For {238}Sir Marmaduke Tracy had reason to ride To some lord’s in the neighbouring valley: Ere he thought of a bride, he the spoils must divide With the friends who’d connived at his sally. LII. But returning (too soon!) one fine morning in June, When brightly and warmly the sun shone, He came whistling a tune all along the saloon, And joined the small party at luncheon. LIII. “Now, Baron,” quoth he, “prithee hearken to me: To escape you may shortly the way see: If you e’er would be free, you must quickly agree, That your daughter becomes Lady Tracy. LIV. “I am elderly, true; it were better for you That death hadn’t taken my son John. But refuse! if you do, why, the day you shall rue In a most insalubrious dungeon.” LV. Says the Baron, “I burn your assault to return, And, spite of your luncheons and _he_ cook, My child will soon learn your proposals to spurn, You lubberly son of a sea-cook! LVI. “The battle you’ve won, vile son of a gun, Though more by your cunning than merit; But, much though you’ve done, I can tell you that none Can break the true Montmolon spirit. LVII. “Sir {239}Guy de la Vaux, I assuredly know, Will avenge the foul trick that you’ve played me; And the Lord Montereaux to my rescue will go, Though houseless and homeless you’ve made me. LVIII. “No daughter of mine to a man will incline Who has murdered her father’s retainers. Those are _my_ views in fine; my brave girl, I opine, Will in language more pretty explain hers!” LIX. Then Ida, “Papa, all your sentiments are My own--you are always so ready. And besides, much I fear, that though mighty in war, Sir Marmaduke’s rather unsteady. LX. “And I’m bound to declare, though hardly I dare (And my courage is quite down at zero), For _another_ I care, and it wouldn’t be fair To give up my faithful young hero. LXI. “I met him, you know, nearly five years ago, Abroad, at the Henley regatta, So I’m bound to reply to Sir Marmaduke ‘No,’ Although his attentions may flatter.” LXII. The Tracy laughed loud at the maiden so proud, But, says he, “Come, a truce to your chaffing; It must be allowed that you don’t seem much cowed, But you’ll find it no matter for laughing. LXIII. “You, {240}madam, when cool, your affections must school To follow Sir Marmaduke’s pleasure; And, Baron, you fool and cantankerous mule, In a dungeon shall ponder at leisure. LXIV.