Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-11-29

We gentlemen kept together in some
wise and gradually gained on Mary,
who had had the start, and there were
some seven of us-one of the Barrys,
Sir Humphrey Hyde, Ralph Drake,
Parson Downs, in such guise for par.
son that no one would have known
him, booted and spurred and riding
harder than any by virtue of his best
horse in the colony, myself and two OF
the burgesses. We seven gaining on
the rabble, in spite Of the fact that
many of them were mounted upon
Major Robert Beverly's best horses,
through their having less knowledge of
horsemanship, closed around Mary
Cavendish on Merry Roger, clearing
the ground with long galloping bounds,
and Catherine, with the strange horse
man, was somewhat behind.
As we came up with Mary she locked
at us over her shoulder with bright
ness of triumph and withal something
of merriment. like a child successful
In mischief. and laughed and waved
her hand in which. as / live, she held
a sword which had long graced the hall
at Drake Hill. and | believe she medi-
tated cutting the tobacco herself.
Then great cheer went up for her.
in which we, in spite Of our misgiyings,
joined. Something so wonderful and
innocent there was i'm the fresh en-
thusiasm of the maid. Then again her
sweet voice rang out:
Down with the tobacco, gentlemen
of Virginia. and down with all tyranny
Remember Nathaniel Bacon, remember
Nathaniel Bacon"
Then we MI caught up that last cry
Of hers, and the air rang with "Remem-
ber Nathaniel Bacon
But as soon as might be rode close
enough to speak with Mary Cavendish.
and Sir Humphrey was on the other
side, each with our jealousy lost sight
Of In our concern for her.
"Child, thou must turn and go home"
I said, and fear my voice lost its firm
ness, for was half mad with admira-
tion and love and apprehension for her
Then Sir Humphrey echoed me.
"The militia will be upon Us present
ly," he shouted in her ear above the
din. ride home as fast rs you may.
She looked from one to the other of
us and laughed gayly and shook her
head, and her golden curls flew to the
wind, and she touched Merry Roger
with her whip and be bounded ahead.
and we had all we could do to keep
pace. he being fresh. Then Parson
Downs pelted to her side and besought
her to turn, and so did Captain Jaynes.
though he was half laughing with de.
light ut her spirit, and his bright eyes
viewed her in such wise that | could
scarce keep my fingers from his throat
But Mary Cavendish would hear to
none, and no way there was Of turn
ing her, lest we dragged her from her
saddle.
Again l rode close and spoke so that
no one beside her could hear.
Go home. pray you. il you love
me-" said.
But she looked at me with a proud
defiance and such spirit Of a man
that marvcled at her.
"'Tis no time to talk Of love. sir" said
she. when a people strike for liberty
they stop not for honey nor kisses"
Then she cried again, Remember
Nathaniel Baconw And again that
wild shout echoed her silver voice.
But then | spoke again, catching her
bride rein as | rode.
"Then so, if not because you love me,
because love thee" said close to her
ear with her golden hair blowing
athwart my face.
II obey not the man who loves me,
but the man who weds me, and that
you will not do because you hold your
pride dearer than love-" said she.
NAY, because hold thee dearer than
my love-" said |.
'Tis false principle you act upon,
and love Is before all else, even that