Part 23

XLVIII.

The Tracy had taken them off to the rock On which his own castle was builded; Which, he boasted, was safe from an enemy’s shock, Whatever his valour or skill did.

XLIX.

Glenlighton its name; ’twas a beautiful place, As you saw when you came nigh and nigher it; But delectable Ida averted her face, Too wrapt in her grief to admire it.

Arrived, they were placed in a large suite of rooms, Locked up, and a strong guard set by ‘em, And for weeks they saw none but retainers and grooms, Who were ordered with food to supply ‘em.

LI.

For {238}Sir Marmaduke Tracy had reason to ride To some lord’s in the neighbouring valley: Ere he thought of a bride, he the spoils must divide With the friends who’d connived at his sally.

LII.

But returning (too soon!) one fine morning in June, When brightly and warmly the sun shone, He came whistling a tune all along the saloon, And joined the small party at luncheon.

LIII.

“Now, Baron,” quoth he, “prithee hearken to me: To escape you may shortly the way see: If you e’er would be free, you must quickly agree, That your daughter becomes Lady Tracy.

LIV.

“I am elderly, true; it were better for you That death hadn’t taken my son John. But refuse! if you do, why, the day you shall rue In a most insalubrious dungeon.”

LV.

Says the Baron, “I burn your assault to return, And, spite of your luncheons and he cook, My child will soon learn your proposals to spurn, You lubberly son of a sea-cook!

LVI.

“The battle you’ve won, vile son of a gun, Though more by your cunning than merit; But, much though you’ve done, I can tell you that none Can break the true Montmolon spirit.

LVII.

“Sir {239}Guy de la Vaux, I assuredly know, Will avenge the foul trick that you’ve played me; And the Lord Montereaux to my rescue will go, Though houseless and homeless you’ve made me.

LVIII.

“No daughter of mine to a man will incline Who has murdered her father’s retainers. Those are my views in fine; my brave girl, I opine, Will in language more pretty explain hers!”

LIX.

Then Ida, “Papa, all your sentiments are My own--you are always so ready. And besides, much I fear, that though mighty in war, Sir Marmaduke’s rather unsteady.

LX.

“And I’m bound to declare, though hardly I dare (And my courage is quite down at zero), For another I care, and it wouldn’t be fair To give up my faithful young hero.

LXI.

“I met him, you know, nearly five years ago, Abroad, at the Henley regatta, So I’m bound to reply to Sir Marmaduke ‘No,’ Although his attentions may flatter.”

LXII.