This small piece of tradition indicates
that the adventurous but ill-advised duke was a man of unusual
muscular power and activity.
"On the 8th of July, 1685, the Duke of Monmouth was brought
a prisoner to Ringwood, and halted at an inn there. My
mother, who was a native of Ringwood, used to relate that her
grandmother was one of the spectators when the royal prisoner
came out to take horse; and that the old lady never failed to
recount, how he rejected any assistance in mounting, though
his arms were pinioned; but placing his foot in the stirrup,
sprang lightly into his saddle, to the admiration of all
observers."
ELIJAH WARING.
Dowry Parade, Clifton Hotwells, March 21. 1850.
* * * * *
TO PHILAUTUS.
(_FROM THE LATIN OF BUCHANAN_.)
Narcissus loved himself we know,
And you, perhaps, have cause to show
Why you should do the same;
But he was wrong: and, if I may,
Philautus, I will freely say,
I think you more to blame.
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