home WOMAN. She's notable enough, and as for temper The best good-humour'd girl! d'ye see that house? |