The Broken Crutch. - A Tale Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: AABBCDEEFGAAHHAAIIJK LL AABB M AANNAAOOPPQQRSTT U VVWXAAYZAABBA2A2 B2B2 C2 AAAAAABBD2D2AARRE2E2 A LLF2F2 AAG2G2H2H2ILURI2I2 J2 BB WWIIBBK2K2L2L2EENN M2 AABBJKK2K2 N2N2K2K2AA K2 O2O2OOILLLAAAAK2K2BB P2P2 A AAQ2M2AAAAR2R2AANNHH A BBAAUURRVVS2T2 U2U2HH V2 AAP2P2AAHHW2W2AALL U X2X2UUAAY2Y2F2F2D2Z2 AAR2R2A3A3 A AAM2M2BBAAAAB3C3 III2I2 L M2M2AAD3D3 AALLE3E3F3F3M2M2 G3 AAAAH3H3GGDDAALLAA A M2M2G2G2L2C3AAI3I3J3 J3 OOAA M2 AABBI2I2H3H3K3K3H2H2 AAII G2 RRM2M2G3G3L3L3AARRII G3G3 G3 HHK2K2M3M3AAG3G3AAAA AA N3 M2M2HHAAM2M2 I2I2QQG3G3 M2 AABBBBBBLLM2M2P2P2M2 M2G3G3 L NNBBILBBCDG3G3I2I2BB M2 GFBBBBM2M2J3O3BBG3G3

I tell you Peggy said a voice behind	A
A hawthorn hedge with wild briars thick entwin'd	A
Where unseen trav'llers down a shady way	B
Journey'd beside the swaths of new mown hay	B
I tell you Peggy 'tis a time to prove	C
Your fortitude your virtue and your love	D
From honest poverty our lineage sprung	E
Your mother was a servant quite as young	E
You weep perhaps she wept at leaving home	F
Courage my girl nor fear the days to come	G
Go still to church my Peggy plainly drest	A
And keep a living conscience in your breast	A
Look to yourself my lass the maid's best fame	H
Beware nor bring the Meldrums into shame	H
Be modest to the voice of age attend	A
Be honest and you'll always find a friend	A
Your uncle Gilbert stronger far than I	I
Will see you safe on him you must rely	I
I've walk'd too far this lameness oh the pain	J
Heav'n bless thee child I'll halt me back again	K
But when your first fair holiday may be	L
Rise with the lark and spend your hours with me	L
	-
Young Herbert Brooks in strength and manhood bold	A
Who round the meads his own possessions stroll'd	A
O'erheard the charge and with a heart so gay	B
Whistled his spaniel and pursu'd his way	B
	-
A Hint for a Libertine	M
	-
Soon cross'd his path and short obeisance paid	A
Stout Gilbert Meldrum and a country maid	A
A box upon his shoulder held full well	N
Her worldly riches but the truth to tell	N
She bore the chief herself that nobler part	A
That beauteous gem an uncorrupted heart	A
And then that native loveliness that cheek	O
It bore the very tints her betters seek	O
At such a sight the libertine would glow	P
With all the warmth that he can ever know	P
Would send his thoughts abroad without control	Q
The glimmering moon shine of his little soul	Q
Above the reach of justice I shall soar	R
Her friends may weep not punish they're too poor	S
That very thought the rapture will enhance	T
Poor young and friendless what a glorious chance	T
	-
Herbert's Character	U
	-
A few spare guineas may the conquest make	V
I love the treachery for treachery's sake	V
And when her wounded honour jealous grows	W
I'll cut away ten thousand oaths and vows	X
And tell my comrades with a manly stride	A
How I a girl out witten and out lied	A
Such was not Herbert he had never known	Y
Love's genuine smiles nor suffer'd from his frown	Z
And as to that most honourable part	A
Of planting daggers in a parent's heart	A
A novice quite he past his hours away	B
Free as a bird and buxom as the day	B
Yet should a lovely girl by chance arise	A2
Think not that Herbert Brooks would shut his eyes	A2
	-
On thy calm joys with what delight I dream	B2
Thou dear green valley of my native stream	B2
	-
Regret for Devastation by Enclosures	C2
	-
Fancy o'er thee still waves th' enchanting wand	A
And every nook of thine is fairy land	A
And ever will be though the axe should smite	A
In Gain's rude service and in Pity's spite	A
Thy clustering alders and at length invade	A
The last last poplars that compose thy shade	A
Thy stream shall then in native freedom stray	B
And undermine the willows in its way	B
These nearly worthless may survive this storm	D2
This scythe of desolation call'd Reform	D2
No army past that way yet are they fled	A
The boughs that when a school boy screen'd my head	A
I hate the murderous axe estranging more	R
The winding vale from what it was of yore	R
Than e'en mortality in all its rage	E2
And all the change of faces in an age	E2
	-
The Tale pursued	A
	-
Warmth will they term it that I speak so free	L
They strip thy shades thy shades so dear to me	L
In Herbert's days woods cloth'd both hill and dale	F2
But peace Remembrance let us tell the tale	F2
	-
His home was in the valley elms grew round	A
His moated mansion and the pleasant sound	A
Of woodland birds that loud at day break sing	G2
With the first cuckoos that proclaim the spring	G2
Flock'd round his dwelling and his kitchen smoke	H2
That from the towering rookery upward broke	H2
Of joyful import to the poor hard by	I
Stream'd a glad sign of hospitality	L
So fancy pictures but its day is o'er	U
The moat remains the dwelling is no more	R
Its name denotes its melancholy fall	I2
For village children call the spot Burnt Hall	I2
	-
	-
	-
The Church	J2
	-
But where's the maid who in the meadow way	B
Met Herbert Brooks amongst the new mown hay	B
	-
Th' adventure charm'd him and next morning rose	W
The Sabbath with its silence and repose	W
The bells ceas'd chiming and the broad blue sky	I
Smil'd on his peace and met his tranquil eye	I
Inverted from the foot bridge on his way	B
To that still house where all his fathers lay	B
There in his seat each neighbour's face he knew	K2
The stranger girl was just before his pew	K2
He saw her kneel with meek but cheerful air	L2
And whisper the response to every prayer	L2
And when the humble roof with praises rung	E
He caught the Hallelujah from her tongue	E
Rememb'ring with delight the tears that fell	N
When the poor father bade his child farewell	N
	-
Love strengthened by Reflection	M2
	-
And now by kindling tenderness beguil'd	A
He blest the prompt obedience of that child	A
And link'd his fate with hers for from that day	B
Whether the weeks past cheerily away	B
Or deep revolving doubts procur'd him pain	J
The same bells chim'd and there she was again	K
What could be done they came not there to woo	K2
On holy ground though love is holy too	K2
	-
They met upon the foot bridge one clear morn	N2
She in the garb by village lasses worn	N2
He with unbutton'd frock that careless flew	K2
And buskin'd to resist the morning dew	K2
With downcast look she courtsied to the ground	A
Just in his path no room to sidle round	A
	-
An Interview	K2
	-
Well pretty girl this early rising yields	O2
The best enjoyment of the groves and fields	O2
And makes the heart susceptible and meek	O
And keeps alive that rose upon your cheek	O
I long'd to meet you Peggy though so shy	I
I've watch'd your steps and learn'd your history	L
You love your poor lame father let that be	L
A happy presage of your love for me	L
Come then I'll stroll these meadows by your side	A
I've seen enough to wish you for my bride	A
And plainly tell you so Nay let me hold	A
This guiltless hand I prize it more than gold	A
Of that I have my share but now pursue	K2
Such lasting wealth as I behold in you	K2
My lands are fruitful and my gardens gay	B
My houshold cheerful as the summer's day	B
One blessing more will crown my happy life	P2
Like Adam pretty girl I want a wife	P2
	-
Frequent Meetings Family Pride	A
	-
Need it be told his suit was not denied	A
With youth and wealth and candour on his side	A
Honour took charge of love so well began	Q2
And accidental meetings one by one	M2
Increas'd so fast midst time's unheeded flight	A
That village rumour married them outright	A
Though wiser matrons doubtful in debate	A
Pitied deluded Peggy's hapless fate	A
Friends took th' alarm And will he then disgrace	R2
The name of Brooks with this plebeian race	R2
Others more lax in virtue not in pride	A
Sported the wink of cunning on one side	A
He'll buy no doubt what Peggy has to sell	N
A little gallantry becomes him well	N
Meanwhile the youth with self determin'd aim	H
Disdaining fraud and pride's unfeeling claim	H
	-
Marriage proposed	A
	-
Above control pursued his generous way	B
And talk'd to Peggy of the marriage day	B
Poor girl she heard with anguish and with doubt	A
What her too knowing neighbours preach'd about	A
That Herbert would some nobler match prefer	U
And surely never never marry her	U
Yet with what trembling and delight she bore	R
The kiss and heard the vow I'll doubt no more	R
Protect me Herbert for your honour's sake	V
You will she cried nor leave my heart to break	V
Then wrote to uncle Gilbert joys and fears	S2
And hope and trust and sprinkled all with tears	T2
	-
Rous'd was the dormant spirit of the brave	U2
E'en lameness rose to succour and to save	U2
For though they both rever'd young Herbert's name	H
And knew his unexceptionable fame	H
	-
Doubts Parental Feelings	V2
	-
And though the girl had honestly declar'd	A
Love's first approaches and their counsel shar'd	A
Yet that he truly meant to take for life	P2
The poor and lowly Peggy for a wife	P2
Or that she was not doom'd to be deceiv'd	A
Was out of bounds it could not be believ'd	A
Go Gilbert save her I you know am lame	H
Go brother go and save my child from shame	H
Haste and I'll pray for your success the while	W2
Go go then bang'd his crutch upon the stile	W2
It snapt E'en Gilbert trembled while he smote	A
Then whipt the broken end beneath his coat	A
Aye aye I'll settle them I'll let them see	L
Who's to be conqu'ror this time I or he	L
	-
	-
	-
Gilbert on the Road An Adventure	U
	-
Then off he set and with enormous strides	X2
Rebellious mutterings and oaths besides	X2
O'er clover field and fallow bank and brier	U
Pursu'd the nearest cut and fann'd the fire	U
That burnt within him Soon the Hall he spied	A
And the grey willows by the water side	A
Nature cried halt nor could he well refuse	Y2
Stop Gilbert breathe awhile and ask the news	Y2
News cried a stooping grandame of the vale	F2
Aye rare news too I'll tell you such a tale	F2
But let me rest this bank is dry and warm	D2
Do you know Peggy Meldrum at the farm	Z2
Young Herbert's girl He'as cloath'd her all in white	A
You never saw so beautiful a sight	A
Ah he's a fine young man and such a face	R2
I knew his grandfather and all his race	R2
He rode a tall white horse and look'd so big	A3
But how shall I describe his hat and wig	A3
	-
A promising Story cut short	A
	-
Plague take his wig cried Gilbert and his hat	A
Where's Peggy Meldrum can you tell me that	A
Aye but have patience man you'll hear anon	M2
For I shall come to her as I go on	M2
So hark 'ye friend his grandfather I say	B
Poh poh cried Gilbert as he turn'd away	B
Her eyes were fix'd her story at a stand	A
The snuff box lay half open'd in her hand	A
You great ill manner'd clown but I must bear it	A
You oaf to ask the news and then won't hear it	A
But Gilbert had gain'd forty paces clear	B3
When the reproof came murmuring on his ear	C3
	-
Again he ask'd the first that past him by	I
A cow boy stopt his whistle to reply	I
Why I've a mistress coming home that's all	I2
They're playing Meg's diversion at the Hall	I2
	-
A Cow Boy's Bravery	L
	-
For master's gone with Peggy and his cousin	M2
And all the lady folks about a dozen	M2
To church down there he'll marry one no doubt	A
For that it seems is what they're gone about	A
I know it by their laughing and their jokes	D3
Tho' they wor'nt ask'd at church like other folks	D3
	-
Gilbert kept on and at the Hall door found	A
The winking servants where the jest went round	A
All expectation aye and so was he	L
But not with heart so merry and so free	L
The kitchen table never clear from beef	E3
Where hunger found its solace and relief	E3
Free to all strangers had no charms for him	F3
For agitation worried every limb	F3
Ale he partook but appetite had none	M2
And grey hounds watch'd in vain to catch the bone	M2
	-
Sitting upon Thorns	G3
	-
All sounds alarm'd him and all thoughts perplex'd	A
With dogs and beef himself and all things vex'd	A
Till with one mingled caw above his head	A
Their gliding shadows o'er the court yard spread	A
The rooks by thousands rose the bells struck up	H3
He guess'd the cause and down he set the cup	H3
And listening heard amidst the general hum	G
A joyful exclamation Here they come	G
Soon Herbert's cheerful voice was heard above	D
Amidst the rustling hand maids of his love	D
And Gilbert follow'd without thought or dread	A
The broad oak stair case thundr'd with his tread	A
Light tript the party gay as gay could be	L
Amidst their bridal dresses there came he	L
And with a look that guilt could ne'er withstand	A
Approach'd his niece and caught her by the hand	A
	-
Anger disarmed	A
	-
Now are you married Peggy yes or no	M2
Tell me at once before I let you go	M2
Abrupt he spoke and gave her arm a swing	G2
But the same moment felt the wedding ring	G2
And stood confus'd She wip'd th' empassion'd tear	L2
I am I am but is my father here	C3
Herbert stood by and sharing with his bride	A
That perturbation which she strove to hide	A
Come honest Gilbert you're too rough this time	I3
Indeed here's not the shadow of a crime	I3
But where's your brother When did you arrive	J3
We waited long for Nathan went at five	J3
	-
All this was Greek to Gilbert downright Greek	O
He knew not what to think nor how to speak	O
The case was this that Nathan with a cart	A
To fetch them both at day break was to start	A
	-
An Explanation	M2
	-
And so he did but ere he could proceed	A
He suck'd a charming portion with a reed	A
Of that same wedding ale which was that day	B
To make the hearts of all the village gay	B
Brim full of glee he trundled from the Hall	I2
And as for sky larks he out sung them all	I2
Till growing giddy with his morning cup	H3
He stretch'd beneath a hedge the reins gave up	H3
The horse graz'd soberly without mishap	K3
And Nathan had a most delightful nap	K3
For three good hours Then doubting when he woke	H2
Whether his conduct would be deem'd a joke	H2
With double haste perform'd just half his part	A
And brought the lame John Meldrum in his cart	A
And at the moment Gilbert's wrath was high	I
And while young Herbert waited his reply	I
	-
A general Meeting	G2
	-
The sound of rattling wheels was at the door	R
There's my dear father now they heard no more	R
The bridegroom glided like an arrow down	M2
And Gilbert ran though something of a clown	M2
With his best step and cheer'd with smiles and pray'rs	G3
They bore old John in triumph up the stairs	G3
Poor Peggy who her joy no more could check	L3
Clung like a dewy woodbine round his neck	L3
And all stood silent Gilbert off his guard	A
And marvelling at virtue's rich reward	A
Loos'd the one loop that held his coat before	R
Down thumpt the broken crutch upon the floor	R
They started half alarm'd scarce knowing why	I
But through the glist'ning rapture of his eye	I
The bridegroom smil'd then chid their simple fears	G3
And rous'd the blushing Peggy from her tears	G3
	-
Gilbert put upon his Defense	G3
	-
Around the uncle in a ring they came	H
And mark'd his look of mingled pride and shame	H
Now honestly good Gilbert tell us true	K2
What meant this cudgel What was it to do	K2
I know your heart suspected me of wrong	M3
And that most true affection urg'd along	M3
Your feelings and your wrath you were beside	A
Till now the rightful guardian of the bride	A
But why this cudgel Guardian that's the case	G3
Or else to day you had not seen my face	G3
But John about the girl was so perplex'd	A
And I to tell the truth so mortal vex'd	A
That when he broke this crutch and stampt and cried	A
For John and Peggy Sir I could have died	A
I know I could for she was such a child	A
So tractable so sensible and mild	A
	-
The plain Truth	N3
	-
That if between you roguery had grown	M2
Begging your pardon 'twould have been your own	M2
She would not hurt a fly So off I came	H
And had you only sought to blast her fame	H
Been base enough to act as hundreds would	A
And ruin a poor maid because you could	A
With this same cudgel you may smile or frown	M2
An' please you Sir I meant to knock you down	M2
	-
A burst of laughter rang throughout the hall	I2
And Peggy's tongue though overborne by all	I2
Pour'd its warm blessings for without control	Q
The sweet unbridled transport of her soul	Q
Was obviously seen till Herbert's kiss	G3
Stole as it were the eloquence of bliss	G3
	-
Mirth and Reconciliation	M2
	-
Welcome my friends good Gilbert here's my hand	A
Eat drink or rest they're all at your command	A
And whatsoever pranks the rest may play	B
Still you shall be the hero of to day	B
Doubts might torment and blunders may have teaz'd	B
But ale can cure them let us all be pleas'd	B
Thou venerable man let me defend	B
The father of my new dear bosom friend	B
You broke your crutch well well worse luck might be	L
I'll be your crutch John Meldrum lean on me	L
And when your lovely daughter shall complain	M2
Send Gilbert's wooden argument again	M2
If still you wonder that I take a wife	P2
From the unpolish'd walks of humble life	P2
I'll tell you on what ground my love began	M2
And let the wise confute it if they can	M2
I saw a girl with nature's untaught grace	G3
Turn from my gaze a most engaging face	G3
	-
Herbert's Apology	L
	-
I saw her drop the tear I knew full well	N
She felt for you much more than she could tell	N
I found her understanding bright as day	B
Through all impediments still forc'd its way	B
On that foundation shall my soul rely	I
The rock of genuine humility	L
Call'd as she is to act a nobler part	B
To rule my houshold and to share my heart	B
I trust her prudence confident to prove	C
Days of delight and still unfading love	D
For while her inborn tenderness survives	G3
That heav'nly charm of mothers and of wives	G3
I'll look for joy Here come the neighbours all	I2
Broach the old barrel feast them great and small	I2
For I'm determin'd while the sun's so bright	B
That this shall be a wedding day outright	B
	-
John Meldrum's wish Conclusion	M2
	-
How cheerly sound the bells my charmer come	G
Expand your heart and know yourself at home	F
Sit down good John I will the old man cried	B
And let me drink to you Sir and the bride	B
My blessing on you I am lame and old	B
I can't make speeches and I wo'nt be bold	B
But from my soul I wish and wish with pain	M2
That brave good gentlemen would not disdain	M2
The poor because they're poor for if they live	J3
Midst crimes that parents never can forgive	O3
If like the forest beast they wander wild	B
To rob a father or to crush a child	B
Nature will speak aye just as Nature feels	G3
And wish a Gilbert Meldrum at their heels	G3

Robert Bloomfield

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