Classic Poem

PART II.

Her mother next morning, by the blink of her eye,
Betwixt her and Grigor great love did espy.
And she to her husband the same soon revealed,
Giving orders to watch them when down in the field.
All day then her father went looking about.
And after her he still kept a look out,
Till hard on the evening she went to the glen,
Where Grigor was waiting to hear her explain
The way they would manage and make matters go.
Her father did follow and heard them also,
He stepped in softly, stood over the cave,
Hearing their discourses, how they would behave,
At length he advanced, cried, " Grigor, what now?
Is this my reward from an orphan like you?
You know I've maintained you since seven years old,
And now your intentions they seem very bold. "

Then Grigor ask'd pardon, and thus he did say,
" Sir, I'm at your mercy, then do as you may. "
The old man in a passion there chiding did stand,
Till Katie took courage and speech into hand.
" Why mean ye, dear father, on us for to frown?
Was this man a beggar? I'm sure he's our own;
He's of our kindred, our flesh, and our blood.
And you know very well his behaviour is good.

" 'Tis him that I chose for my husband, and shall;
Go, give all your riches to whom that you will,
Do you think I'm a hog or a horse to be sold,
Away to some num-skull that has nought but gold! "
The father in a rage to the mother did go,
And told their proceedings with sorrow and woe;
He seem'd that night as his anger had been gone,
Lest that young Grigor from the place should abscond.

But he sent a messenger into Inverness,
Which brought out a party young Grigor to press,
And for to make ready gave no time, we hear;
He ask'd but one favour, a word of his dear.
When being denied, the old man, with a frown,
Said, " Soldiers can have sweethearts in every town. "
At this the young lady cried bitterly,
" May the heavens requite you for your cruelty! "

Young Grigor took courage and marched away,
When the captain viewed him 'twas this he did say,
" For the lady that lov'd you, sir, I pity her case,
Who's lost such a beautiful, sweet, blooming face. "
His lady cried out, " What a wretch can he be,
Caus'd press this young man for no perjury,
His long yellow hair to his middle hangs down,
O'er his broad shoulders so fine round and round. "

Now Grigor considering his pitiful case,
Received the bounty, and swore to the peace;
His captain unto him a furlough he gave,
To see his dear Katie he once more did crave.
Two lines he then sent her by a trustworthy hand,
That he under the oak at midnight would stand,
For to wait upon her, and hear her complaint,
And there for to meet him she was well content.

Her vows she renewed, and with tears not a few,
And a gold ring on's finger as a token she drew,
Which was not to move, come death or come life,
Till that happy moment he made her his wife.
She fain would go with him but he answered " No,
For your parents would follow and cause us more woe.
My Maker be witness, and this green oak, " said he,
" That I never shall love a woman but thee! "

And there then he left her a-weeping full sore,
Poor creature, she never got sight of him more.
In a short time thereafter he went to the sea,
And left sight of Britain with the tear in his eye,
And went to America, their orders being so,
There proved a gallant soldier, and valour did show;
For his good behaviour they ne'er could him blame.
From a corporal to a sergeant he very soon became.