[PART I--FROM MS.]

Beneath this thorn when I was young, This thorn that blooms so sweet, We loved to stretch our lazy limbs In summer's noon-tide heat.

And hither too the old man came, The maiden and her feer, 'Then tell me, Sexton, tell me why The toad has harbour here.

'The Thorn is neither dry nor dead, But still it blossoms sweet; Then tell me why all round its roots The dock and nettle meet.

'Why here the hemlock, &c. [sic in MS.]

'Why these three graves all side by side, Beneath the flow'ry thorn, Stretch out so green and dark a length, By any foot unworn.'

There, there a ruthless mother lies Beneath the flowery thorn; And there a barren wife is laid, And there a maid forlorn.

The barren wife and maid forlorn Did love each other dear; The ruthless mother wrought the woe, And cost them many a tear.

Fair Ellen was of serious mind, Her temper mild and even, And Mary, graceful as the fir That points the spire to heaven.

Young Edward he to Mary said, 'I would you were my bride,' And she was scarlet as he spoke, And turned her face to hide.

'You know my mother she is rich, And you have little gear; And go and if she say not Nay, Then I will be your fere.'

Young Edward to the mother went. To him the mother said: 'In truth you are a comely man; You shall my daughter wed.'

[271:1][In Mary's joy fair Eleanor Did bear a sister's part; For why, though not akin in blood, They sisters were in heart.]

Small need to tell to any man That ever shed a tear What passed within the lover's heart The happy day so near.

The mother, more than mothers use, Rejoiced when they were by; And all the 'course of wooing' passed[271:2] Beneath the mother's eye.

And here within the flowering thorn How deep they drank of joy: The mother fed upon the sight, Nor . . . [sic in MS.]