The Loving Ballad of Lord Bateman by Charles Dickens (booksvooks .TXT) 📕

plinters. Antiquarians differrespecting the intent and meaning of this ceremony, which has beenconstrued and interpreted in many different ways. The strong probability isthat it was done "for luck;" and yet Lord Bateman should have been superiorto the prejudices of the vulgar.]

[Footnote 9:

If my own Sophia.

So called doubtless from the mosque of St. Sophia, at Constantinople; herfather having professed the Mahomedan religion.]

[Footnote 10:

_Then up and spoke this young bride's mother,
Who never vos heerd to speak so free._

This is an exquisite touch of nature, which most married men, whether ofnoble or plebeian blood, will quickly recognise. During the whole of herdaughter's courtship, the good old lady had scarcely spoken, save byexpressive smiles and looks of approval. But now that her object is gained,and her daughter fast married (as she thinks), she suddenly assumes quite anew tone, "and never was heerd to speak so free." It would be diff