Wyseby

WYSEBY:
A LEGEND OF THE FIRST IRVINGS.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
" Father, the glorious sun has disappeared behind
the hill ; the shadows of the evening deepen ; the
stars are gently stealing forth ; and, as though it
were their breath, the breeze of the night comes
fitfully, but coolly, to our cheeks ; the music of the
river, low, but earnestly, as the midnight converse
of spirits, ascends : let us rest here, with the blue
cold curtain of the sky around us, with the clear
stars above us, and the mystery of night on us ; thou
wilt relate me some sweet legend of the days of old."
Slowly seating himself, the old man turned his
large blue eyes, beaming with paternal affection,
upon his lovely child, and thus began.
The heroic Wallace had fallen, — not as the brave
would fall, with the red battle raging round them,
proud banners floating over them, and the loud shout
of victory — of right triumphing over might, of free-
dom over tyranny — pealing in ears fast closing for
ever : he had fallen, but not thus. Envy had thwart-