The assizes then were drawing nigh, And he was tried and doomed to die; And his injured innocence Could nothing say in his defense. 16 But going to the Gallows tree, On which he thought to hanged be He clapped his hands upon his breast, And thus in tears these words exprest:-- 17 "Blind Fortune will be Fortune still, I see, let man do what he will; For though this day I needs must die, I am not guilty--no, not I." 18 This noble Lord was in amaze, He stood and did with wonder gaze; {p.302} Then he spoke out with words so mild,-- "What mean you by that saying, Child?" 19 "Will that your Lordship," then said he, "Grant one day's full reprieve for me, A dismal story I'll relate, Concerning of my wretched fate." 20 "Speak up, my Child," this Lord did say, "I say you shall not die this day-- And if I find you innocent, I'll crown your days with sweet content." 21 He told him all his dangers past, He had gone through from first to last, He fetched the chain and cabinet, Likewise the paper that was writ. 22 When that this noble Lord did see, He ran to him most eagerly, And in his arms did him embrace, Repeating of those words in haste.-- 23 "My Child, my Child, how blessed am I Thou art innocent, and shalt not die; For I'm indeed thy Godfather, And thou wast born in fair Yorkshire. 24 "I have indeed one daughter dear, Which is indeed my only heir; And I will give her unto thee, And crown you with felicity." 25 So then the Butler and the Cook ('Twas them that stole the golden cup) Confessed their faults immediately, And for it died deservedly. 26 This goodly youth, as I do hear, Thus raised, sent for his parents dear, Who did rejoice their Child to see-- And so I end my Tragedy. {p.303} NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF JAMES ANNESLEY. (See NOTE, p. 26.) "Lord and Lady Altham, of Dunmain, in the county of Wexford, had been for many years married and childless, when, in the year 1715, their warmest hopes and wishes were realized by the birth of an heir to their estates and title. On that joyful evening the hospitality of the house of Dunmain was claimed by a young gentleman travelling from Dublin, named 'Master Richard Fitzgerald,' who joined Lord Altham and his household in drinking the healths of the 'lady in the straw,' and the long expected heir, in the customary groaning drink. It does not appear that Master Fitzgerald was learned in astrology, or practised any branch of the 'Black art,' or that he used any spell with reference to the infant more potent than these hearty libations and sincere good wishes for his future prosperity. Next day, before leaving the hospitable mansion, the little hero of this tale was presented to the stranger, who 'kissed him, and gave the nurse half-a-guinea.'