Ah, poor Louise! the livelong day <br />She roams from cot to castle gay; <br />And still her voice and viol say, <br />Ah, maids, beware the woodland way, <br />Think on Louise. <br /> <br />Ah, poor Louise! The sun was high, <br />It smirch'd her cheek, it dimm'd her eye, <br />The woodland walk was cool and nigh, <br />Where birds with chiming streamlets vie <br />To cheer Louise. <br /> <br />Ah, poor Louise! The savage bear <br />Made ne'er that lovely grove his lair; <br />The wolves molest not paths so fair- <br />But better far had such been there <br />For poor Louise. <br /> <br />Ah, poor Louise! In woody wold <br />She met a huntsman fair and bold; <br />His baldric was of silk and gold, <br />And many a witching tale he told <br />To poor Louise. <br /> <br />Ah, poor Louise! Small cause to pine <br />Hadst thou for treasures of the mine; <br />For peace of mind that gift divine, <br />And spotless innocence, were thine, <br />Ah, poor Louise! <br /> <br />Ah, poor Louise! Thy treasure's reft! <br />I know not if by force or theft, <br />Or part by violence, part by gift; <br />But misery is all that's left <br />To poor Louise. <br /> <br />Let poor Louise some succour have! <br />She will not long your bounty crave, <br />Or tire the gay with warning stave- <br />For Heaven has grace, and earth a grave, <br />Poor poor Louise.<br /><br />Sir Walter Scott<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-lay-of-poor-louise/
