Priest.  That they might Live to such end [36] is what both old and young 300 In this our valley all of us have wished, And what, for my part, I have often prayed:  But Leonard—­

  Leonard.  Then James still is left among you!

Priest.  ’Tis of the elder brother I am speaking:  305 They had an uncle;—­he was at that time A thriving man, and trafficked on the seas:  And, but for that [37] same uncle, to this hour Leonard had never handled rope or shroud:  For the boy loved the life which we lead here; 310 And though of unripe years, a stripling only, [38] His soul was knit to this his native soil.  But, as I said, old Walter was too weak To strive with such a torrent; when he died, The estate and house were sold; and all their sheep, 315 A pretty flock, and which, for aught I know, Had clothed the Ewbanks for a thousand years:—­ Well—­all was gone, and they were destitute, And Leonard, chiefly for his Brother’s sake, Resolved to try his fortune on the seas. 320 Twelve years are past [39] since we had tidings from him.  If there were [40] one among us who had heard That Leonard Ewbank was come home again, From the Great Gavel, [G] down by Leeza’s banks, And down the Enna, far as Egremont. 325 The day would be a joyous festival; [41] And those two bells of ours, which there you see—­ Hanging in the open air—­but, O good Sir!  This is sad talk—­they’ll never sound for him—­ Living or dead.—­When last we heard of him, 330 He was in slavery among the Moors Upon the Barbary coast.—­’Twas not a little That would bring down his spirit; and no doubt, Before it ended in his death, the Youth [42] Was sadly crossed.—­Poor Leonard! when we parted, 335 He took me by the hand, and said to me, If e’er he should grow rich, he would return, To live in peace upon his father’s land, And lay his bones among us. [43]

Leonard.  If that day 340 Should come, ’twould needs be a glad day for him; He would himself, no doubt, be happy then As any that should meet him—­

  Priest.  Happy!  Sir—­

  Leonard.  You said his kindred all were in their graves, 345
  And that he had one Brother—­

Priest.  That is but A fellow-tale of sorrow.  From his youth James, though not sickly, yet was delicate; And Leonard being always by his side 350 Had done so many offices about him, That, though he was not of a timid nature, Yet still the spirit of a mountain-boy In him was somewhat checked; and, when his Brother Was gone to sea, and he was left alone, 355 The little colour that he had was soon Stolen from his cheek; he drooped, and pined, and pined—­

  Leonard.  But these are all the graves of full-grown men!