Verses in imitation of Percy’s old ballads

Introduction by Hester Thrale

18th August 1804.] Lord & Lady Kirkwall have been livino badly together, because of that (Quarrel with Lady Orkney—& because of the Money-Stuff &c. So he went away to his Mother & left his Wife here alone with only two old Clergymen Anwyl & Chambers, & there was none. of the accustomed Gayeties on this their Wedding Day [11 August] —on the morrow of wch I sent Lady K— these Verses in Imitation of Percy’s old Ballads.

Nae Daunce in my Lordis’ Ha’,
Nae Light in My Lady’s Bowre,
Nae Cannon pointed o’er the Wa’,
To tell the Gladsome Howre.

For on the Roof there sate a Fiend,
Suspicion was her Name,
Maliciously She sate and grinn’d
On all who that way came.

Anwyl and Chambers, Knights so brave
Of Arthur’s Table round;
Against this Fiend with Fury drave
Yet still She there was found.

For Anwyl’s Eyes full sore did ache
The Mark he could not ken;
And Chambers’ honde began to shake
When as She grinn’d again.

Why then my Lady cries—God wot,
Some other Meanes we’ll try;
Go seek the Sibyl’s lonely Cot
Retir’d on Hill so high.

So to the Sibyl’s Cot they came
On Hill so high retired;
“ Come downe Come downe thou aunciente Dame
“And speak—of us required.”

My coming down it shall not need,
The Sibyl She did say;
But let your Lord & Lady heed
The Words they hear this day.

For they must make a Pilgrimage
Where wedded Love resides,
To Dunmow Hall; Spectator’s Page
Each favour’d Couple guides.

And Love—there sleeping—let them bind,
And hither quickly bring,
What is not difficult to find
A Feather from his Wing.

There lies the Charm; of that possest
No Fiends will e’er come nigh;
Lleweney’s Roof will soon be blest
And black suspicion fly.

Then shall the Mind of their yonge Heire
His Parents Houres employ;
Whilst every long-forgotten Care
Is lost in Love and Joy.—

Written by Hester Lynch Thrale.
Thraliana entry dated 18 August 1804. Hester Thrale's spelling, grammar and capitalisation, some of which may not conform to today's standards, are reproduced faithfully throughout.