Tavern_, and inside may still be seen some interesting relics of
the former days of the gate, when it was the chief entrance to the
priory of one of the most powerful religious bodies in Europe. Who
can look upon such a relic without being reminded of the great spirit
of chivalry, that strange compound of barbarity and courtesy; of the
crusades, and the great changes which have taken place since the time
of the prosperous days of the old priory? and we cannot but feel
thankful that we live in a happier, less troubled, and more enlightened
age; and as we gaze upon the grim old gate, think of the words of
Shakspeare: ‘To what base uses may we return.’
’TWIXT DAYBREAK AND DAYLIGHT.
The glint and glimmer of the daybreak shows
In the fast-reddening east; the sable clouds
With roseate streaks and golden threads are lined;
And the first early cock, awakening, rings
His shrill clear challenge on the breaking morn!
A voiceless stir of many murmurings,
From woodland, hill, and dale, and meadow, tells
The flight of slumber: now the cricket chirps
Amid the barley, and the skylark plumes
His wing for early rising; passes by
The milkmaid to the pasture; and the farm
Grows noisy with the many-varied sounds
Of rustic labour, telling that hath fled
The drowsy sweet forgetfulness of night!
Shadows of dreamland pass from earth away
Into the mystic world of things unseen;
The stern necessities of daily life
Again their round commence, as, one by one,
Toilers awaken to the coming day!
* * * * *
Printed and Published by W. & R. CHAMBERS, 47 Paternoster Row, LONDON,
and 339 High Street, EDINBURGH.
* * * * *
_All Rights Reserved._