The Goldfinch (1817)/Sally Roy

by John Rannie

For other versions of this work, see Sally Roy.

Sally Roy.

Fair Sally, once the village pride,
lies cold and wan in yonder valley;
She lost her lover, and she died;
grief broke the heart of gentle Sally.

Young Valiant was the hero's name,
for early valour fir'd the boy:
Who barter'd all his love for fame,
and kill'd the hopes of Sally Roy.

Swift from the arms of weeping love,
as rag'd the war in yonder valley,
He rush'd, his martial pow'r to prove,
while faint with fear sunk lovely Sally.

At noon she saw the youth depart,
at eve she lost her darling joy,
Ere night the last throb of her heart,
declar'd the fate of Sally Roy.

The virgin train in tears are seen,
when yellow midnight fills the valley,
Slow stealing o'er the dewy green,
towards the grave of gentle Sally.

And while remembrance wakes the sigh,
which weans each feeling heart from joy,
The mournful dirge ascending high,
Bewails the fate of Sally Roy.

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