He heard the shout of joy, for now A boat approach’d the wall, And eager to the welcome aid They crowd for safety all. My boat is small, the boatman cried, This dangerous haste forbear! Wait other aid, this little bark But one from hence can bear. Lord William leap’d into the boat, Haste—haste to yonder shore! And ample wealth shall well reward, Ply swift and strong the oar. The boatman plied the oar, the boat Went light along the stream, Sudden Lord William heard a cry Like Edmund’s drowning scream. The boatman paus’d, methought I heard A child’s distressful cry! ’Twas but the howling wind of night Lord William made reply. Haste haste—ply swift and strong the oar! Haste haste across the stream! Again Lord William heard a cry Like Edmund’s drowning scream. I heard a child’s distressful scream The boatman cried again. Nay hasten on—the night is dark— And we should search in vain. Oh God! Lord William dost thou know How dreadful ’tis to die? And can’st thou without pity hear A child’s expiring cry? How horrible it is to sink Beneath the chilly stream, To stretch the powerless arms in vain, In vain for help to scream? The shriek again was heard. It came More deep, more piercing loud, That instant o’er the flood the moon Shone through a broken cloud. And near them they beheld a child, Upon a crag he stood, A little crag, and all around Was spread the rising flood. The boatman plied the oar, the boat Approach’d his resting place, The moon-beam shone upon the child And show’d how pale his face. Now reach thine hand! the boatman cried Lord William reach and save! The child stretch’d forth his little hands To grasp the hand he gave. Then William shriek’d; the hand he touch’d Was cold and damp and dead! He felt young Edmund in his arms A heavier weight than lead. The boat sunk down, the murderer sunk Beneath the avenging stream; He rose, he scream’d, no human ear Heard William’s drowning scream. A Ballad, Shewing how an old Woman rode Double, and who rode before her. heavy black illustration (woodcut) of the title ­ worth seeing!