Rosamund Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: A BCDEFGHIJKJJDLMDDJDN OPQ RSD TD UVDDW HXDYZ WA2B2C2YD2E2F2DG2H2D I2CJ2K2IDG2 BL2G2M2N2DVDG2FO2 DX P2DQ2G2R2K2S2T2S2U2S 2XS2 XS2XDBS2DS2YV2S2W W2S2X2DS2BS2S2 S2S2S2S2DY2Z2DS2 S2A3S2S2 B3DYS2DDS2 DC3S2S2DDS2O2DG2S2DD O2D3S2DF L2G2ZE3F3ZDG3S2DS2X2 H3 DI3S2 S2S2SJ3K3S2S2S2 HS2O2DS2G2S2S2S2DP2S 2 S2DRH3S2DW DGS2DL3L2 M3DDS2 SS2W2J2H3 S2S2S2S2 S2DG2DS2S2N3S2L3DS2L 2G2S2S2G2G2DS2O3XS2S 2A3S2HDP3S2SS2 Q3XHD S2DDD DS2S2DS2S2M3R3S2S2S3 S2S2G2DT3DDDG2H3H3G2 H3DH3 DDH3G2H3S2S2S2H3S2U3 DS2S2L3 S2WDS2V3S2T3DRDD W3S2H3DS2 G2RJ3G2WG2X3S2ZS2S2D G2Y3DH3G2D S2DS2Z3 H3T3A4DS2B4 O2C4H3U2DZGO2D4 O2S2H3P3S2W3P3ZH3O2S 2DDDS2S2DG2 H3DS2 S2DS2DDS2T3D H3E4G2S2O2S2S2S2RF4G 2D GS2DDG2S2S2G2J3DDS2S 2 G4DH3S2S2S2S2O2S2D P3O2G2DDH4M3W U2S2S2DZ T3Q3S2S2 HH3GDDS2DS2S3I4G2H3D S3S2RS2DJ4DH3D3D K4S2S2B3G2H3ZWDS2H3 DZDG2 S2DF4DS2G2S2DH3DDS2H 3G2S2WS2DG2WH3G2DS2 J4S2L4G2G2L2S2RL2S2S 2WDP3P3H3 TDS2S2H3 RS2L3P3DG2H3DWSDS2 DTS2DG2 S2M4DS2M4S2PG2J3WD HS2C4H3S2S2S2H3N4O2U 3H4S2DC4S2H3S2H3S2H3 S2DS2H3G2O4P4DZDQ4H3 HS2H3 S2Q4S2S2H3S2DTTH3W H3H3DS2DG2S2P4S2HW3H S2T2S2DS2S2HJ3SD S2G2S2DGS2HR S2ZG2S2 H3G2G2S2 WS2DS2H3DO4G S2G2DP4 S2RH3O2P4WRDR4S2GS2 W P4WO2P4R S2DG2HDS2P4P4HDS2DS2 S2 P3H3S2GG2HDWS2D S2S2H3S2S2H3H3S2RH3H 3RDDH DDS2WDH3G2 S2S2D TSGG2DS2HS2H3DDWS2S2 HDDG2S2S2S2S2DP4P4W DH3S2S2RO4DS2S2S2S4 S2S2 S2DDWS2DP4S2H3WH3DS2 S2HS2DH3DS2S2S2DDO4R O4HHHDG2 S2WDH3DHDS2P4P4S2D S2S2RDRS2S2 DTS2G2DP3D DDS2H3S2DS2G2G2S2S2P 4HS2H3S2S2DS2O4P4S2S 2 DHHS2S2S2S2H3DS2H3H3 P3S2DDS2G2RDS2S2DP4D DS2R S2H3S2H3DDRS2H3S2H3D S2HS2DDHDS2G2S2S2G2 S2S2

His blew His winds and they were scattered	A
	-
'One soweth and another reapeth '	-
Ay	B
Too true too true One soweth unaware	C
Cometh a reaper stealthily while he dreams	D
Bindeth the golden sheaf and in his bosom	E
As 't were between the dewfall and the dawn	F
Bears it away Who other was to blame	G
Is it I Is it I No verily not I	H
'T was a good action and I smart therefore	I
Oblivion of a righteous enmity	J
Wrought me this wrong I pay with my self ruth	K
That I had ruth toward mine enemy	J
It needed not to slay mine enemy	J
Only to let him lie and succourless	D
Drift to the foot o' the Everlasting Throne	L
Being mine enemy he had not accused	M
One of my nation there of unkind deeds	D
Or ought the way of war forbids	D
Let be	J
I will not think upon it Yet she was	D
O she was dear my dutiful dear child	N
One soweth Nay but I will tell this out	O
The first fyte was the best I call it such	P
For now as some old song men think on it	Q
	-
I dwell where England narrows running north	R
And while our hay was cut came rumours up	S
Humming and swarming round our heads like bees	D
	-
'Drake from the bay of Cadiz hath come home	T
And they are forth the Spaniards with a force	D
Invincible '	-
'The Prince of Parma couched	U
At Dunkirk e'en by torchlight makes to toil	V
His shipwright thousands thousands in the ports	D
Of Flanders and Brabant An hundred hendes	D
Transports to his great squadron adding all	W
For our confusion '	-
'England's great ally	H
Henry of France by insurrection fallen	X
Of him the said Prince Parma mocking cries	D
He shall not help the Queen of England now	Y
Not even with his tears more needing them	Z
To weep his own misfortune '	-
Was that all	W
The truth Not half and yet it was enough	A2
Albeit not half that half was well believed	B2
For all the land stirred in the half belief	C2
As dreamers stir about to wake and now	Y
Comes the Queen's message all her lieges bid	D2
To rise 'lieftenants and the better sort	E2
Of gentlemen' whereby the Queen's grace meant	F2
As it may seem the sort that willed to rise	D
And arm and come to aid her	G2
Distance wrought	H2
Safety for us my neighbours and near friends	D
The peril lay along our channel coast	I2
And marked the city undefended fair	C
Rich London O to think of Spanish mail	J2
Ringing of riotous conquerors in her street	K2
Chasing and frighting would there were no more	I
To think on her fair wives and her fair maids	D
But hope is fain to deem them forth of her	G2
	-
Then Spain to the sacking then they tear away	B
Arras and carv d work O then they break	L2
And toss and mar her quaint orf verie	G2
Priceless then split the wine kegs spill the mead	M2
Trail out the pride of ages in the dust	N2
Turn over with pikes her silken merchandise	D
Strip off the pictures of her kings and spoil	V
Their palaces that nigh five hundred years	D
Have rued no alien footsteps on the floor	G2
And work for the days of miracle are gone	F
All unimaginable waste and woe	O2
	-
Some cried 'But England hath the better cause	D
We think not those good days indeed are done	X
We look to Heaven for aid on England's side '	-
Then other 'Nay the harvest is above	P2
God comforts there His own and ill men leaves	D
To run long scores up in this present world	Q2
And pay in another	G2
Look not here for aid	R2
Latimer poor old saint died in the street	K2
With nigh men say three hundred of his kind	S2
All bid to look for worse death after death	T2
Succourless comfortless unfriended curst	S2
Mary and Gardiner and the Pope's man Pole	U2
Died upon down lulled in a silken shade	S2
Soothed with assurance of a waiting heaven	X
And Peter peering through the golden gate	S2
With his gold key in 's hand to let them in '	-
	-
'Nay leave ' quoth I 'the martyrs to their heaven	X
And all who live the better that they died	S2
But look you now a nation hath no heaven	X
A nation's life and work and wickedness	D
And punishment or otherwise I say	B
A nation's life and goodness and reward	S2
Are here And in my nation's righteous cause	D
I look for aid and cry SO HELP ME GOD	S2
As I will help my righteous nation now	Y
With all the best I have and know and am	V2
I trust Thou wilt not let her light be quenched	S2
I go to aid and if I fall I fall	W
And God of nations leave my soul to Thee '	-
	-
Many did say like words and all would give	W2
Of gold of weapons and of horses that	S2
They had to hand or on the spur o' the time	X2
Could gather My fair dame did sell her rings	D
So others And they sent us well equipped	S2
Who minded to be in the coming fray	B
Whether by land or sea my hope the last	S2
For I of old therewith was conversant	S2
	-
Then as we rode down southward all the land	S2
Was at her harvesting The oats were cut	S2
Ere we were three days down and then the wheat	S2
And the wide country spite of loath d threat	S2
Was busy There was news to hearten us	D
The Hollanders were coming roundly in	Y2
With sixty ships of war all fierce and full	Z2
Of spleen for not alone our sake but theirs	D
Willing to brave encounter where they might	S2
	-
So after five days we did sight the Sound	S2
And look on Plymouth harbour from the hill	A3
Then I full glad drew bridle lighted straight	S2
Ran down and mingled with a waiting crowd	S2
	-
Many stood gazing on the level deep	B3
That scarce did tremble 't was in hue as sloes	D
That hang till winter on a leafless bough	Y
So black bulged down upon it a great cloud	S2
And probed it through and through with fork d stabs	D
Incessant and rolled on it thunder bursts	D
Till the dark water lowered as one afraid	S2
	-
That was afar The land and nearer sea	D
Lay sweltering in hot sunshine The brown beach	C3
Scarce whispered for a soft incoming tide	S2
Was gentle with it Green the water lapped	S2
And sparkled at all edges The night heavens	D
Are not more thickly speckled o'er with stars	D
Than that fair harbour with its fishing craft	S2
And crowds of galleys shooting to and fro	O2
Did feed the ships of war with their stout crews	D
And bear aboard fresh water furniture	G2
Of war much lesser victual sallets fruit	S2
All manner equipment for the squadron sails	D
Long spars	D
Also was chaffering on the Hoe	O2
Buying and bargaining taking of leave	D3
With tears and kisses while on all hands pushed	S2
Tall lusty men with baskets on their heads	D
Piled of fresh bread and biscuit newly drawn	F
	-
Then shouts 'The captains '	-
Raleigh Hawkins Drake	L2
Old Martin Frobisher and many more	G2
Howard the Lord High Admiral headed them	Z
They coming leisurely from the bowling green	E3
Elbowed their way For in their stoutness loth	F3
To hurry when ill news first brake on them	Z
They playing a match ashore ill news I say	D
'The Spaniards are toward' while panic struck	G3
The people ran about them Drake cries out	S2
Knowing their fear should make the danger worse	D
'Spaniards my masters Let the Spaniards wait	S2
Fall not a shouting for the boats is time	X2
To play the match out ay to win and then	H3
To beat the Spaniards '	-
So the rest gave way	D
At his insistance playing that afternoon	I3
The bravest match one saith was ever scored	S2
	-
'T was no time lost nay not a moment lost	S2
For look you when the winning cast was made	S2
The town was calm the anchors were all up	S
The boats were manned to row them each to his ship	J3
The lowering cloud in the offing had gone south	K3
Against the wind and all was work stir heed	S2
Nothing forgot nor grudged nor slurred and most	S2
Men easy at heart as those brave sailors seemed	S2
	-
And specially the women had put by	H
On a sudden their deep dread yon Cornish coast	S2
Neared of his insolency by the foe	O2
With his high seacastles numerous seaforts	D
Many his galleys out of number manned	S2
Each by three hundred slaves chained to the oar	G2
All his strong fleet of lesser ships but great	S2
As any of ours why that same Cornish coast	S2
Might have lain farther than the far west land	S2
So had a few stout hearted looks and words	D
Wasted the meaning chilled the menace of	P2
That frightful danger imminent hard at hand	S2
	-
'The captains come the captains ' and I turned	S2
As they drew on I marked the urgency	D
Flashing in each man's eye fain to be forth	R
But willing to be held at leisure Then	H3
Cried a fair woman of the better sort	S2
To Howard passing by her pannier'd ass	D
'Apples Lord Admiral good captains all	W
Look you red apples sharp and sweet are these '	-
	-
Quoth he a little chafed 'Let be let be	D
No time is this for bargaining good dame	G
Let be ' and pushing past 'Beshrew thy heart	S2
And mine that I should say it bargain nay	D
I meant not bargaining ' she falters crying	L3
'I brought them my poor gift Pray you now take	L2
Pray you '	-
He stops and with a childlike smile	M3
That makes the dame amend stoops down to choose	D
While I step up that love not many words	D
'What should he do ' quoth I 'to help this need	S2
That hath a bag of money and good will '	-
'Charter a ship ' he saith nor e'er looks up	S
'And put aboard her victual tackle shot	S2
Ought he can lay his hand on look he give	W2
Wide sea room to the Spanish hounds make sail	J2
For ships of ours to ease of wounded men	H3
And succour with that freight he brings withal '	-
	-
His foot yet speaking was aboard his boat	S2
His comrades each red apples in the hand	S2
Come after and with blessings manifold	S2
Cheering and cries 'Good luck good luck ' they speed	S2
	-
'T was three years three months past	S2
O yet methinks	D
I hear that thunder crash i' the offing hear	G2
Their words who when the crowd melted away	D
Gathered together Comrades we of old	S2
About to adventure us at Howard's best	S2
On the unsafe sea For he a Catholic	N3
As is my wife and therefore my one child	S2
Detested and defied th' most Catholic King	L3
Philip He trusted of her grace and cause	D
She had the nation following suit he deemed	S2
'T was whisper'd ay and Raleigh and Francis Drake	L2
No less the event of battle doubtfuller	G2
Than English tongue might own the peril dread	S2
As ought in this world ever can be deemed	S2
That is not yet past praying for	G2
So far	G2
So good As birds awaked do stretch their wings	D
The ships did stretch forth sail full clad they towered	S2
And right into the sunset went hull down	O3
E'en with the sun	X
To us in twilight left	S2
Glory being over came despondent thought	S2
That mocked men's eager act From many a hill	A3
As if the land complained to Heaven they sent	S2
A towering shaft of murky incense high	H
Livid with black despair in lieu of praise	D
The green wood hissed at every beacon's edge	P3
That widen'd fear The smell of pitchpots fled	S2
Far over the field and tongues of fire leaped up	S
Ay till all England woke and knew and wailed	S2
	-
But we i' the night through that detested reek	Q3
Rode eastward Every mariner's voice was given	X
'Gainst any fear for the western shires The cry	H
Was all 'They sail for Calais roads and thence	D
The goal is London '	-
Nought slept man nor beast	S2
Ravens and rooks flew forth and with black wings	D
Affrighted swept our eyes Pale eddying moths	D
Came by in crowds and whirled them on the flames	D
	-
We rode till pierced those beacon fires the shafts	D
O' the sun and their red smouldering ashes dulled	S2
Beside them scorched smoke blackened weary leaned	S2
Men that had fed them dropped their tired arms	D
And dozed	S2
And also through that day we rode	S2
Till reapers at their nooning sat awhile	M3
On the shady side of corn shocks all the talk	R3
Of high of low or them that went or stayed	S2
Determined but unhopeful desperate	S2
To strike a blow for England ere she fell	S3
	-
And ever loomed the Spaniard to our thought	S2
Still waxed the fame of that great Armament	S2
New horsemen joining swelled it more and more	G2
Their bulky ship galleons having five decks	D
Zabraes pataches galleys of Portugal	T3
Caravels rowed with oars their galliasses	D
Vast and complete with chapels chambers towers	D
And in the said ships of free mariners	D
Eight thousand and of slaves two thousand more	G2
An army twenty thousand strong O then	H3
Of culverin of double culverin	H3
Ordnance and arms all furniture of war	G2
Victual and last their fierceness and great spleen	H3
Willing to founder burn split wreck themselves	D
But they would land fight overcome and reign	H3
	-
Then would we count up England Set by theirs	D
Her fleet as walnut shells And a few pikes	D
Stored in the belfries and a few brave men	H3
For wielding them But as the morning wore	G2
And we went ever eastward ever on	H3
Poured forth poured down a marching multitude	S2
With stir about the towns and waggons rolled	S2
With offerings for the army and the fleet	S2
Then to our hearts valour crept home again	H3
The loath d name of Alva fanning it	S2
Alva who did convert from our old faith	U3
With many a black deed done for a white cause	D
So spake they erewhile to it dedicate	S2
Them whom not death could change nor fire nor sword	S2
To thirst for his undoing	L3
	-
Ay as I am a Christian man our thirst	S2
Was comparable with Queen Mary's All	W
The talk was of confounding heretics	D
The heretics the Spaniards Yet methought	S2
'O their great multitude Not harbour room	V3
On our long coast for that great multitude	S2
They land for who can let them give us battle	T3
And after give us burial Who but they	D
For he that liveth shall be flying north	R
To bear off wife and child Our very graves	D
Shall Spaniards dig and in the daisied grass	D
Trample them down '	-
Ay whoso will be brave	W3
Let him be brave beforehand After th' event	S2
If by good pleasure of God it go as then	H3
He shall be brave an' liketh him I say	D
Was no man but that deadly peril feared	S2
	-
Nights riding two Scant rest Days riding three	G2
Then Foulkstone Need is none to tell all forth	R
The gathering stores and men the charter'd ship	J3
That I with two my friends got ready for sea	G2
Ready she was so many another small	W
But nimble and we sailing hugged the shore	G2
Scarce venturing out so Drake had willed a league	X3
And running westward aye as best we might	S2
When suddenly behold them	Z
On they rocked	S2
Majestical slow sailing with the wind	S2
O such a sight O such a sight mine eyes	D
Never shall you see more	G2
In crescent form	Y3
A vasty crescent nigh two leagues across	D
From horn to horn the lesser ships within	H3
The great without they did bestride as 't were	G2
And make a township on the narrow seas	D
	-
It was about the point of dawn and light	S2
All grey the sea and ghostly grey the ships	D
And after in the offing rocked our fleet	S2
Having lain quiet in the summer dark	Z3
	-
O then methought 'Flash blessed gold of dawn	H3
And touch the topsails of our Admiral	T3
That he may after guide an emulous flock	A4
Old England's innocent white bleating lambs	D
Let Spain within a pike's length hear them bleat	S2
Delivering of their pretty talk in a tongue	B4
Whose meaning cries not for interpreter '	-
	-
And while I spoke their topsails friend and foe	O2
Glittered and there was noise of guns pale smoke	C4
Lagged after curdling on the sun fleck'd main	H3
And after that What after that my soul	U2
Who ever saw weakling white butterflies	D
Chasing of gallant swans and charging them	Z
And spitting at them long red streaks of flame	G
We saw the ships of England even so	O2
As in my vaunting wish that mocked itself	D4
With 'Fool O fool to brag at the edge of loss '	-
We saw the ships of England even so	O2
Run at the Spaniards on a wind lay to	S2
Bespatter them with hail of battle then	H3
Take their prerogative of nimble steerage	P3
Fly off and ere the enemy heavy in hand	S2
Delivered his reply to the wasteful wave	W3
That made its grave of foam race out of range	P3
Then tack and crowd all sail and after them	Z
Again	H3
So harassed they that mighty foe	O2
Moving in all its bravery to the east	S2
And some were fine with pictures of the saints	D
Angels with flying hair and peak d wings	D
And high red crosses wrought upon their sails	D
From every mast brave flag or ensign flew	S2
And their long silken pennons serpented	S2
Loose to the morning And the galley slaves	D
Albeit their chains did clink sang at the oar	G2
	-
The sea was striped e'en like a tiger skin	H3
With wide ship wakes	D
And many cried amazed	S2
'What means their patience '	-
'Lo you ' others said	S2
'They pay with fear for their great costliness	D
Some of their costliest needs must other guard	S2
Once guarded and in port look to yourselves	D
They count one hundred and fifty It behoves	D
Better they suffer this long running fight	S2
Better for them than that they give us battle	T3
And so delay the shelter of their roads	D
	-
'Two of their caravels we sank and one	H3
Fouled with her consort in the rigging took	E4
Ere she could catch the wind when she rode free	G2
And we have riddled many a sail and split	S2
Of spars a score or two What then To morrow	O2
They look to straddle across the strait and hold	S2
Having aye Calais for a shelter hold	S2
Our ships in fight To morrow shall give account	S2
For our to day They will not we pass north	R
To meddle with Parma's flotilla their hope	F4
Being Parma and a convoy they would be	G2
For his flat boats that bode invasion to us	D
And if he reach to London ruin defeat '	-
	-
Three fleets the sun went down on theirs of fame	G
Th' Armada After space old England's few	S2
And after that our dancing cockle shells	D
The volunteers They took some pride in us	D
For we were nimble and we brought them powder	G2
Shot weapons They were short of these Ill found	S2
Ill found The bitter fruit of evil thrift	S2
But while obsequious darting here and there	G2
We took their messages from ship to ship	J3
From ship to shore the moving majesties	D
Made Calais Roads cast anchor all their less	D
In the middle ward their greater ships outside	S2
Impregnable castles fearing not assault	S2
	-
So did we read their thought and read it wrong	G4
While after the running fight we rode at ease	D
For many as is the way of Englishmen	H3
Having made light of our stout deeds and light	S2
O' the effects proceeding saw these spread	S2
To view The Spanish Admiral's mighty host	S2
Albeit not broken harass'd	S2
Some did tow	O2
Others that we had plagued disabled rent	S2
Many full heavily damaged made their berths	D
	-
Then did the English anchor out of range	P3
To close was not their wisdom with such foe	O2
Rather to chase him following in the rear	G2
Ay truly they were giants in our eyes	D
And in our own They took scant heed of us	D
And we looked on and knew not what to think	H4
Only that we were lost men a lost Isle	M3
In every Spaniard's mind both great and small	W
	-
But no such thought had place in Howard's soul	U2
And when 't was dark and all their sails were furled	S2
When the wind veered a few points to the west	S2
And the tide turned ruffling along the roads	D
He sent eight fireships forging down to them	Z
	-
Terrible Terrible	T3
Blood red pillars of reek	Q3
They looked on that vast host and troubled it	S2
As on th' Egyptian host One looked of old	S2
	-
Then all the heavens were rent with a great cry	H
The red avengers went right on right on	H3
For none could let them then was ruin reek flame	G
Against th' unwieldy huge leviathans	D
They drave they fell upon them as wild beasts	D
And all together they did plunge and grind	S2
Their reefed sails set a blazing these flew loose	D
And forth like banners of destruction sped	S2
It was to look on as the body of hell	S3
Seething and some their cables cut ran foul	I4
Of one the other while the ruddy fire	G2
Sped on aloft One ship was stranded One	H3
Foundered and went down burning all the sea	D
Red as an angry sunset was made fell	S3
With smoke and blazing spars that rode upright	S2
For as the fireships burst they scattered forth	R
Full dangerous wreckage All the sky they scored	S2
With flying sails and rocking masts and yards	D
Licked of long flames And flitting tinder sank	J4
In eddies on the plagued mixed mob of ships	D
That cared no more for harbour and were fain	H3
At any hazard to be forth and leave	D3
Their berths in the blood red haze	D
	-
It was at twelve	K4
O' the clock when this fell out for as the eight	S2
Were towed and left upon the friendly tide	S2
To stalk like evil angels over the deep	B3
And stare upon the Spaniards we did hear	G2
Their midnight bells It was at morning dawn	H3
After our mariners thus had harried them	Z
I looked my last upon their fleet and all	W
That night had cut their cables put to sea	D
And scattering wide towards the Flemish coast	S2
Did seem to make for Greveline	H3
	-
As for us	D
The captains told us off to wait on them	Z
Bearers of wounded enemies and friends	D
Bearers of messages bearers of store	G2
	-
We saw not ought but heard enough we heard	S2
And God be thanked of that long scattering chase	D
And driving of Sidonia from his hope	F4
Parma who could not ought without his ships	D
And looked for them to break the Dutch blockade	S2
He meanwhile chafing lion like in his lair	G2
We heard and he for all one summer day	S2
Fenning and Drake and Raynor Fenton Cross	D
And more by Greveline where they once again	H3
Did get the wind o' the Spaniards noise of guns	D
For coming with the wind wielding themselves	D
Which way they listed while in close array	S2
The Spaniards stood but on defence our own	H3
Went at them charged them high and charged them sore	G2
And gave them broadside after broadside Ay	S2
Till all the shot was spent both great and small	W
It failed and in regard of that same want	S2
They thought it not convenient to pursue	D
Their vessels farther	G2
They were huge withal	W
And might not be encountered one to one	H3
But close conjoined they fought and poured great store	G2
Of ordnance at our ships though many of theirs	D
Shot thorow and thorow scarce might keep afloat	S2
	-
Many were captured fighting many sank	J4
This news they brought returned perforce and left	S2
The Spaniards forging north Themselves did watch	L4
The river mouth till Howard his new store	G2
Gathered encounter coveting once more	G2
Made after them with Drake	L2
And lo the wind	S2
Got up to help us He yet flying north	R
Their doughty Admiral made all his wake	L2
To smoke and would not end to fight but strewed	S2
The ocean with his wreckage And the wind	S2
Drave him before it and the storm was fell	W
And he went up to th' uncouth northern sea	D
There did our mariners leave him Then did joy	P3
Run like a sunbeam over the land and joy	P3
Rule in the stout heart of a regnant Queen	H3
	-
But now the counsel came 'Every man home	T
For after Scotland rounded when he curves	D
Southward and all the batter'd armament	S2
What hinders on our undefended coast	S2
To land where'er he listeth Every man	H3
Home '	-
And we mounted and did open forth	R
Like a great fan to east to north to west	S2
And rumour met us flying filtering	L3
Down through the border News of wicked joy	P3
The wreckers rich in the Faroes and the Isles	D
Orkney and all the clansmen full of gear	G2
Gathered from helpless mariners tempted in	H3
To their undoing while a treacherous crew	D
Let the storm work upon their lives its will	W
Spoiled them and gathered all their riches up	S
Then did they meet like fate from Irish kernes	D
Who dealt with them according to their wont	S2
	-
In a great storm of wind that tore green leaves	D
And dashed them wet upon me came I home	T
Then greeted me my dame and Rosamund	S2
Our one dear child the heir of these my fields	D
That I should sigh to think it There no more	G2
	-
Being right weary I betook me straight	S2
To longed for sleep and I did dream and dream	M4
Through all that dolourous storm though noise of guns	D
Daunted the country in the moonless night	S2
Yet sank I deep and deeper in the dream	M4
And took my fill of rest	S2
A voice a touch	P
'Wake ' Lo my wife beside me her wet hair	G2
She wrung with her wet hands and cried 'A ship	J3
I have been down the beach O pitiful	W
A Spanish ship ashore between the rocks	D
And none to guide our people Wake '	-
Then I	H
Raised on mine elbow looked it was high day	S2
In the windy pother seas came in like smoke	C4
That blew among the trees as fine small rain	H3
And then the broken water sun besprent	S2
Glitter'd fell back and showed her high and fast	S2
A caravel a pinnace that methought	S2
To some great ship had longed her hap alone	H3
Of all that multitude it was to drive	N4
Between this land of England her right foe	O2
And that most cruel where for all their faith	U3
Was one no drop of water mote they drink	H4
For love of God nor love of gold	S2
I rose	D
And hasted I was soon among the folk	C4
But late for work The crew spent faint and bruised	S2
Saved for the most part of our men lay prone	H3
In grass and women served them bread and mead	S2
Other the sea laid decently alone	H3
Ready for burial And a litter stood	S2
In shade Upon it lying a goodly man	H3
The govourner or the captain as it seemed	S2
Dead in his stiff gold broider'd bravery	D
And epaulet and sword They must have loved	S2
That man for many had died to bring him in	H3
Their boats stove in were stranded here and there	G2
In one but how I know not brought they him	O4
And he was laid upon a folded flag	P4
Many times doubled for his greater ease	D
That was our thought and we made signs to them	Z
He should have sepulture But when they knew	D
They must needs leave him for some marched them off	Q4
For more safe custody they made great moan	H3
	-
After with two my neighbours drawing nigh	H
One of them touched the Spaniard's hand and said	S2
'Dead is he but not cold ' the other then	H3
'Nay in good truth methinks he be not dead '	-
Again the first 'An' if he breatheth yet	S2
He lies at his last gasp ' And this went off	Q4
And left us two that by the litter stayed	S2
Looking on one another and we looked	S2
For neither willed to speak and yet looked on	H3
Then would he have me know the meet was fixed	S2
For nine o' the clock and to be brief with you	D
He left me And I had the Spaniard home	T
What other could be done I had him home	T
Men on his litter bare him set him down	H3
In a fair chamber that was nigh the hall	W
	-
And yet he waked not from his deathly swoon	H3
Albeit my wife did try her skill and now	H3
Bad lay him on a bed when lo the folds	D
Of that great ensign covered store of gold	S2
Rich Spanish ducats raiment Moorish blades	D
Chased in right goodly wise and missals rare	G2
And other gear I locked it for my part	S2
Into an armoury and that fair flag	P4
While we did talk full low till he should end	S2
Spread over him Methought the man shall die	H
Under his country's colours he was brave	W3
His deadly wound to that doth testify	H
	-
And when 't was seemly order'd Rosamund	S2
My daughter who had looked not yet on death	T2
Came in a face all marvel pity and dread	S2
Lying against her shoulder sword long flowers	D
White hollyhocks to cross upon his breast	S2
Slowly she turned as of that sight afeard	S2
But while with daunted heart she moved anigh	H
His eyelids quiver'd quiver'd then the lip	J3
And he reviving with a sob looked up	S
And set on her the midnight of his eyes	D
	-
Then she in act to place the burial gift	S2
Bending above him and her flaxen hair	G2
Fall'n to her hand drew back and stood upright	S2
Comely and tall her innocent fair face	D
Cover'd with blushes more of joy than shame	G
'Father ' she cried 'O father I am glad	S2
Look you the enemy liveth ' ''T is enough	H
My maiden ' quoth her mother 'thou may'st forth	R
But say an Av first for him with me '	-
	-
Then they with hands upright at foot o' his bed	S2
Knelt his dark dying eyes at gaze on them	Z
Till as I think for wonder at them more	G2
Than for his proper strength he could not die	S2
	-
So in obedient wise my daughter risen	H3
And going let a smile of comforting cheer	G2
Lift her sweet lip and that was all of her	G2
For many a night and day that he beheld	S2
	-
And then withal my dame a leech of skill	W
Tended the Spaniard fain to heal his wound	S2
Her women aiding at their best And he	D
'Twixt life and death awaken'd in the night	S2
Full oft in his own tongue would make his moan	H3
And when he whisper'd any word I knew	D
If I was present for to pleasure him	O4
Then made I repetition of the same	G
'Cordova ' quoth he faintly 'Cordova '	-
'T was the first word he mutter'd 'Ay we know '	-
Quoth I 'the stoutness of that fight ye made	S2
Against the Moors and their Mahometry	G2
And dispossess'd the men of fame the fierce	D
Khalifs of Cordova thy home belike	P4
Thy city A fair city Cordova '	-
	-
Then after many days while his wound healed	S2
He with abundant seemly sign set forth	R
His thanks but as for language had we none	H3
And oft he strove and failed to let us know	O2
Some wish he had but could not so a week	P4
Two weeks went by Then Rosamund my girl	W
Hearing her mother plain on this she saith	R
'So please you madam show the enemy	D
A Psalter in our English tongue and fetch	R4
And give him that same book my father found	S2
Wrapped in the ensign Are they not the same	G
Those holy words The Spaniard being devout	S2
He needs must know them '	-
'Peace thou pretty fool	W
Is this a time to teach an alien tongue '	-
Her mother made for answer 'He is sick	P4
The Spaniard ' 'Cry you mercy ' quoth my girl	W
'But I did think 't were easy to let show	O2
How both the Psalters are of meaning like	P4
If he know Latin and 't is like he doth	R
So might he choose a verse to tell his thought '	-
	-
Then said I ay I did 'The girl shall try '	-
And straight I took her to the Spaniard's side	S2
And he admiring at her all his face	D
Changed to a joy that almost showed as fear	G2
So innocent holy she did look so grave	H
Her pitiful eyes	D
She sat beside his bed	S2
He covered with the ensign yet and took	P4
And showed the Psalters both and she did speak	P4
Her English words but gazing was enough	H
For him at her sweet dimple her blue eyes	D
That shone her English blushes Rosamund	S2
My beautiful dear child He did but gaze	D
And not perceive her meaning till she touched	S2
His hand and in her Psalter showed the word	S2
	-
Then was all light to him he laughed for joy	P3
And took the Latin Missal O full soon	H3
Alas how soon one read the other's thought	S2
Before she left him she had learned his name	G
Alonzo told him hers and found the care	G2
Made night and day uneasy Cordova	H
There dwelt his father there his kin nor knew	D
Whether he lived or died whether in thrall	W
To the Islanders for lack of ransom pined	S2
Or rued the galling yoke of slavery	D
	-
So did he cast him on our kindness I	S2
And care not who may know it I was kind	S2
And for that our stout Queen did think foul scorn	H3
To kill the Spanish prisoners and to guard	S2
So many could not liefer being to rid	S2
Our country of them than to spite their own	H3
I made him as I might that matter learn	H3
Eking scant Latin with my daughter's wit	S2
And told him men let forth and driven forth	R
Did crowd our harbours for the ports of Spain	H3
By one of whom he with good aid of mine	H3
Should let his tidings go and I plucked forth	R
His ducats that a meet reward might be	D
Then he the water standing in his eyes	D
Made old King David's words due thanks convey	H
	-
Then Rosamund this all made plain arose	D
And curtsey'd to the Spaniard Ah methinks	D
I yet behold her gracious innocent	S2
And flaxen haired and blushing maidenly	W
When turning she retired and his black eyes	D
That hunger'd after her did follow on	H3
And I bethought me 'Thou shalt see no more	G2
Thou goodly enemy my one ewe lamb '	-
	-
O I would make short work of this The wound	S2
Healed and the Spaniard rose then could he stand	S2
And then about his chamber walk at ease	D
	-
Now we had counsell'd how to have him home	T
And that same trading vessel beating up	S
The Irish Channel at my will that same	G
I charter'd for to serve me in the war	G2
Next was I minded should mine enemy	D
Deliver to his father and his land	S2
Daily we looked for her till in our cove	H
Upon that morn when first the Spaniard walked	S2
Behold her rocking and I hasted down	H3
And left him waiting in the house	D
Woe 's me	D
All being ready speed I home and lo	W
My Rosamund that by the Spaniard sat	S2
Upon a cushion'd settle book in hand	S2
I needs must think how in the deep alcove	H
Thick chequer'd shadows of the window glass	D
Did fall across her kirtle and her locks	D
For I did see her thus no more	G2
She held	S2
Her Psalter and he his and slowly read	S2
Till he would stop her at the needed word	S2
'O well is thee ' she read my Rosamund	S2
'O well is thee and happy shalt thou be	D
Thy wife ' and there he stopped her and he took	P4
And kissed her hand and show'd in 's own a ring	P4
Taking no heed of me no heed at all	W
	-
Then I burst forth the choler red i' my face	D
When I did see her blush and put it on	H3
'Give me ' quoth I and Rosamund afraid	S2
Gave me the ring I set my heel on it	S2
Crushed it and sent the rubies scattering forth	R
And did in righteous anger storm at him	O4
'What what ' quoth I 'before her father's eyes	D
Thou universal villain thou ingrate	S2
Thou enemy whom I shelter'd fed restored	S2
Most basest of mankind ' And Rosamund	S2
Arisen her forehead pressed against mine arm	S4
And 'Father ' cries she 'father '	-
And I stormed	S2
At him while in his Spanish he replied	S2
As one would speak me fair 'Thou Spanish hound '	-
'Father ' she pleaded 'Alien vile ' quoth I	S2
'Plucked from the death wilt thou repay me thus	D
It is but three times thou hast set thine eyes	D
On this my daughter ' 'Father ' moans my girl	W
And I not willing to be so withstood	S2
Spoke roughly to her Then the Spaniard's eyes	D
Blazed then he stormed at me in his own tongue	P4
And all his Spanish arrogance and pride	S2
Broke witless on my wrathful English Then	H3
He let me know for I perceived it well	W
He reckon'd him mine equal thought foul scorn	H3
Of my displeasure and was wroth with me	D
As I with him 'Father ' sighed Rosamund	S2
'Go get thee to thy mother girl ' quoth I	S2
And slowly slowly she betook herself	H
Down the long hall in lowly wise she went	S2
And made her moans	D
But when my girl was gone	H3
I stood at fault th' occasion master'd me	D
Belike it master'd him for both felt mute	S2
I calmed me and he calmed him as he might	S2
For I bethought me I was yet an host	S2
And he bethought him on the worthiness	D
Of my first deeds	D
So made I sign to him	O4
The tide was up and soon I had him forth	R
Delivered him his goods commended him	O4
To the captain o' the vessel then plucked off	H
My hat in seemly fashion taking leave	H
And he was not outdone but every way	H
Gave me respect and on the deck we two	D
Parted as I did hope to meet no more	G2
	-
Alas my Rosamund my Rosamund	S2
She did not weep no Plain upon me no	W
Her eyes mote well have lost the trick of tears	D
As new washed flowers shake off the down dropt rain	H3
And make denial of it yet more blue	D
And fair of favour afterward so they	H
The wild woodrose was not more fresh of blee	D
Than her soft dimpled cheek but I beheld	S2
Come home a token hung about her neck	P4
Sparkling upon her bosom for his sake	P4
Her love the Spaniard she denied it not	S2
All unaware good sooth such love was bale	D
	-
And all that day went like another day	S2
Ay all the next then was I glad at heart	S2
Methought 'I am glad thou wilt not waste thy youth	R
Upon an alien man mine enemy	D
Thy nation's enemy In truth in truth	R
This likes me very well My most dear child	S2
Forget yon grave dark mariner The Lord	S2
Everlasting ' I besought 'bring it to pass '	-
	-
Stealeth a darker day within my hall	D
A winter day of wind and driving foam	T
They tell me that my girl is sick and yet	S2
Not very sick I may not hour by hour	G2
More than one watching of a moon that wanes	D
Make chronicle of change A parlous change	P3
When he looks back to that same moon at full	D
	-
Ah ah methought 't will pass It did not pass	D
Though never she made moan I saw the rings	D
Drop from her small white wasted hand And I	S2
Her father tamed of grief I would have given	H3
My land my name to have her as of old	S2
Ay Rosamund I speak of with the small	D
White face Ay Rosamund O near as white	S2
And mournfuller by much her mother dear	G2
Drooped by her couch and while of hope and fear	G2
Lifted or left as by a changeful tide	S2
We thought 'The girl is better ' or we thought	S2
'The girl will die ' that jewel from her neck	P4
She drew and prayed me send it to her love	H
A token she was true e'en to the end	S2
What matter'd now But whom to send and how	H3
To reach the man I found an old poor priest	S2
Some peril 't was for him and me she writ	S2
My pretty Rosamund her heart's farewell	D
She kissed the letter and that old poor priest	S2
Who had eaten of my bread and shelter'd him	O4
Under my roof in troublous times he took	P4
And to content her on this errand went	S2
While she as done with earth did wait the end	S2
	-
Mankind bemoan them on the bitterness	D
Of death Nay rather let them chide the grief	H
Of living chide the waste of mother love	H
For babes that joy to get away to God	S2
The waste of work and moil and thought and thrift	S2
And father love for sons that heed it not	S2
And daughters lost and gone Ay let them chide	S2
These Yet I chide not That which I have done	H3
Was rightly done and what thereon befell	D
Could make no right a wrong e'en were 't to do	S2
Again	H3
I will be brief The days drag on	H3
My soul forebodes her death my lonely age	P3
Once I despondent in the moaning wood	S2
Look out and lo a caravel at sea	D
A man that climbs the rock and presently	D
The Spaniard	S2
I did greet him proud no more	G2
He had braved durance as I knew ay death	R
To land on th' Island soil In broken words	D
Of English he did ask me how she fared	S2
Quoth I 'She is dying Spaniard Rosamund	S2
My girl will die ' but he is fain saith he	D
To talk with her and all his mind to speak	P4
I answer 'Ay my whilome enemy	D
But she is dying ' 'Nay now nay ' quoth he	D
'So be she liveth ' and he moved me yet	S2
For answer then quoth I 'Come life come death	R
What thou wilt say '	-
Soon made we Rosamund	S2
Aware she lying on the settle wan	H3
As a lily in the shade and while she not	S2
Believed for marvelling comes he roundly in	H3
The tall grave Spaniard and with but one smile	D
One look of ruth upon her small pale face	D
All slowly as with unaccustom'd mouth	R
Betakes him to that English he hath conned	S2
Setting the words out plain	H3
'Child Rosamund	S2
Love An so please thee I would be thy man	H3
By all the saints will I be good to thee	D
Come '	-
Come what think you would she come Ay ay	S2
They love us but our love is not their life	H
For the dark mariner's love lived Rosamund	S2
Soon for his kiss she bloomed smiled for his smile	D
The Spaniard reaped e'en as th' Evangel saith	D
And bore in 's bosom forth my golden sheaf	H
She loved her father and her mother well	D
But loved the Spaniard better It was sad	S2
To part but she did part and it was far	G2
To go but she did go The priest was brought	S2
The ring was bless'd that bound my Rosamund	S2
She sailed and I shall never see her more	G2
	-
One soweth and another reapeth Ay	S2
Too true too true	S2

Jean Ingelow

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