And there the king and I were standing, face to face together, I said, "How is your majesty ?-it's mighty pleasant weather." And then the people push'd me on! I didn't half like that I'm sure the king had half a mind to bid me stop and chat; But looking on, I saw the queen! I'm sure I hope and trust She didn't see the king kiss me! and yet I think she must. I curtsey'd to her majesty, the proper thing to do, And seeing ladies standing round, I curtsey'd to them too; I honour maids of honour so, I wish'd to be polite, And the queen and all the ladies smiled, which proved that I was right. I knew (though ne'er at court before!) well what I was about Of course I did not turn my back, but tried to sidle out; But walking, I tripp'd up and fell-(they make their trains so big!) And, catching at the first thing near, pull'd off a lady's wig! And then I fainted dead away!—a dreadful thing to do Until I found myself at home, no earthly thing I knew! I've graced a court! indeed I'll add by way of being witty, "T was in a court that father lived-a back court in the city! BAYLEY. WAS I RIGHT, OR WAS I NOT? WAS I right, or was I not? The age exact I cannot tell, Away I sparkled in the ring; And soon was known as false and fair: Oh! 't is a dear delightful thing When first we make a swain despair. There was young Frederick all on fire, Who vow'd and swore-I know not what Of course I left him to expire. Was I right, or was I not? Dear me! I felt a trifle sad, When all cried out "what have you done!" For, sure enough, I loved the lad: But who'd take up with number one? So vive l'amour! I gaily cried, And he, poor wretch, was soon forgot,— For I'd a hundred sparks beside. Was I right, or was I not? Some shook their heads, but I had skill: A long gay train I led away; Young Cupid sure was in the plot; But now 't is come into my head But ah! though gladly I'd say "Yes," Who would have thought 't would come to this? you SO!" Friends, lovers, danglers, now are gone: And I'm a "maiden all forlorn!" ANON. THE DYING SPEECH OF FALIERO. I SPEAK to Time and to Eternity, I hasten, let my voice be as a spirit Upon you! Ye blue waves! which bore my banner, it! Thou sun! which shinest on these things, and Thou! Who kindlest and who quenchest suns!-attest: I am not innocent-but are these guiltless? And show these eyes, before they close, the doom When she who built 'gainst Attila a bulwark, Shedding so much blood in her last defence Then, when the few who still retain a wreck With some large gondolier or foreign soldier, Then, when of Cyprus, now thy subject kingdom, When all the ills of conquer'd states shall cling thee, When these and more are heavy on thee, when Have made thee last and worst of peopled deserts; Then, in the last gasp of thine agony, Amidst thy many murders, think of mine! Thou den of drunkards with the blood of princes! Gehenna of the waters! thou sea Sodom! Thus I devote thee to the infernal gods! Thee and thy serpent seed! Slave, do thine office; Strike as I struck the foe! strike as I would Have struck those tyrants! Strike deep as my curse! Strike--and but once! BYRON. TO AUTUMN. SEASON of mists and mellow fruitfulness, run; |