The Lay Of The Last Minstrel

Introduction

( I )

The way was long, the wind was cold

The Minstrel was infirm and old

His wither'd cheek, and tresses gray

Seem'd to have known a better day

The harp, his sole remaining joy

Was carried by an orphan boy

The last of all the Bards was he

Who sung of Border chivalry

For, welladay! their date was fled

His tuneful brethren all were dead

And he, neglected and oppress'd 

Wish'd to be with them, and at rest.

No more on prancing palfrey borne

He caroll'd, light as lark at morn

No longer courted and caress'd

High placed in hall, a welcome guest

He pour'd, to lord and lady gay

The unpremeditated lay

Old times were changed, old manners gone

A stranger filled the Stuarts' throne

The bigots of the iron time

Had call'd his harmless art a crime

A wandering Harper, scorn'd and poor

He begg'd his bread from door to door

And tuned, to please a peasant's ear

The harp, a king had loved to hear

( II )