* * * * * THE LUCK OF EDENHALL. _The ancient seat of Sir William Musgrave, in Cumberland._ In an excursion to the North of England, I was easily prevailed upon, to see the _Luck_ of _Edenhall_, celebrated in an ancient ballad, now exceedingly scarce--the only description I can give you of it is, a very thin bell-mouthed beaker glass, very deep and narrow, ornamented on the outside with fancy work of coloured glass, and may hold something more than a pint. Tradition says that a party of fairies were drinking and making merry round a well near the hall, called St. Cuthbert's Well, but being interrupted by the intrusion of some curious people, they were frightened, and made a hasty retreat, and left the cup in question, one of the last of the fairies screaming out, "If this cup should break or fall, Farewell the _Luck_ of _Edenhall_." The ballad above alluded to, is here inserted. It was written by the duke of Wharton, and is called "The Earl's Defeat," to the tune of Chevy Chace. "On both sides slaughter and gigantic deeds." GOD prosper long from being broke, The _Luck of Edenhall;_ A doleful drinking bout I sing, There lately did befall. To chase the spleen with cup and can, Duke Philip took his way; Babes yet unborn shall never see The like of such a day. The stout and ever thirsty duke A vow to God did make, His pleasure within Cumberland, Three live long nights to take. Sir Musgrave, too, of Martindale, A true and worthy knight, Eftsoons with him a bargain made, In drinking to delight. The bumpers swiftly pass'd about, Six in a hand went round, And, with their calling for more wine They made the hall resound. Now when these merry tidings reach'd The Earl of Harold's ears, "And am I (quoth he, with an oath) Thus slighted by my peers. "Saddle my steed, bring forth my boots, I'll be with them and quick; And, master Sheriff, come you too; We'll know this scurvy trick," "Lo, yonder doth Earl Harold come!" Did one at table say. "'Tis well," replied the mettled duke; "How will he get away?" When thus the Earl began, "Great duke, I'll know how this did chance, Without inviting me! sure this You did not learn in France. "One of us two for this offence Under the board shall lie; I know thee well, a duke thou art, So, some years hence shall I. "But trust me, Wharton, pity 'twere So much good wine to spill, As these companions here may drink, Ere they have had their fill. "Let thou and I, in bumpers full, This grand affair decide"-- "Accursed be he," duke Wharton said, "By whom it is denied." To Andrews, and to Hotham fair, Many a pint went round, And many a gallant gentleman Lay sick upon the ground.