James Whitcomb Riley's Complete Works, Including Poems and Prose Sketches Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1916 Excerpt: ...indeed am I That such a nest of us remains for you To vanquish with those eyes." Then, serious, That she nor smiled nor winced, nor anything--"Your pardon will be to me as a shower Of gracious rain unto a panting drouth." So bowed in humblest reverence; at which The damsel, turning to her followers, Laughed musically, --"See he proves my words " Whereat the others joined with inward glee Her pealing mirth; and in the merriment The knights chimed, too, and he, the vanquished one, Till all the wood rang as at hunting-tide When bugle-rumors float about the air And echoes leap and revel in delight. Then spake the vanquished knight, with mental eye Sweeping the vantage-ground that chance had gained, --"Your further pardon, lady: Since the name Of Raelus fell from those lips of thine, We fain would know of him. He led us here, And as he went the way wherefrom your path Emerges, haply you may tell us where He may be found?" "What Raelus?" she cried, --"He comes with you?--The brave Sir Raelus?--That mighty champion?--that gallant knight?--That peerless wonder of all nobleness? Then proud am I to greet ye, knowing that; And, certes, had I known of it ere now, Then had I proffered you more courtesy And told you, ere the asking, that he bides The coming of his friends a league from this, Hard by a reedy mere, where in high tune We left him singing, nigh an hour agone." Then, as she lightly wheeled her horse about And signal gave to her companions To follow, gaily cried: "Tell Raelus His cousin sends to him her sad farewells And fond regrets, and kisses many as His valorous deeds are numbered in her heart." And with "Fair morrow to ye, gentle knights " Her steed's hooves struck the highway at a ...