EXCELSIOR LITERATURE SERIES 
 
 No. 35 
 
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 Lady of the Lake 
 
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 By Sir Walter Scott 
 
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 F. A. OWEN PUBLISHING COMPANY, DANSVILLE, N.Y. 
 
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EXCELSIOR LITERATURE SERIES 
 
 The Lady of the Lake 
 
 By SIR WALTER SCOTT 
 
 With Introduction and Notes 
 By BARBARA A. MacLEOD 
 
 F. A. OWEN PUBLISHING COMPANY. 
 DANSVILLE. N. Y. 
 

 Copyright, 1915 
 F. A. OWEN PUBTJSHING CO. 
 
 l^ke Lady of the Lake 
 
 ©CIA A 426425 
 
 ^PR 2 3- 1^1(3 
 
BIOGRAPHY 
 
 Walter Scott, upon whose head rests the double crown of 
 poetry and prose, was born in Edinburgh on the 15th of Au- 
 gust, 1771, and died at Abbotsford on the 21st of September, 
 1832. During his youth he suffered much from ill health and 
 contracted a lameness which never left him. In spite of this 
 he joined in m.ost of the active sports of the schoolboys, thus 
 asserting his vigorous, courageous and manly character. He 
 studied at the High School and University of his native city 
 and early imbued his mind with the legends, traditions and an- 
 tiquities of his country. 
 
 Discarding the profession of an advocate for which he was 
 intended, he directed his attention to literary pursuits, and in 
 1796 commenced his meteoric career as author by the publica- 
 tion of ballads from the German of Burger. In 1802 he pro- 
 duced The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, and in 1805 en- 
 raptured the reading world with the first of his great poems. 
 The Lay of the Last Minstrel, a work which placed him in the 
 front rank of contemporary poets, and second only to Byron 
 and Shelley. In 1808 he gave the public his Marmion, the 
 masterpiece of his poetic genius; and in 1810 his last great 
 poem. The Lady of the Lake. 
 
 In 1811 he built for himself on the banks of the Tweed a 
 romantic chateau which he named Abbotsford and which re- 
 mains one of Britain's sacred shrines. 
 
 In 1814 he began his career as a novelist by the publication 
 of Waverley. Thenceforward he delighted tens of thousands 
 with the productions of his magical pen. Translated into every 
 language, they filled the world with their fame and made for 
 their creator a princely fortune. 
 
 Having become involved in the commercial transactions of 
 his publishers, Scott was in 1825 a ruined man. But he rose 
 again, resumed his pen, and though suffering from impaired 
 health and domestic afflictions, he in the course of six years 
 paid $600,000. This unexampled intellectual effort he accom- 
 plished at the cost of his life. He went to Italy for his health, 
 but finding his strength rapidly declining he returned to his 
 home to die. 
 
 Independent of his novels and poems; Scott did much in other 
 departments of literature. His miscellaneous writings em- 
 braced almost every branch of belles-lettres. Scott must ever 
 rank as one of the foremost names in literature. Surpassed 
 by other writers in versatility, art, individuality and humor, 
 Scott yet remains the grand master of the field of chivalrous 
 and historical romance. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 The Lady of the Lake is by far the most interesting of the 
 many romantic and interesting- poems of Scott. Loch Katrine 
 and the Trosachs, the scene of the opening cantos, have been 
 thronged since his day with tourists who live over again the 
 delights excited in their minds by his wonderful power of pic- 
 turing rapid action and the charm of natural scenery. The 
 historical basis of the poem is to be found in the life of the 
 hero, James V of Scotland, which is romantically depicted in 
 The Tales of a Grandfather, an excerpt from which is found in 
 this volume. 
 
 The smoothness and flowing grace of the lines make the poem 
 easy to read and to commit to memory; these qualities are 
 what have made it one of the most frequently read long poems 
 of the English language. If well read aloud to boys and girls 
 it is the poem of all others best suited to create in them a taste 
 for poetry. It is pre-eminently the poem for youth and youth- 
 ful readers. Perhaps one reason for this is that the poem sel- 
 dom lags in movement, and the spirit and freshness of each new 
 episode and scene are preserved most admirably throughout. 
 
 The six cantos describe the events of six days, each canto 
 representing the happenings of one day. The parts of the poem 
 depicting the chase and the meeting with Ellen in the midst of 
 the wild and charming scenery of Loch Katrine; the weird and 
 mystical superstitions surrounding the ritual of the Fiery 
 Cross ; the hand-to-hand combat between the fierce Highland 
 chieftain and his enemy ; the devotion of the minstrel to his 
 lady; the sports and the glittering chivalry of the court at 
 Stirling, are the portions of the poem that live most vividly in 
 the memory. 
 
 Throughout the poem the songs frequently interspersed serve 
 to relieve the sameness of the iambic tetrameter in which the 
 lines of the poem itself are written. Though the Pibroch of 
 Donuil Dhu was regarded by Scott as the only one of his songs 
 worthy to live, the Boat Song in Canto II and the Coronach or 
 lament for the dead in Canto III could not be spared without 
 marring the beauty of the poem. 
 
 The prologue to Canto I is well adapted to create for the 
 reader an appreciation of the spirit of the poet though it hapn^ 
 little or no suggestion in it of the content of the canto itself. 
 In this particular the introductions to nearly all the other can- 
 tos differ, leading as they do, directly into the subject. The 
 epilogue to the poem is most admirable and is a complement to 
 the prologue to Canto I. As in the epic, the poet invokes the 
 muse at the beginning of his story, and she having smiled 
 upon him, he chants his gratitude in the strain of noble music 
 which concludes the poem. 
 
REIGN AND CHARACTER OF JAMES V 
 
 From Scott's "Tales of a Grandfather" 
 
 Queen Margaret, who hated her husband Angus, now com- 
 bined with his enemy Arran, to call James V, her son (though 
 then only twelve years old), to the management of the public 
 affairs ; but the Earl of Angus, returning at this crisis from 
 France, speedily obtained a superiority in the Scottish councils, 
 and became the head of those nobles who desired to maintain a 
 friendly alliance with England rather than to continue that 
 league with France, which had so often involved Scotland in 
 quarrels with their powerful neighbor. Margaret might have 
 maintained her authority, for she was personally much beloved ; 
 but it was the fate or the folly of that Queen to form rash 
 marriages. Having obtained a divorce from Angus, she mar- 
 ried a young man of little power and inferior rank, named 
 Henry Stewart, a younger son of Lord Evandale. She lost her 
 influence by that ill-advised measure. Angus, therefore, rose 
 to the supreme authority in Scotland, obtained possession of 
 the psrsen of the King, transacted everything in the name of 
 James, but by his own authority, and became in all respects 
 the Regent of Scotland, though without assuming the name. 
 
 The talents of the Earl of Angus were equal to the charge 
 he had assumed, and as he reconciled himself to his old rival, 
 the Earl of Arran, his power seemed founded on a sure basis. 
 He was able to accomplish a treaty of peace with England, 
 which was of great advantage to the kingdom. But, according 
 to the fashion of the times, Angus was much too desirous to 
 confer all the great offices, lands, and other advantages in the 
 disposal of the crown, upon his own friends and adherents, to 
 the exclusion of all the nobles and gentry who had either 
 taken part against him in the late struggle for power, or were 
 not decidedly his partisans. The course of justice also was 
 shamefully perverted by the partiality of Angus for his friends, 
 kinsmen and adherents. 
 
 The King who was now fourteen years old, became disgusted 
 with the sort of restraint in which Angus detained him, and 
 desirous to free himself from his tutelage. His mother had 
 doubtless a natural influence over him, and that likewise was 
 exerted to the Earl's prejudice. The Earl of Lennox, a wise 
 and intelligent nobleman, near in blood to the King, was also 
 active in fostering his displeasure against the Douglases, and 
 schemes began to be agitated for taking the person of the King 
 out of the hands of Angus. But Angus was so well established 
 in the government, that his authority could not be destroyed 
 except by military force; and it was not easy to bring such to 
 bear against one so powerful, and of such a martial character. 
 
THE LADY OF THE LAKE 
 
 At length it seems to have been determined to employ the 
 agency of Sir Walter Scott of Buccleuch, a man of great cour- 
 age and military talent, head of a numerous and powerful clan 
 and possessed of much influence on the Border. He had been 
 once the friend of Angus, and had even scaled the walls of 
 Edinburgh with a great body of his clan, in order to render the 
 party of the Earl uppermost in that city. But of late he had 
 attached himself to Lennox, by whose counsel he seems to have 
 been guided in the enterprise which 1 am about to give you an 
 account of. 
 
 Some excesses had taken place on the Border, probably by 
 the connivance of Buccleuch, which induced Angus to march 
 to Jedburgh, bringing the King in his company, lest he should 
 have made his escape during his absence. He was joined by 
 the clans of Home and Ker, both in league with him, and he 
 had, besides, a considerable body of chosen attendants. Angus 
 was returning from this expedition, and had passed the night 
 at Melrose. The Kers and Homes had taken leave of the Earl, 
 who with the King and his retinue had left Melrose, when a 
 band of a thousand horsemen suddenly appeared on the side of 
 an eminence called Halidon-hill, and, descending into the valley, 
 interposed between the Earl and the bridge by which he must 
 pass the Tweed on his return northward. 
 
 "Sir," said Angus to the King, "yonder comes Buccleuch, 
 with the Border thieves of Teviotdale and Liddesdale, to inter- 
 rupt your Grace's passage. I vow to God they shall either fight 
 or fly. You shall halt upon this knoll with my brother George, 
 while we drive off these banditti, and clear the road for your 
 Grace. ' ' 
 
 The King made no answer, for in his heart he desired that 
 Buccleuch's undertaking might be successful; but he dared not 
 say so. 
 
 Angus, meantime, despatched a herald to charge Buccleuch 
 to withdraw with his forces. Scott replied, "that he was come, 
 according to the custom of the Borders, to show the King his 
 clan and followers, and invite his Grace to dine at his house." 
 To which he added, "that he knew the King's mind as well as 
 Angus, " The Earl advanced, and the Borderers, shouting their 
 war-cry of Bellenden, immediately joined battle, and fough** 
 stoutly; but the Homes and the Kers, who were at no great 
 distance, returned on hearing the alarm, and coming through 
 the little village of Darnick, set upon Buccleuch's men and 
 decided the fate of the day in favor of Angus and his men. This 
 skirmish took place on the 25th of July, 1526. 
 
 The Earl of Lennox being disappointed in procuring the King's 
 release by means of Buccleuch, now resolved to attempt it in 
 person. He received much encouragement from the Chan- 
 
JAMES V 
 
 cellor Beaton, from the Earl of Glencairn, and other noble- 
 men, who saw with displeasure the Earl of Angus keeping- the 
 young King under restraint, and that all the administration of 
 the kingdom centered in the Douglases. Lennox assembled an 
 army of ten or twelve thousand men, and advanced upon Edin- 
 burgh from Stirling. Angus and Arran, who were still closely 
 leagued together, encountered Lennox, with an inferior force, 
 near the village of Newliston. The rumour that a battle was 
 about to commence soon reached Edinburgh, when Sir George 
 Douglas hastened to call out the citizens in arms, to support 
 his brother, the Earl of Angus. The city bells were rung, 
 trumpets were sounded, and the King himself was obliged to 
 mount on horseback, to give countenance to the measures of 
 the Douglases, whom in his soul he detested. James was so 
 sensible of his situation, that he tried, by every means in his 
 power, to delay the march of the forces which were mustered 
 at Edinburgh. When they reached the village of Corstorphine, 
 they heard the thunder of the guns ; which inflamed the fierce 
 impatience of George Douglas to reach the field of battle, and 
 also increased the delays of the young King, who was in hopes 
 Angus might be defeated before his brother could come up. 
 Douglas, perceiving this, addressed the King in language which 
 James never forgot nor forgave: — "Your Grace need not think 
 to escape us," said this fierce warrior; "if our enemies had hold 
 of you on one side, and we on the other, we would tear you to 
 pieces ere we would let you go. " 
 
 Tidings now came from the field of battle that Lennox had 
 been defeated, and that Angus had gained the victory. The 
 young King, dismayed at the news, now urged his attendants 
 to gallop forward, as much as he had formerly desired them 
 to hang back. He charged them to prevent slaughter, and 
 save lives, especially that of Lennox. Sir Andrew Wood, one 
 of the King's cup-bearers, arrived on the field of battle in time 
 enough to save the Earl of Glencairn, who, protected by some 
 strong ground, was still fighting gallantly, though he had scarce 
 thirty men left alive; and Wood contrived to convey him safe 
 out of the field. But Lennox, about whose safety the King 
 was so anxious, was already no more. He had been slain in 
 cold blood by that bloodthirsty man, Sir James Hamilton of 
 Draphane, who took him from the Laird of Pardivan, to whom 
 lie had surrendered himself. 
 
 After these two victories, the Earl of Angus seemed to be 
 so firmly established in power that his followers set no bounds 
 to their presumption, and his enemies were obliged to fly and 
 hide themselves. Angus est-iblished around the King's person 
 a guard of a hundred men of his own choice, commanded by 
 Douglas of Parkhead. But the close restraint in which the 
 
THE LADY OF THE LAKE 
 
 King found himself, only increased his eager desire to be rid 
 of all the Douglases together. Force having failed in two in- 
 stances, James had recourse to stratagem. 
 
 He prevailed on his mother. Queen Margaret, to yield up to 
 him the castle of Stirling, which was her jointure-house, and 
 secretly to put it into the hands of a governor whom he could 
 trust. This was done with much caution. Thus prepared with 
 a place of refuge, James watched with anxiety an opportunity 
 of flying to it; and he conducted himself with such apparent 
 confidence toward Angus that the Douglases were lulled into 
 security, and concluded that the King was reconciled to his 
 state of bondage, and had despaired of making his escape. 
 
 [In July 1528 he succeeded one night in eluding his watchers, 
 and rode from Falkland palace to Stirling castle. The Doug- 
 lases pursued him here, but he defied them.] 
 
 Soon afterwards, the King assembled around him the numer- 
 ous nobility, who envied the power of Angus and Arran, or had 
 suffered injuries at their hands; and, in open parliament, ac- 
 cused them of treason, declaring that he had never been sure 
 of his life all the while that he was in their power. A sen- 
 tence of forfeiture was, therefore, passed against the Earl of 
 Angus, and he was driven into exile, with all his friends and 
 kinsmen. And thus the Red Douglases, of the house of Angus, 
 shared almost the same fate with the Black Douglases, of the 
 elder branch of that mighty house; with this difference, that 
 as they had never risen so high, so they did not fall so irre- 
 trievably; for the Earl of Angus lived to return and enjoy his 
 estates in Scotland, where he again played a distinguished part. 
 But this was not till after the death of James V, who retained, 
 during his whole life, an implacable resentment against the 
 Douglases, and never permitted one of the name to settle in 
 Scotland while he lived. 
 
 Freed from the stern control of the Douglas family, James 
 V now began to exercise the government in person, and dis- 
 played most of the qualities of a wise and good prince. 
 
 His first care was to bring the Borders of Scotland to some 
 degree of order. These were inhabited by tribes of men, 
 forming each a different clan, as they were called, and obeying 
 no orders, save those which were given by their chiefs. These 
 chiefs were supposed to represent the first founder of the 
 name, or family. The attachment of the clansmen to the chief 
 was very great : indeed, they paid respect to no one else. In 
 this the Borderers agreed with the Highlanders, as also in their 
 love of plunder and neglect of the general laws of the country. 
 But the Border men wore no tartan dress, and served almost 
 always on horseback, whereas the Highlanders acted always on 
 
JAMES V 
 
 foot. (You will also remember that the Borderers spoke the 
 Scottish languag-e, and not the Gaelic tongue used by the 
 mountaineers. ) 
 
 The situation of these clans on the frontiers exposed them to 
 constant war; so that they thought of nothing else but of col- 
 lecting bands of their followers together, and making incur- 
 sions, without much distinction, on the English, on the Low- 
 land Scots, or upon each other. They paid little respect either 
 to times of truce or treaties of peace, but exercised their dep- 
 redations without regard to either, and often occasioned wars 
 betwixt England and Scotland which would not otherwise have 
 taken place. 
 
 It is said of a considerable family on the Borders, that when 
 they had consumed all the cattle about the castle, a pair of 
 spurs was placed on the table in a covered dish, as a hint that 
 they must ride out and fetch more. The chiefs and leading 
 men told down their daughter's portions according to the plun- 
 der which thej'^ were able to collect in the course of a Michael- 
 mas moon, when its prolonged light allowed them opportunity 
 for their freebooting excursions. The Borderers were very 
 brave in battle, but in time of peace they were a pest to their 
 Scottish neighbors. As their insolence had risen to a high 
 pitch after the field of Flodden had thrown the country into 
 confusion, James V resolved to take very severe measures 
 against them. 
 
 His first step was to secure the persons of the principal 
 chieftains by whom these disorders were privately encouraged. 
 James then assembled an army, in which warlike purposes 
 were united with those of silvan sport; for he ordered all the 
 gentlemen in the wild districts which he intended to visit to 
 bring in their best dogs, as if his only purpose had been to 
 hunt the deer in those desolate regions. This was intended to 
 prevent the Borderers from taking the alarm, in which case 
 they wouldhave retreated into their mountains and fastnesses, 
 from whence it would have been diflScult to dislodge them. 
 These men had indeed no distinct idea of the offences which 
 they had committed, and consequently no apprehension of the 
 King's displeasure against them. The laws had been so long 
 silent in that remote and disorderly country, that the outrages 
 which were practised by the strong against the weak seemed to 
 the perpetrators the natural course of society, and to present 
 nothing that was worthy of punishment. 
 
 Thus, as the King, in the beginning of his expedition, sud- 
 denly approached the castle of Piers Cockburn of Henderland, 
 that baron was in the act of providing a great entertainment to 
 welcome him, when James caused him to be suddenly seized 
 on, and executed. Adam Scott of Tushielaw, called the King 
 
THE LADY OF THE LAKE 
 
 of the Border, met the same fate. But an event of greater 
 importance, was the fate of John Armstrong, of Gilnockie. 
 
 This freebooting chief had risen to great consequence, and 
 the whole neighbouring district of England paid him blackmail, 
 that is, a sort of tribute, in consideration of which he forbore 
 plundering them. He had a high idea of his own importance, 
 and seems to have been unconscious of having merited any se- 
 vere usage at the King's hands. On the contrary, he came to 
 meet his sovereign at a place about ten miles from Hawick, 
 called Carlinrigg chapel, richly dressed, and having with him 
 twenty-four gentlemen, his constant retinue, as well attired as 
 himself. The King, incensed to see a freebooter so gallantly 
 equipped, commanded him instantly to be led to execution say- 
 ing, "What wants this knave, save a crown, to be as magnifi- 
 cent as a king?" John Armstrong made great offers for his 
 life, offering to maintain himself, with forty men, ready to 
 serve the King at a moment's notice, at his own expense; en- 
 gaging never to hurt or injure any Scottish subject, as indeed 
 had never been his practice; and undertaking that there was 
 not a man in England, of whatever degree, duke, earl, lord, or 
 baron, but he would engage, within a short time, to present 
 him to the King, dead or alive. But the King would listen to 
 none of his offers. 
 
 John Armstrong was led to execution, with all his men, and 
 hanged without mercy. The people of the inland counties were 
 glad to be rid of him; but on the Borders he was both missed 
 and mourned, as a brave warrior, and a stout man-at-arms 
 against England. 
 
 The Borders of Scotland were greatly weakened by the de- 
 struction of so many brave men, who, notwithstanding their 
 lawless course of life, were true defenders of their country ; 
 and there is reason to censure the extent to which James car- 
 ried his severity, as being to a certain degree impolitic, and 
 beyond doubt cruel and excessive. 
 
 In the like manner James proceeded against the Highland 
 chiefs; and by executions, forfeitures, and other severe meas- 
 ures, he brought the Northern mountaineers, as he had already 
 done those of the South, into comparative subjection. He then 
 set at liberty the Border chiefs, and others whom_ he had im- 
 prisoned lest they should have offered any hindrance to the 
 course of his justice. 
 
 James V had a custom of going about the country disguised 
 as a private person, in order that he might hear complaints 
 which might not otherwise reach his ears, and perhaps, that he 
 might enjoy amusements which he could not have partaken of 
 in his avowed royal character. 
 
 When James V travelled in disguise, he used a name which 
 
JAMES V 
 
 was known only to some of his principal nobility and attend- 
 ants. He was called the Goodman (the tenant, that is) of 
 Ballengiech. Once upon a time, when the court was feasting 
 in Stirling, the King sent for some venison from the neigh- 
 bouring hills. The deer were killed, and put on horses' backs 
 to be transported to Stirling. Unluckily they had to pass 
 the castle gates of Arnpryor, belonging to a chief of the Bu- 
 chanans, who chanced to have a considerable number of guests 
 with him. It was late, and the company were rather short of 
 victuals, though they had more than enough of liquor. The 
 chief, seeing so much fat venison passing his very door, seized 
 on it; and to the expostulations of the keepers, who told him 
 it belonged to King James, he answered insolently, that if 
 James was King of Scotland, he, Buchanan, was King in 
 Kippen; being the name of the district in which the castle of 
 Arnpryor lay. On hearing what had happensd, the King got 
 on horseback, and rode instantly from Stirling to Buchanan's 
 house, where he found a strong fierce-looking Highlander, 
 with an axe on his shoulder, standing sentinel at the door. 
 This grim warder refused the King admittance, saying, that 
 the laird of Arnpryor was at dinner, and would not be dis- 
 turbed. "Yet go up to the company, my good friend," said the 
 King, "and tell him that the Goodman of Ballengiech is come 
 to feast with the King of Kippen." The porter went grumb- 
 ling into the house, and told his master that there was a fel- 
 low with a red beard at the gate, who called himself the Good- 
 man of Ballengiech, who said he was come to dine with the 
 King of Kippen. As soon as Buchanan heard these words, he 
 knew that the King was come in person, and hastened down 
 to kneel at James's feet, and to ask forgiveness for his inso- 
 lent behaviour. But the King, who only meant to give him a 
 fright, forgave him freely, and, going into the castle, feasted 
 on his own venison which Buchanan had intercepted. Buchan- 
 an of Arnpryor was ever afterwards called the King of 
 Kippen. 
 
 The reign of James V was not alone distinguished by his 
 personal adventures and pastime, but is honorably remem- 
 bered on account of wise laws made for the government of 
 his people. 
 

 
 
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 TO ILLUSTRATE 
 
 "THE LADY OF THE LAKE" 
 
 'i^ar 
 
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The Lady of the Lake 
 
 CANTO FIRST 
 
 THE CHASE 
 Harp of the North! that moldering long hast hung 
 
 On the witch-elm that shades St. Fillan's spring, 
 And down the fitful breeze thy numbers flung, 
 
 Till envious ivy did around thee cling, 
 
 Muffling with verdant ringlet every string,— 5 
 minstrel Harp, still must thine accents sleep? 
 
 Mid rustling leaves and fountains murmuring, 
 Still must thy sweeter sounds their silence keep. 
 
 Nor bid a warrior smile, nor teach a maid to weep? 
 
 Not thus, in ancient days of Caledon, 10 
 
 Was thy voice mute amid the festal crowd. 
 When lay of hopeless love, or glory won. 
 
 Aroused the fearful or subdued the proud. 
 At each according pause was heard aloud 
 
 Thine ardent symphony sublime and high ! 15 
 
 Fair dames and crested chiefs attention bowed; 
 
 For still the burden of thy minstrelsy 
 Was Knighthood's dauntless deed, and Beauty's 
 matchless eye. 
 
 0, wake once more! how rude soever the hand 
 
 That ventures o'er thy magic maze to stray; 20 
 
 0, wake once more ! though scarce my skill command 
 
12 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto i 
 
 Some feeble echoing of thine earlier lay: 
 Though harsh and faint, and soon to die away, 
 
 And all unworthy of thy nobler strain, 
 Yet if one heart throb higher at its sway, 25 
 
 The wizard note has not been touched in vain. 
 Then silent be no more! Enchantress, wake again! 
 
 I 
 
 The stag at eve had drunk his fill. 
 
 Where danced the moon on Monan's rill, 
 
 And deep his midnight lair had made 30 
 
 In lone Glenartney's hazel shade; 
 
 But when the sun his beacon red 
 
 Had kindled on Benvoirlich's head, 
 
 The deep-mouthed bloodhound's heavy bay 
 
 Resounded up the rocky way, 35 
 
 And faint, from farther distance borne, 
 
 Were heard the clanging hoof and horn. 
 
 II 
 
 As Chief, who hears his warder call, 
 
 *'To arms! the foemen storm the wall,'* 
 
 The antlered monarch of the waste 40 
 
 Sprung from his heathery couch in haste. 
 
 But ere his fleet career he took, 
 
 The dewdrops from his flanks he shook ; 
 
 Like crested leader proud and high 
 
 Tossed his beamed frontlet to the sky; 45 
 
 A moment gazed adown the dale, 
 
 A moment snuffed the tainted gale, 
 
 A moment listened to the cry. 
 
 That thickened as the chase drew nigh ; 
 
CANTO I THE CHASE 
 
 Then, as the headmost foes appeared, 
 With one brave bound the copse he cleared, 
 And, stretching forward free and far, 
 Sought the wild heaths of Uam-Var. 
 
 Ill 
 
 Yelled on the view the opening pack ; 
 Rock, glen, and cavern paid them back; 
 To many a mingled sound at once 
 The awakened mountain gave response. 
 A hundred dogs bayed deep and strong. 
 Clattered a hundred steeds along. 
 Their peal the merry horns rung out, 
 A hundred voices joined the shout; 
 With hark and whoop and wild halloo, 
 No rest Benvoirlich's echoes knew. 
 Far from the tumult fled the roe. 
 Close in her covert cowered the doe. 
 The falcon, from her cairn on high. 
 Cast on the rout a wondering eye, 
 Till far beyond her piercing ken 
 The hurricane had swept the glen. 
 Faint, and more faint, its failing din 
 Returned from cavern, cliff, and linn. 
 And silence settled, wide and still. 
 On the lone wood and mighty hill. 
 
 IV 
 Less loud the sounds of sylvan war 
 Disturbed the heights of Uam-Var, 
 And roused the cavern where, 'tis told, 
 A giant made his den of old; 
 
U THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto l 
 
 For ere that steep ascent was won, 
 
 High in his pathway hung the sun, 
 
 And many a gallant, stayed perforce, so 
 
 Was fain to breathe his faltering horse. 
 
 And of the trackers of the deer 
 
 Scarce half the lessening pack was near: 
 
 So shrewdly on the mountain-side 
 
 Had the bold burst their mettle tried. sr. 
 
 The noble stag was pausing now 
 
 Upon the mountain's southern brow, 
 
 Where broad extended, far beneath, 
 
 The varied realms of fair Mentieth. 
 
 With anxious eye he wandered o'er 90 
 
 Mountain and meadow, moss and moor, 
 
 And pondered refuge from his toil, 
 
 By far Lochard or Aberfoyle. 
 
 But nearer was the copsewood gray 
 
 That waved and wept on Loch Achray, 95 
 
 And mingled with the pine trees blue 
 
 On the bold cliffs of Ben venue. 
 
 Fresh vigor with the hope returned, 
 
 With flying foot the heath he spurned. 
 
 Held westward with unwearied race, 100 
 
 And left behind the panting chase. 
 
 VI 
 'Twere long to tell what steeds gave o'er. 
 As swept the hunt through Cambusmore; 
 What reins were tightened in despair, 
 When rose Benledi's ridge in air; 105 
 
CANTO I THE CHASE 15 
 
 Who flagged upon Bochastle's heath, 
 
 Who shunned to stem the flooded Teith, — 
 
 For twice that day, from shore to shore, 
 
 The gallant stag swam stoutly o'er. 
 
 Few were the stragglers, following far, no 
 
 That reached the lake of Vennachar; 
 
 And when the Brigg of Turk was won, 
 
 The headmost horseman rode alone. 
 
 VII 
 
 Alone, but with unbated zeal. 
 
 That horseman plied the scourge and steel ; 115 
 
 For jaded now, and spent with toil, 
 
 Embossed with foam, and dark with soil. 
 
 While every gasp with sobs he drew. 
 
 The laboring stag strained full in view. 
 
 Two dogs of black St. Hubert's breed, 120 
 
 Unmatched for courage, breath, and speed. 
 
 Fast on his flying traces came, 
 
 And all but won that desperate game ; 
 
 For, scarce a spear's length from his haunch, 
 
 Vindictive toiled the bloodhounds staunch ; 125 
 
 Nor nearer might the dogs attain, 
 
 Nor farther might the quarry strain. 
 
 Thus up the margin of the lake, 
 
 Between the precipice and brake. 
 
 O'er stock and rock their race they take. 130 
 
 VIII 
 
 The Hunter marked that mountain high. 
 The lone lake's western boundary, 
 And deemed the stag must turn to bay, 
 
16 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto I 
 
 Where that huge rampart barred the way ; 
 
 Already glorying in the prize, 135 
 
 Measured his antlers with his eyes; 
 
 For the death-wound and death-halloo 
 
 Mustered his breath, his whinyard drew : — 
 
 But thundering as he came prepared, 
 
 With ready arm and weapon bared, i4o 
 
 The wily quarry shunned the shock. 
 
 And turned him from the opposing rock ; 
 
 Then, dashing down a darksome glen. 
 
 Soon lost to hound and Hunter's ken. 
 
 In the deep Trosachs' wildest nook 145 
 
 His solitary refuge took. 
 
 There, while close couched, the thicket shed 
 
 Cold dews and wild flowers on his head, 
 
 He heard the baffled dogs in vain 
 
 Rave through the hollow pass amain, 150 
 
 Chiding the rocks that yelled again. 
 
 IX 
 
 Close on the hounds the Hunter came. 
 
 To cheer them on the vanished game ; 
 
 But, stumbling in the rugged dell. 
 
 The gallant horse exhausted fell. 155 
 
 The impatient rider strove in vain 
 
 To rouse him with the spur and rein. 
 
 For the good steed, his labors o'er. 
 
 Stretched his stiff limbs, to rise no more ; 
 
 Then, touched with pity and remorse, leo 
 
 He sorrowed o'er the expiring horse. 
 
 "I little thought, when first thy rein 
 
 I slacked upon the banks of Seine, 
 
CANTO I THE CHASE 17 
 
 That Highland eagle e'er should feed 
 On thy fleet limbs, my matchless steed ! 155 
 
 Woe worth the chase, woe worth the day, 
 That costs thy life, my gallant gray!*' 
 
 Then through the dell his horn resounds. 
 
 From vain pursuit to call the hounds. 
 
 Back limped, with slow and crippled pace, 170 
 
 The sulky leaders of the chase ; 
 
 Close to their master's side they pressed, 
 
 With drooping tail and humbled crest; 
 
 But still the dingle's hollow throat 
 
 Prolonged the swelling bugle note. 1:5 
 
 The owlets started from their dream. 
 
 The eagles answered with their scream, 
 
 Round and around the sounds were cast 
 
 Till echo seemed an answering blast; 
 
 And on the Hunter hied his way, iso 
 
 To join some comrades of the day. 
 
 Yet often paused, so strange the road. 
 
 So wondrous were the scenes it showed. 
 
 XI 
 
 The western waves of ebbing day 
 
 Rolled o'er the glen their level way; m 
 
 Each purple peak, each flinty spire, 
 
 Was bathed in floods of living fire. 
 
 But not a setting beam could glow 
 
 Within the dark ravines below. 
 
 Where twined the path in shadow hid, 190 
 
 Round many a rocky pyramid. 
 
18 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto i 
 
 Shooting abruptly from the dell 
 
 Its thunder-splintered pinnacle; 
 
 Round many an insulated mass, 
 
 The native bulwarks of the pass, 195 
 
 Huge as the tower which builders vain 
 
 Presumptuous piled on Shinar's plain. 
 
 The rocky summits, split and rent, 
 
 Formed turret, dome, or battlement. 
 
 Or seemed fantastically set 200 
 
 With cupola or minaret. 
 
 Wild crests as pagod ever decked. 
 
 Or mosque of Eastern architect. 
 
 Nor were these earth-born castles bare. 
 
 Nor lacked they many a banner fair; 205 
 
 For, from their shivered brows displayed, 
 
 Far o'er the unfathomable glade. 
 
 All twinkling with the dewdrop sheen, 
 
 The brier-rose fell in streamers green. 
 
 And creeping shrubs of thousand dyes, 210 
 
 Waved in the west wind's summer sighs. 
 
 XII 
 
 Boon nature scattered, free and wild. 
 
 Each plant or flower, the mountain's child. 
 
 Here eglantine embalmed the air. 
 
 Hawthorn and hazel mingled there; 215 
 
 The primrose pale and violet flower. 
 
 Found in each cleft a narrow bower; 
 
 Foxglove and nightshade, side by side, 
 
 Emblems of punishment and pride. 
 
 Grouped their dark hues with every stain 220 
 
 The weather-beaten crags retain. 
 
CANTO I THE CHASE 19 
 
 With boughs that quaked at every breath, 
 
 Gray birch and aspen wept beneath ; 
 
 Aloft, the ash and warrior oak 
 
 Cast anchor in the rifted rock; 225 
 
 A.nd, higher yet, the pine tree hung 
 
 His shattered trunk, and frequent flung. 
 
 Where seemed the cliffs to meet on high. 
 
 His boughs athwart the narrowed sky. 
 
 Highest of all, where white peaks glanced, m 
 
 Where glistening streamers waved and danced, 
 
 The wanderer's eye could barely view 
 
 The summer heaven's delicious blue; 
 
 So wondrous wild, the whole might seem 
 
 The scenery of a fairy dream. 2:15 
 
 XIH 
 Onward, amid the copse 'gan peep 
 A narrow inlet, still and deep. 
 Affording scarce such breadth of brim 
 As served the wild duck's brood to swim. 
 Lost for a space, through thickets veering, 240 
 But broader when again appearing. 
 Tall rocks and tufted knolls their face 
 Could on the dark-blue mirror trace; 
 And farther as the Hunter strayed. 
 Still broader sweep its channels made. 245 
 
 The shaggy mounds no longer stood, 
 Emerging from the tangled wood, 
 But, wave-encircled, seemed to float, 
 Like castle girdled with its moat; 
 Yet broader floods extending still 250 
 
 Divide them from their parent hill. 
 
20 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO I 
 
 Till each, retiring, claims to be 
 An islet in an inland sea. 
 
 XIV 
 And now, to issue from the glen. 
 No pathway meets the wanderer's ken, 255 
 
 Unless he climb with footing nice, 
 A far projecting precipice. 
 The broom's tough roots his ladder made. 
 The hazel saplings lent their aid ; 
 And thus an airy point he won, 260 
 
 Where, gleaming with the setting sun, 
 One burnished sheet of living gold, 
 Loch Katrine lay beneath him rolled, 
 In all her length far winding lay, 
 With promontory, creek, and bay, 265 
 
 And islands that, empurpled bright. 
 Floated amid the livelier light, 
 And mountains that like giants stand 
 To sentinel enchanted land. 
 
 High on the south, huge Benvenue 2ro 
 
 Down in the lake in masses threw 
 Crags, knolls, and mounds, confusedly hurled. 
 The fragments of an earlier world ; 
 A wildering forest feathered o'er 
 His ruined sides and summit hoar, 275 
 
 While on the north, through middle air, 
 Ben-an heaved high his forehead bare. 
 
 XV 
 
 From the steep promontory gazed 
 The stranger, raptured and amazed, 
 
CANTO I THE CHASE 21 
 
 And, ''What a scene were here/' he cried, 280 
 
 ''For princely pomp or churchman's pride! 
 
 On this bold brow, a lordly tower ; 
 
 In that soft vale, a lady's bower; 
 
 On yonder meadow far away. 
 
 The turrets of a cloister gray ; 285 
 
 How blithely might the bugle-horn 
 
 Chide on the lake the lingering morn ! 
 
 How sweet at eve, the lover's lute 
 
 Chime when the groves were still and mute ! 
 
 And when the midnight moon should lave 290 
 
 Her forehead in the silver wave, 
 
 How solemn on the ear would come 
 
 The holy matins' distant hum. 
 
 While the deep peal's commanding tone 
 
 Should wake, in yonder islet lone, 295 
 
 A sainted hermit from his cell, 
 
 To drop a bead with every knell ! 
 
 And bugle, lute, and bell, and all. 
 
 Should each bewildered stranger call 
 
 To friendly feast and lighted hall. 300 
 
 XVI 
 
 "Blithe were it then to wander here! 
 
 Bat now — beshrew yon nimble deer — 
 
 Like that same hermit's, thin and spare. 
 
 The copse must give my evening fare ; 
 
 Some mossy bank my couch must be, 305 
 
 Some rustling oak my canopy. 
 
 Yet pass we that; the war and chase 
 
 Give little choice of resting place; — 
 
 A summer night in greenwood spent 
 
22 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto i 
 
 Were but tomorrow's merriment: sio 
 
 But hosts may in these wilds abound, 
 
 Such as are better miss'd than found; 
 
 To meet with Highland plunderers here 
 
 Were worse than loss of steed or deer. — 
 
 I am alone ; — my bugle-strain 
 
 May call some straggler of the train ; ais 
 
 Or, fall the worst that may betide, 
 
 Ere now this falchion has been tried/' 
 
 XVII 
 But scarce again his horn he wound. 
 When lo! forth starting at the sound, sao 
 
 From underneath an aged oak 
 That slanted from the islet rock, 
 A damsel guider of its way, 
 A little skiff shot to the bay. 
 That round the promontory steep 325 
 
 Led its deep line in graceful sweep. 
 Eddying, in almost viewless wave, 
 The weeping willow twig to lave. 
 And kiss, with whispering sound and slow, 
 The beach of pebbles bright as snow. 330 
 
 The boat had touched this silver strand 
 Just as the Hunter left his stand, 
 And stood concealed amid the brake. 
 To view this Lady of the Lake. 
 The maiden paused, as if again 335 
 
 She thought to catch the distant strain. 
 With head upraised, and look intent. 
 And eye and ear attentive bent. 
 And locks flung back, and lips apart, 
 
CANTO I THE CHASE 23 
 
 Like monument of Grecian art, 340 
 
 In listening mood, she seemed to stand, 
 The guardian Naiad of the strand. 
 
 XVIII 
 And ne'er did Grecian chisel trace 
 A Nymph, a Naiad, or a Grace, 
 Of finer form, or lovelier face ! 345 
 
 What though the sun, with ardent frown, 
 Had slightly tinged her cheek with brown, — 
 The sportive toil, which, short and light. 
 Had dyed her glowing hue so bright, 
 Served too in hastier swell to show 350 
 
 Short glimpses of a breast of snow : 
 What though no rule of courtly grace 
 To measured mood had trained her pace, — 
 A foot more light, a step more true, 
 Ne'er from the heath -flower dashed the dew ; 355 
 E'en the slight harebell raised its head. 
 Elastic from her airy tread: 
 What though upon her speech there hung 
 The accents of the mountain tongue,— 
 Those silver sounds, so soft, so dear, 300 
 
 The list'ner held his breath to hear! 
 
 XIX 
 
 A chieftain's daughter seemed the maid. 
 
 Her satin snood, her silken plaid, 
 
 Her golden brooch, such birth betrayed. 
 
 And seldom was a snood amid aes 
 
 Such wild luxuriant ringlets hid. 
 
 Whose glossy black to shame might bring 
 
24 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO l 
 
 The plumage of the raven's wing; 
 
 And seldom o'er a breast so fair 
 
 Mantled a plaid with modest care, 370 
 
 And never brooch the folds combined 
 
 Above a heart more good and kind. 
 
 Her kindness and her worth to spy, 
 
 You need but gaze on Ellen's eye; 
 
 Not Katrine in her mirror blue, 375 
 
 Gives back the shaggy banks more true, 
 
 Than every free-born glance confessed 
 
 The guileless movements of her breast; 
 
 Whether joy danced in her dark eye. 
 
 Or woe or pity claimed a sigh, aso 
 
 Or filial love was glowing there. 
 
 Or meek devotion poured a prayer. 
 
 Or tale of injury called forth 
 
 The indignant spirit of the North. 
 
 One only passion unrevealed 335 
 
 With maiden pride the maid concealed. 
 
 Yet no less purely felt the flame : — 
 
 0, need I tell that passion's name? 
 
 XX 
 
 Impatient of the silent horn, 
 Now on the gale her voice was borne : — 390 
 
 *' Father!" she cried; the rocks around 
 Loved to prolong the gentle sound. 
 Awhile she paused, no answer came— 
 "Malcolm, was thine the blast?" the name 
 Less resolutely uttered fell, 395 
 
 The echoes could not catch the swell. 
 ''A stranger I," the Huntsman said. 
 
CANTO I THE CHASE 25 
 
 Advancing from the hazel shade. 
 
 The maid, alarmed, with hasty oar, 
 
 Pushed her light shallop from the shore, 4oo 
 
 And when a space was gained between, 
 
 Closer she drew her bosom's screen; — 
 
 So forth the startled swan would swing, 
 
 So turn to prune his ruffled wing. 
 
 Then safe, though fluttered and amazed, 405 
 
 She paused, and on the stranger gazed. 
 
 Not his the form, nor his the eye. 
 
 That youthful maidens wont to fly. 
 
 XXI 
 
 On his bold visage middle age 
 
 Had slightly pressed its signet sage, 4io 
 
 Yet had not quenched the open truth 
 
 And fiery vehemence of youth ; 
 
 Forward and frolic glee was there. 
 
 The will to do, the soul to dare, 
 
 The sparkling glance, soon blown to fire, 415 
 
 Of hasty love or headlong ire. 
 
 His limbs were cast in manly mold 
 
 For hardy sports or contest bold; 
 
 And though in peaceful garb arrayed. 
 
 And weaponless except his blade, 420 
 
 His stately mien as well implied 
 
 A high-born heart, a martial pride. 
 
 As if a baron's crest he wore. 
 
 And sheathed in armor trode the shore. 
 
 Slighting the petty need he showed, 425 
 
 He told of his benighted road; 
 
 His ready speech flowed fair and free, 
 
26 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto I 
 
 In phrase of gentlest courtesy, 
 
 Yet seemed that tone and gesture bland, 
 
 Less used to sue than to command. 430 
 
 XXII 
 
 Awhile the maid the stranger eyed, 
 
 And, reassured, at length replied. 
 
 That Highland halls were open still 
 
 To wildered wanderers of the hill. 
 
 ''Nor think you unexpected come 435 
 
 To yon lone isle, our desert home ; 
 
 Before the heath had lost the dew, 
 
 This morn, a couch was pulled for you; 
 
 On yonder mountain's purple head 
 
 Have ptarmigan and heath-cock bled, 44o 
 
 And our broad nets have swept the mere. 
 
 To furnish forth your evening cheer." — 
 
 ''Now, by the rood, my lovely maid. 
 
 Your courtesy has erred," he said; 
 
 "No right have I to claim, misplaced, 445 
 
 The welcome of expected guest. 
 
 A wanderer, here by fortune tost. 
 
 My way, my friends, my courser lost, 
 
 I ne'er before, believe me, fair. 
 
 Have ever drawn your mountain air, 450 
 
 Till on this lake's romantic strand 
 
 I found a fay in fairyland!" — 
 
 xxni 
 
 "I well believe," the maid replied. 
 
 As her light skiff approached the side, — 
 
 "I well believe, that ne'er before 455 
 
CANTO I THE CHASE 27 
 
 Your foot has trod Loch Katrine's shore; 
 
 But yet, as far as yesternight, 
 
 Old Allan-bane foretold your plight, — 
 
 A gray-haired sire, whose eye intent 
 
 Was on the visioned future bent. 46o 
 
 He saw your steed, a dappled gray. 
 
 Lie dead beneath the birchen way ; 
 
 Painted exact your form and mien, 
 
 Your hunting-suit of Lincoln green. 
 
 That tasseled horn so gayly gilt, 465 
 
 That falchion's crooked blade and hilt. 
 
 That cap with heron plumage trim, 
 
 And yon two hounds so dark and grim. 
 
 He bade that all should ready be 
 
 To grace a guest of fair degree ; 470 
 
 But light I held his prophecy, 
 
 And deemed it was my father's horn 
 
 Whose echoes o'er the lake were borne." 
 
 XXIV 
 
 The stranger smiled : — ' ' Since to your home 
 
 A destined errant-knight I come, 475 
 
 Announced by prophet sooth and old. 
 
 Doomed doubtless, for achievement bold, 
 
 I'll lightly front each high emprise 
 
 For one kind glance of those bright eyes. 
 
 Permit me first the task to guide 48o 
 
 Your fairy frigate o'er the tide." 
 
 The maid, with smile suppress'd and sly, 
 
 The toil unwonted saw him try ; 
 
 For seldom, sure, if e'er before, 
 
 His noble hand had grasped an oar : m 
 
28 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto i 
 
 Yet with main strength his strokes he drew, 
 
 And o'er the lake the shallop flew; 
 
 With heads erect and whimpering cry 
 
 The hounds behind their passage ply. 
 
 Nor frequent does the bright oar break 490 
 
 The darkening mirror of the lake, 
 
 Until the rocky isle they reach, 
 
 And moor their shallop on the beach. 
 
 XXV 
 
 The stranger viewed the shore around ; 
 
 'Twas all so close with copsewood bound, 495 
 
 Nor track nor pathway might declare 
 
 That human foot frequented there, 
 
 Until the mountain maiden showed 
 
 A clambering unsuspected road, 
 
 That winded through the tangled screen, 500 
 
 And open'd on a narrow green. 
 
 Where weeping birch and willow round 
 
 With their long fibers swept the ground. 
 
 Here, for retreat in dangerous hour. 
 
 Some chief had framed a rustic bower. 505 
 
 XXVI 
 
 It was a lodge of ample size, 
 
 But strange of structure and device; 
 
 Of such materials, as around 
 
 The workman's hand had readiest found. 
 
 Lopped of their boughs, theirhoartrunks bared, 510 
 
 And by the hatchet rudely squared 
 
 To give the walls their destined height,. 
 
 The sturdy oak and ash unite ; 
 
CANTO I THE CHASE 29 
 
 While moss and clay and leaves combined 
 
 To fence each crevice from the wind. 515 
 
 The lighter pine-trees overhead 
 
 Their slender length for rafters spread, 
 
 And withered heath and rushes dry 
 
 Supplied a russet canopy. 
 
 Due westward, fronting to the green, 520 
 
 A rural portico was seen, 
 
 Aloft on native pillars borne, 
 
 Of mountain fir with bark unshorn. 
 
 Where Ellen's hand had taught to twine 
 
 The ivy and Idaean vine, 525 
 
 The clematis, the favored flower 
 
 Which boasts the name of virgin-bower, 
 
 And every hardy plant could bear 
 
 Loch Katrine's keen and searching air. 
 
 An instant in this porch she staid, 530 
 
 And gayly to the stranger said: 
 
 "On heaven and on thy lady call, 
 
 And enter the enchanted hall!" 
 
 XXVII 
 "My hope, my heaven, my trust must be, 
 My gentle guide, in following thee." — 535 
 
 He crossed the threshold, — and a clang 
 Of angry steel that instant rang. 
 To his bold brow his spirit rushed, 
 But soon for vain alarm he blushed, 
 When on the floor he saw displayed, 540 
 
 Cause of the din, a naked blade 
 Dropped from the sheath, that careless flung, 
 Upon a stag's huge antlers swung; 
 
30 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto i 
 
 For all around, the walls to grace, 
 
 Hung trophies of the fight or chase : 545 
 
 A target there, a bugle here, 
 
 A battle-axe, a hunting- spear. 
 
 And broadswords, bows, and arrows store. 
 
 With the tusked trophies of the boar. 
 
 Here grins the wolf as when he died, 550 
 
 And there the wild-cat's brindled hide 
 
 The frontlet of the elk adorns, 
 
 Or mantles o'er the bison's horns; 
 
 Pennons and flags defaced and stained, 
 
 That blackening streaks of blood retained, 555 
 
 And deer-skins, dappled, dun, and white. 
 
 With otter's fur and seal's unite, 
 
 In rude and uncouth tapestry all. 
 
 To garnish forth the sylvan hall. 
 
 XXVIII 
 
 The wondering stranger round him gazed, seo 
 
 And next the fallen weapon raised : — 
 
 Few were the arms whose sinewy strength 
 
 Sufficed to stretch it forth at length. 
 
 And as the brand he poised and swayed, 
 
 ' ' I never knew but one, ' ' he said, 555 
 
 ' ' Whose stalwart arm might brook to wield 
 
 A blade like this in battlefield. '' 
 
 She sighed, then smiled and took the word : 
 
 *'You see the guardian champion's sword; 
 
 As light it trembles in his hand sro 
 
 As in my grasp a hazel wand ; 
 
 My sire's tall form might grace the part 
 
 Of Ferragus or Ascabart, 
 
CANTO I THE CHASE 31 
 
 But in the absent giant's hold 
 
 Are women now, and menials old/' sm 
 
 XXIX 
 
 The mistress of the mansion came, 
 
 Mature of age, a graceful dame, 
 
 Whose easy step and stately port 
 
 Had well become a princely court. 
 
 To whom, though more than kindred knew, 58o 
 
 Young Ellen gave a mother's due. 
 
 Meet welcome to her guest she made, 
 
 And every courteous rite was paid 
 
 That hospitahty could claim, 
 
 Though all unasked his birth and name. 535 
 
 Such then the reverence to a guest. 
 
 That fellest foe might join the feast. 
 
 And from his deadliest foeman's door 
 
 Unquestioned turn, the banquet o'er. 
 
 At length his rank the stranger names, 590 
 
 *'The Knight of Snowdoun, James Fitz- James; 
 
 Lord of a barren heritage. 
 
 Which his brave sires, from age to age, 
 
 By their good swords had held with toil; 
 
 His sire had fallen in such turmoil, 59s 
 
 And he, God wot, was forced to stand 
 
 Oft for his right with blade in hand. 
 
 This morning with Lord Moray's train 
 
 He chased a stalwart stag in vain. 
 
 Outstripped his comrades, missed the deer, ew 
 
 Lost his good steed, and wandered here '* 
 
32 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO l 
 
 XXX 
 
 Fain would the Knight in turn require 
 
 The name and state of Ellen's sire. 
 
 Well showed the elder lady's mien 
 
 That courts and cities she had seen ; eos 
 
 Ellen, though more her looks displayed 
 
 The simple grace of sylvan maid, 
 
 In speech and gesture, form and face, 
 
 Showed she was come of gentle race. 
 
 'Twere strange in ruder rank to find eio 
 
 Such looks, such manners, and such mind. 
 
 Each hint the Knight of Snowdoun gave. 
 
 Dame Margaret heard with silence grave; 
 
 Or Ellen, innocently gay. 
 
 Turned all inquiry light away: — 615 
 
 ''Weird women we! by dale and down 
 
 We dwell, afar from tower and town. 
 
 We stem the flood, we ride the blast, * 
 
 On wandering knights our spells we cast; 
 
 While viewless minstrels touch the string, 620 
 
 'Tis thus our charmed rhymes we sing.'' 
 
 She sung, and still a harp unseen 
 
 Filled up the symphony between. 
 
 XXXI 
 
 SONG 
 
 ''Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er. 
 
 Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking: 625 
 Dream of battled fields no more. 
 
 Days of danger, nights of waking. 
 In our isle's enchanted hall, 
 
CANTO I THE CHASE 33 
 
 Hands unseen thy couch are strewing, 
 Fairy strains of music fall, 63o 
 
 Every sense in slumber dewing. 
 Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er, 
 Dream of fighting fields no more : 
 Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking 
 Morn of toil, nor night of waking. 635 
 
 *'No rude sound shall reach thine ear. 
 
 Armor's clang or war-steed champing, 
 Trump nor pibroch summon here 
 
 Mustering clan or squadron tramping. 
 Yet the lark's shrill fife may come 64o 
 
 At the daybreak from the fallow, 
 And the bittern sound his drum, 
 
 Booming from the sedgy shallow. 
 Ruder sounds shall none be near. 
 Guards nor warders challenge here, 645 
 
 Here's no war-steed's neigh and champing. 
 Shouting clans or squadrons stamping." 
 
 XXXH 
 
 She paused,— then, blushing, led the lay 
 
 To grace the stranger of the day. 
 
 Her mellow notes awhile prolong 65o 
 
 The cadence of the flowing song. 
 
 Till to her lips in measured frame 
 
 The minstrel verse spontaneous came. 
 
 SONG CONTINUED 
 ''Huntsman, rest! thy chase is done; 
 
 While our slumbrous spells assail ye, ess 
 
 Dream not, with the rising sun, 
 
 Bugles here shall sound reveille. 
 
54 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto i 
 
 Sleep! the deer is in his den; 
 
 Sleep ! thy hounds are by thee lying ; 
 Sleep ! nor dream in yonder glen mtt 
 
 How thy gallant steed lay dying. 
 Huntsman, rest! thy chase is done; 
 Think not of the rising sun, 
 For at dawning to assail ye 
 Here no bugles sound reveille. " ess 
 
 xxxni 
 
 The hall was cleared,— the stranger's bed, 
 
 Was there of mountain heather spread, 
 
 Where oft a hundred guests had lain. 
 
 And dreamed their forest sports again. 
 
 But vainly did the heath-flower shed ero 
 
 Its moorland fragrance round his head • 
 
 Not Ellen's spell had lulled to rest 
 
 The fever of his troubled breast. 
 
 In broken dreams the image rose 
 
 Of varied perils, pains and woes : 67s 
 
 His steed now flounders in the brake, 
 
 Now sinks his barge upon the lake; 
 
 Now leader of a broken host, 
 
 His standard falls, his honor's lost. 
 
 Then, — from my couch may heavenly might eso 
 
 Chase that worse phantom of the night!— 
 
 Again returned the scenes of youth. 
 
 Of confident undoubting truth ; 
 
 Again his soul he interchanged 
 
 With friends whose hearts were long estranged, ess 
 
 They come, in dim procession led, 
 
 The cold, the faithless, and the dead ; 
 
CANTO I THE CHASE 35 
 
 As warm each hand, each brow as gay, 
 
 As if they parted yesterday. 
 
 And doubt distracts him at the view, — 690 
 
 0, were his senses false or true? 
 
 Dreamed he of death or broken vow. 
 
 Or is it all a vision now? 
 
 XXXIV 
 At length, with Ellen in a grove 
 He seemed to walk and speak of love ; 695 
 
 She listened with a blush and sigh, 
 His suit was warm, his hopes were high. 
 He sought her yielded hand to clasp, 
 And a cold gauntlet met his grasp: 
 The phantom's sex was changed and gone, too 
 Upon its head a helmet shone ; 
 Slowly enlarged to giant size. 
 With darkened cheek and threatening eyes. 
 The grisly visage, stern and hoar. 
 To Ellen still a likeness bore. — ros 
 
 He woke, and, panting with affright, 
 Recalled the vision of the night. 
 The hearth's decaying brands were red, ' 
 And deep and dusky luster shed, 
 Half showing, half concealing, all no 
 
 The uncouth trophies of the hall. 
 'Mid those the stranger fixed his eye 
 Where that huge falchion hung on high, 
 And thoughts on thoughts, a countless throng. 
 Rushed, chasing countless thoughts along, ris 
 Until, the giddy whirl to cure, 
 He rose and sought the moonshine pure. 
 
.^6' THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO I 
 
 XXXV 
 
 The wild rose, eglantine, and broom 
 
 Wasted around their rich perfume: 
 
 The birch-trees wept in fragrant balm, 720 
 
 The aspens slept beneath the calm ; 
 
 The silver light, with quivering glance, 
 
 Played on the water's still expanse,— 
 
 Wild were the heart whose passion's sway 
 
 Could rage beneath the sober ray ! 725 
 
 He felt its calm, that warrior guest. 
 
 While thus he communed with his breast: — 
 
 ''Why is it, at each turn I trace 
 
 Some memory of that exiled race? 
 
 Can I not mountain maiden spy, 730 
 
 But she must bear the Douglas eye? 
 
 Can I not view a Highland brand. 
 
 But it must match the Douglas hand? 
 
 Can I not frame a fevered dream, 
 
 But still the Douglas is the theme? 735 
 
 I'll dream no more,— by manly mind 
 
 Not even in sleep is will resigned. 
 
 My midnight orisons said o'er, 
 
 I'll turn to rest, and dream no more/' 
 
 His midnight orisons he told, 740 
 
 A prayer with every bead of gold. 
 
 Consigned to Heaven his cares and woes, 
 
 And sunk in undisturbed repose, 
 
 Until the heath-cock shrilly crew. 
 
 And morning dawned on Benvenue. 745 
 
CANTO SECOND 
 
 THE ISLAND 
 I 
 
 At morn the black-cock trims his jetty wing, 
 
 'Tis morning prompts the linnet's blithest lay, 
 All Nature's children feel the matin spring 
 
 Of life reviving, with reviving day; 
 
 And while yon little bark glides down the bay, 5 
 Wafting the stranger on his way again, 
 
 Morn's genial influence roused a minstrel gray, 
 And sweetly o'er the lake was heard thy strain, 
 Mixed with the sounding harp, white-haired 
 Allan-bane! 
 
 II 
 
 SONG 
 
 "Not faster yonder rowers' might 10 
 
 Flings from their oars the spray. 
 Not faster yonder rippling bright, 
 That tracks the shallop's course in light, 
 
 Melts in the lake away, 
 Than men from memory erase 15 
 
 The benefits of former days ; 
 Then, stranger, go ! good speed the while, 
 Nor think again of the lonely isle. 
 
 ''High place to thee in royal court, 
 High place in battled line, 20 
 
38 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto ii 
 
 Good hawk and hound for sylvan sport. 
 Where beauty sees the brave resort, 
 
 The honored meed be thine! 
 True be thy sword, thy friend sincere. 
 Thy lady constant, kind, and dear, 26 
 
 And lost in love's and friendship's smile 
 Be memory of the lonely isle ! 
 
 Ill 
 SONG CONTINUED 
 ''But if beneath yon southern sky 
 
 A plaided stranger roam. 
 Whose drooping crest and stifled sigh, a* 
 
 And sunken cheek and heavy eye, 
 
 Pine for his Highland home ; 
 Then, warrior, then be thine to show 
 The care that soothes a wanderer's woe; 
 Remember then thy hap erewhile, 35 
 
 A stranger in the lonely isle. 
 
 Or if on life's uncertain main 
 
 Mishap shall mar thy sail; 
 If faithful, wise, and brave in vain, 
 Woe, want, and exile thou sustain 4o 
 
 Beneath the fickle gale ; 
 Waste not a sigh on fortune changed, 
 On thankless courts, or friends estranged. 
 But come where kindred worth shall smile, 
 To greet thee in the lonely isle." 45 
 
 IV 
 As died the sounds upon the tide, 
 The shallop reached the mainland side. 
 
CA.NTO II THE ISLAND 39 
 
 And ere his onward way he took, 
 
 The stranger cast a lingering look, 
 
 Where easily his eye might reach so 
 
 The Harper on the islet beach. 
 
 Reclined against a blighted tree, 
 
 As wasted, gray, and worn as he. 
 
 To minstrel meditation given, 
 
 His reverend brow was raised to heaven, 55 
 
 As from the rising sun to claim 
 
 A sparkle of inspiring flame. 
 
 His hand, reclined upon the wire. 
 
 Seemed watching the awakening fire; 
 
 So still he sat as those who wait eo 
 
 Till judgment speak the doom of fate; 
 
 So still, as if no breeze might dare 
 
 To lift one lock of hoary hair; 
 
 So still, as life itself were fled 
 
 In the last sound his harp had sped. 65 
 
 Upon a rock with lichens wild. 
 
 Beside him Ellen sat and smiled. — 
 
 Smiled she to see the stately drake 
 
 Lead forth his fleet upon the lake, 
 
 While her vexed spaniel from the beach 70 
 
 Bayed at the prize beyond his reach. 
 
 Yet tell me, then, the maid who knows. 
 
 Why deepened on her cheek the rose ? — 
 
 Forgive, forgive. Fidelity! 
 
 Perchance the maiden smiled to see 75 
 
 Yon parting lingerer wave adieu. 
 
 And stop and turn to wave anew ; 
 
40 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto ii 
 
 And, lovely ladies, ere your ire 
 
 Condemn the heroine of my lyre, 
 
 Show me the fair would scorn to spy so 
 
 And prize such conquest of her eye! 
 
 VI 
 
 While yet he loitered on the spot, 
 
 It seemed as Ellen marked him not; 
 
 But when he turned him to the glade, 
 
 One courteous parting sign she made; 85 
 
 And after, oft the knight would say, 
 
 That not when prize of festal day 
 
 Was dealt him by the brightest fair 
 
 Who e'er wore jewel in her hair, 
 
 So highly did his bosom swell 90 
 
 As at that simple mute farewell. 
 
 Now with a trusty mountain-guide, 
 
 And his dark stag-hounds by his side, 
 
 He parts, — the maid, unconscious still. 
 
 Watched him wind slowly round the hill; 95 
 
 But when his stately form was hid, 
 
 The guardian in her bosom chid, — 
 
 *'Thy Malcolm! vain and selfish maid!'' 
 
 'Twas thus upbraiding conscience said, — 
 
 *'Not so had Malcolm idly hung ico 
 
 On the smooth phrase of Southern tongue ; 
 
 Not so had Malcolm strained his eye 
 
 Another step than thine to spy."— 
 
 **Wake, Allan-bane," aloud she cried 
 
 To the old minstrel by her side, — 105 
 
 ** Arouse thee from thy moody dream! 
 
 ril give thy harp heroic theme, 
 
CANTO II THE ISLAND 41 
 
 And warm thee with a noble name ; 
 
 Pour forth the glory of the Graeme!" 
 
 Scarce from her lip the word had rushed, no 
 
 When deep the conscious maiden blushed ; 
 
 For of his clan, in hall and bower. 
 
 Young Malcolm Graeme was held the flower. 
 
 VII 
 The* minstrel waked his harp, — three times 
 Arose the well-known martial chimes, 115 
 
 And thrice their high heroic pride 
 In melancholy murmurs died. 
 *' Vainly thou bidst, noble maid,'' 
 Clasping his withered hands, he said, 
 "Vainly thou bidst me wake the strain, 120 
 
 Though all unwont to bid in vain. 
 Alas! than mine a mightier hand 
 Has tuned my harp, my strings has spanned ! 
 I touch the chords of joy, but low 
 And mournful answer notes of woe ; 126 
 
 And the proud march which victors tread 
 Sinks in the wailing for the dead. 
 0, well for me, if mine alone 
 That dirge's deep prophetic tone! 
 If, as my tuneful fathers said, 130 
 
 This harp, which erst Saint Modan swayed, 
 Can thus its master's fate foretell. 
 Then welcome be the minstrel's knell! 
 
 VIII 
 **But ah! dear lady, thus it sighed, 
 The eve thy sainted mother died; 135 
 
42 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto ll 
 
 And such the sounds which, while I strove 
 
 To wake a lay of war or love, 
 
 Came marring all the festal mirth, 
 
 Appalling me who gave them birth, 
 
 And, disobedient to my call, 140 
 
 Wailed loud through Bothwell's bannered hall, 
 
 Ere Douglases, to ruin driven, 
 
 Were exiled from their native heaven. — 
 
 ! if yet worse mishap and woe 
 
 My master's house must undergo, 145 
 
 Or aught but weal to Ellen fair 
 
 Brood in these accents of despair. 
 
 No future bard, sad Harp ! shall fling 
 
 Triumph or rapture from thy string; 
 
 One short, one final strain shall flow, i«> 
 
 Fraught with unutterable woe, 
 
 Then shivered shall thy fragments lie. 
 
 Thy master cast him down and die!'' 
 
 IX 
 Soothing she answered him : ' 'Assuage, 
 Mine honored friend, the fears of age ; 155 
 
 All melodies to thee are known 
 That harp has rung or pipe has blown, 
 In Lowland vale or Highland glen, 
 From Tweed to Spey — what marvel, then. 
 At times unbidden notes should rise, leo 
 
 Confusedly bound in memory's ties, 
 Entangling, as they rush along, 
 The war-march with the funeral song? — 
 Small ground is now for boding fear ; , 
 Obscure, but safe, we rest us here. les 
 
CANTO II THE ISLAND 43 
 
 My sire, in native virtue great, 
 
 Resigning lordship, lands, and state, 
 
 Not then to fortune more resigned 
 
 Than yonder oak might give the wind ; 
 
 The graceful foliage storms may reave, j^q 
 
 The noble stem they cannot grieve. 
 
 For me, '' — she stooped, and, looking round, 
 
 Plucked a blue harebell from the ground, — 
 
 ' Tor me whose memory scarce conveys 
 
 An image of more splendid days, ns 
 
 This little flower that loves the lea 
 
 May well my simple emblem be ; 
 
 It drinks heaven's dew as blithe as rose 
 
 That in the King's own garden grows; 
 
 And when I place it in my hair, iso 
 
 Allan, a bard is bound to swear 
 
 He ne'er saw coronet so fair. " 
 
 Then playfully the chaplet wild 
 
 She wreathed in her dark locks, and smiled. 
 
 X 
 
 Her smile, her speech, with winning sway, iss 
 
 Wiled the old Harper's mood away. 
 
 With such a look as hermits throw 
 
 When angels stoop to soothe their woe, 
 
 He gazed till fond regret and pride 
 
 Thrilled to a tear, then thus replied : i9o 
 
 ''Loveliest and best! thou little know'st 
 
 The rank, the honors, thou hast lost ! 
 
 0, might I live to see thee grace. 
 
 In Scotland's court, thy birthright place, 
 
 To see my favorite's step advance 195 
 
44 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto ii 
 
 The lightest in the courtly dance, 
 
 The cause of every gallant's sigh, 
 
 And leading star of every eye, 
 
 And theme of every minstrePs art, 
 
 The Lady of the Bleeding Heart!'' ^ 
 
 XI 
 ' Tair dreams are these, ' ' the maiden cried, — 
 Light v^as her accent, yet she sighed, — 
 ' 'Yet is this mossy rock to me 
 Worth splendid chair and canopy ; 
 Nor would my footstep spring more gay 
 In courtly dance than blithe strathspey. 
 Nor half so pleased mine ear incline 
 To royal minstrel's lay as thine. 
 And then for suitors proud and high. 
 To bend before my conquering eye, — 
 Thou, flattering bard ! thyself wilt say 
 That grim Sir Roderick owns its sway. 
 The Saxon scourge, Clan- Alpine's pride. 
 The terror of Loch Lomond's side. 
 Would, at my suit, thou know'st, delay 
 A Lennox foray — for a day. " — 
 
 XII 
 
 The ancient bard her glee repressed : 
 ''111 hast thou chosen theme for jest! 
 For who, through all this western wild. 
 Named Black Sir Roderick e'er and smiled ? 230 
 In Holy-Rood a knight he slew ; 
 I saw, when back the dirk he drew, 
 i Courtiers give place before the stride 
 
CANTO II THE ISLAND 45 
 
 Of the undaunted homicide ; 
 
 And since, though outlawed, hath his hand 225 
 
 Full sternly kept his mountain land. 
 
 Who else dared give — ah ! woe the day, 
 
 That I such hated truth should say ! — 
 
 The Douglas, like a stricken deer, 
 
 Disowned by every noble peer, 230 
 
 Even the rude refuge we have here ? 
 
 Alas, this wild marauding Chief 
 
 Alone might hazard our relief, 
 
 And, now thy maiden charms expand, 
 
 Looks for his guerdon in thy hand ; 235 
 
 Full soon may dispensation sought. 
 
 To back his suit, from Rome be brought. 
 
 Then, though an exile on the hill. 
 
 Thy father, as the Douglas, still 
 
 Be held in reverence and fear ; 240 
 
 And, though to Roderick thou'rt so dear 
 
 That thou mightst guide with silken thread, 
 
 Slave of thy will, this chieftain dread. 
 
 Yet, loved maid, thy mirth refrain ! 
 
 Thy hand is on a lion^s mane.'' — 245 
 
 XIII 
 
 "Minstrel,'' the maid replied, and high 
 
 Her father's soul glanced from her eye, 
 
 *'My debts to Roderick's house I know: 
 
 All that a mother could bestow 
 
 To Lady Margaret's care I owe, 260 
 
 Since first an orphan in the wild 
 
 She sorrowed o'er her sister's child; 
 
 To her brave chieftain son, from ire 
 
46 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto ii 
 
 Of Scotland's king who shrouds my sire, 
 
 A deeper, holier debt is owed ; .^s 
 
 And, could I pay it with my blood, 
 
 Allan ! Sir Roderick should command 
 
 My blood, my life, — but not my hand. 
 
 Rather will Ellen Douglas dwell 
 
 A votaress in Maronnan's cell; 20 
 
 Rather through realms beyond the sea, 
 
 Seeking the world's cold charity, 
 
 Where ne'er was spoke a Scottish word, 
 
 And ne'er the name of Douglas heard. 
 
 And outcast pilgrim will she rove, 055 
 
 Than wed the man she cannot love. 
 
 XIV 
 
 'Thou shak'st, good friend, thy tresses gray, — 
 
 That pleading look, what can it say 
 
 But what I own ? — I grant him brave. 
 
 But wild as Bracklinn's thundering wave ; 070 
 
 And generous, — save vindictive mood 
 
 Or jealous transport chafe his blood : 
 
 I grant him true to friendly band, 
 
 As his claymore is to his hand ; 
 
 But oh ! that very blade of steel 275 
 
 More mercy for a foe would feel : 
 
 I grant him liberal, to fling 
 
 Among his clan the wealth they bring. 
 
 When back by lake and glen they wind, 
 
 And in the Lowland leave behind, 280 
 
 Where once some pleasant hamlet stood, 
 
 A mass of ashes slaked with blood. 
 
 The hand that for my father fought 
 
CANTO n THE ISLAND 47 
 
 I honor, as his daughter ought; 
 
 But can I clasp it reeking red 285 
 
 From peasants slaughtered in their shed ? 
 
 No! wildly while his virtues gleam, 
 
 They make his passions darker seem. 
 
 And flash along his spirit high, 
 
 Like lightning o'er the midnight sky. .,90 
 
 While yet a child, — and children know. 
 
 Instinctive taught, the friend and foe, — 
 
 I shuddered at his brow of gloom. 
 
 His shadowy plaid and sable plume ; 
 
 A maiden grown, I ill could bear 295 
 
 His haughty mien and lordly air: 
 
 But, if thou join'st a suitor's claim. 
 
 In serious mood, to Roderick's name, 
 
 I thrill with anguish! or, if e'er 
 
 A Douglas knew the word, with fear. 300 
 
 To change such odious theme were best, — 
 
 What think 'st thou of our stranger guest ?' ' — 
 
 XV 
 
 ''What think I of him? — woe the while 
 
 That brought such wanderer to our isle ! 
 
 Thy father's battle -brand, of yore 305 
 
 For Tine-man forged by fairy lore, 
 
 What time he leagued, no longer foes, 
 
 His Border spears with Hotspur's bows, 
 
 Did, self-unscabbarded, foreshow 
 
 The footsteps of a secret foe. 310 
 
 If courtly spy hath harbored here. 
 
 What may we for the Douglas fear ? 
 
 What for this island deemed of old 
 
48 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto ii 
 
 Clan-Alpine's last and surest hold? 
 
 If neither spy nor foe, I pray sis 
 
 What yet may jealous Roderick say ? — 
 
 Nay, wave not thy disdainful head ! 
 
 Bethink thee of the discord dread 
 
 That kindled when at Beltane game 
 
 Thou ledst the dance with Malcolm Graeme ; 320 
 
 Still, though thy sire the peace renewed, 
 
 Smoulders in Roderick's breast the feud: 
 
 Beware ! — But hark ! what sounds are these ? 
 
 My dull ears catch no faltering breeze, 
 
 No weeping birch nor aspens wake, 325 
 
 Nor breath is dimpling in the lake ; 
 
 Still is the canna's hoary beard, 
 
 Yet, by my minstrel faith, I heard — 
 
 And hark again ! some pipe of war 
 
 Sends the bold pibroch from afar." 330 
 
 XVI 
 
 Far up the lengthened lake were spied 
 
 Four darkening specks upon the tide. 
 
 That, slow enlarging on the view, 
 
 Four manned and masted barges grew, 
 
 And, bearing downwards from Glengyle, 335 
 
 Steered full upon the lonely isle ; 
 
 The point of Brianchoil they passed. 
 
 And, to the windward as they cast, 
 
 Against the sun they gave to shine 
 
 The bold Sir Roderick's bannered Pine. 340 
 
 Nearer and nearer as they bear, 
 
 Spears, pikes, and axes flash in air. 
 
 Now might you see the tartans brave, 
 
CANTO II THE ISLAND 49 
 
 And plaids and plumage dance and wave : 
 
 Now see the bonnets sink and rise, 345 
 
 As his tough oar the rower plies ; 
 
 See, flashing at each sturdy stroke, 
 
 The wave ascending into smoke ; 
 
 See the proud pipers on the bow, 
 
 And mark the gaudy streamers flow 350 
 
 From their loud chanters down, and sweep 
 
 The furrowed bosom of the deep, 
 
 As, rushing through the lake amain. 
 
 They plied the ancient Highland strain. 
 
 XVII 
 
 Ever, as on they bore, more loud 355 
 
 And louder rung the pibroch proud. 
 
 At first the sounds, by distance tame, 
 
 Mellowed along the waters came. 
 
 And, lingering long by cape and bay, 
 
 Wailed every harsher note away, 3go 
 
 Then bursting bolder on the ear, 
 
 The clan's shrill Gathering they could hear, 
 
 Those thrilling sounds that call the might 
 
 Of old Clan-Alpine to the fight. 
 
 Thick beat the rapid notes, as when 305 
 
 The mustering hundreds shake the glen. 
 
 And hurrying at the signal dread, 
 
 The battered earth returns their tread. 
 
 Then prelude light, of livelier tone, 
 
 Expressed their merry marching on, ^0 
 
 Ere pale of closing battle rose. 
 
 With mingled outcry, shrieks, and blows; 
 
 And mimic din of stroke and ward, 
 
56 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto ii 
 
 As broadsword upon target jarred ; 
 
 And groaning pause, ere yet again, srs 
 
 Condensed, the battle yelled amain : 
 
 The rapid charge, the rallying shout, 
 
 Retreat borne headlong into rout, 
 
 And bursts of triumph, to declare 
 
 Clan- Alpine's conquest — all were there. 3^0 
 
 Nor ended thus the strain, but slow 
 
 Sunk in a moan prolonged and low, 
 
 And changed the conquering clarion swell 
 
 For wild lament o'er those that fell. 
 
 XVIII 
 
 The war-pipes ceased, but lake and hill 355 
 
 Were busy with their echoes still; 
 
 And, when they slept, a vocal strain 
 
 Bade their hoarse chorus wake again, 
 
 While loud a hundred clansmen raise 
 
 Their voices in their Chieftain's praise. 390 
 
 Each boatman, bending to his oar. 
 
 With measured sweep the burden bore. 
 
 In such wild cadence as the breeze 
 
 Makes through December's leafless trees. 
 
 The chorus first could Allan know, 395 
 
 ''Roderick Vich Alpine, ho! iro!" 
 
 And near, and nearer as they rowed. 
 
 Distinct the martial ditty flowed. 
 
 XIX 
 
 BOAT SONG 
 ''Hail to the Chief who in triumph advances! 
 
 Honored and blessed be the ever-green Pine ! 400 
 Long may the tree, in his banner that glances, 
 
CANTO II THE ISLAND 51 
 
 Flourish, the shelter and grace of our line ! 
 
 Heaven send it happy dew, 
 
 Earth lend it sap anew, 
 Gaily to bourgeon and broadly to grow, 4^5 
 
 While every Highland glen 
 
 Sends our shout back again, 
 *Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho ! ieroe ! ' 
 
 *'Ours is no sapling, chance-sown by the fountain. 
 
 Blooming at Beltane, in winter to fade ; 410 
 
 When the whirlwind has stripped every leaf on the 
 mountain, 
 The more shall Clan-Alpine exult in her shade. 
 Moored in the rifted rock. 
 Proof to the tempest's shock. 
 Firmer he roots him the ruder it blow ; 415 
 
 Mentieth and Breadalbane, then, 
 Echo his praise again, 
 *Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho! ieroe!' 
 
 XX 
 
 SONG CONTINUED 
 
 ' 'Proudly our pibroch has thrilled in Glen Fruin, 
 
 And Bannochar's groans to our slogan replied ; 420 
 
 Glen Luss and Ross-dhu, they are smoking in ruin, 
 
 And the best of Loch Lomond lie dead on her side. 
 
 Widow and Saxon maid 
 
 Long shall lament our raid. 
 Think of Clan-Alpine with fear and with woe ; 405 
 
 Lennox and Leven-glen 
 
 Shake when they hear again, 
 *Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho! ieroe!' 
 
52 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto ii 
 
 ''Row, vassals, row, for the pride of the Highlands! 
 Stretch to your oars for the ever-green Pine ! t^o 
 0, that the rosebud that graces yon islands 
 
 Were wreathed in a garland around him to twine ! 
 0, that some seedling gem, 
 Worthy such noble stem 
 Honored and blest in their shadow might grow ! 435 
 Loud should Clan-Alpine then 
 Ring from her deepmost glen, 
 'Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho! ieroe!' '' 
 
 XXI 
 With all her joyful female band 
 Had Lady Margaret sought the strand. 440 
 
 Loose on the breeze their tresses flew. 
 And high their snowy arms they threw. 
 As echoing back with shrill acclaim, 
 And chorus wild, the Chieftain's name; 
 While, prompt to please, with mother's art, 445 
 The darling passion of his heart, 
 The Dame called Ellen to the strand, 
 To greet her kinsman ere he land : 
 ''Come, loiterer, come! a Douglas thou, 
 And shun to wreathe a victor's brow?'' 450 
 
 Reluctantly and slow, the maid 
 The unwelcome summoning obeyed. 
 And when a distant bugle rung. 
 In the mid-path aside she sprung: — 
 ''List, Allan-bane! From mainland cast 455 
 I hear my father's signal blast. 
 Be ours, " she cried, "the skiff to guide, 
 And waft him from the mountain-side." 
 
CANTO II 
 
 THE ISLAND 53 
 
 Then, like a sunbeam, swift and bright, 
 
 She darted to her shallop light, 46o 
 
 And, eagerly while Roderick scanned, 
 
 For her dear form, his mother's band. 
 
 The islet far behind her lay, 
 
 And she had landed in the bay. 
 
 XXII 
 
 Some feelings are to mortals given 465 
 
 With less of earth in them than heaven ; 
 
 And, if there be a human tear 
 
 From passion's dross refined and clear, 
 
 A tear so limpid and so meek 
 
 It would not stain an angel's cheek, 470 
 
 'Tis that which pious fathers shed 
 
 Upon a duteous daughter's head ! 
 
 And, as the Douglas to his breast 
 
 His darling Ellen closely pressed. 
 
 Such holy drops her tresses steeped, 475 
 
 Though 'twas an hero's eye that weeped. 
 
 Nor while on Ellen's faltering tongue 
 
 Her filial welcomes crowded hung. 
 
 Marked she that fear — affection's proof — 
 
 Still held a graceful youth aloof; 48o 
 
 No! not till Douglas named his name, 
 
 Although the youth was Malcolm Graeme. 
 
 XXIII 
 
 Allan, with wistful look the while. 
 
 Marked Roderick landing on the isle; 
 
 His master piteously he eyed, 485 
 
 Then gazed upon the Chieftain's pride. 
 
54 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto ii 
 
 Then dashed with hasty hand away 
 
 From his dimmed eye the gathering spray ; 
 
 And Douglas, as his hand he laid 
 
 On Malcolm's shoulder, kindly said : 490 
 
 * *Canst thou, young friend, no meaning spy 
 
 In my poor follower's glistening eye? 
 
 ril tell thee: — he recalls the day 
 
 When in my praise he led the lay 
 
 O'er the arched gate of Both well proud, 495 
 
 While many a minstrel answered loud, 
 
 When Percy's Norman pennon, won 
 
 In bloody field, before me shone. 
 
 And twice ten knights, the least a name 
 
 As mighty as yon Chief may claim, so© 
 
 Gracing my pomp, behind me came. 
 
 Yet trust me, Malcolm, not so proud 
 
 Was I of all that marshalled crowd, 
 
 Though the waned crescent owned my might, 
 
 And in my train trooped lord and knight, 505 
 
 Though Blantyre hymned her holiest lays. 
 
 And Both well's bard flung back my praise. 
 
 As when this old man's silent tear. 
 
 And this poor maid's affection dear, 
 
 A welcome give more kind and true 510 
 
 Than aught my better fortunes knew. 
 
 Forgive, my friend, a father's boast, — 
 
 0, it out-beggars all I lost!" 
 
 XXIV 
 
 Delightful praise ! — like summer rose, 
 
 That brighter in the dew-drop glows, sis 
 
 The bashful maiden's cheek appeared, 
 
620 
 
 5;25 
 
 tJANTO II THE ISLAND 55 
 
 For Douglas spoke, and Malcolm heard. 
 
 The flush of shame-faced joy to hide, 
 
 The hounds, the hawk, her cares divide ; 
 
 The loved caresses of the maid 
 
 The dogs with crouch and whimper paid ; 
 
 And, at her whistle, on her hand 
 
 The falcon took his favorite stand, 
 
 Closed his dark wing, relaxed his eye, 
 
 Nor, though unhooded, sought to fly. 
 
 And, trust, while in such guise she stood, 
 
 Like fabled Goddess of the wood. 
 
 That if a father's partial thought 
 
 O'erweighed her worth and beauty aught. 
 
 Well might the lover's judgment fail 530 
 
 To balance with a juster scale; 
 
 For with each secret glance he stole, 
 
 The fond enthusiast sent his soul. 
 
 XXV 
 
 Of stature fair, and slender frame. 
 
 But firmly knit, was Malcolm Graeme. 535 
 
 The belted plaid and tartan hose 
 
 Did ne'er more graceful limbs disclose; 
 
 His flaxen hair, of sunny hue. 
 
 Curled closely round his bonnet blue. 
 
 Trained to the chase, his eagle eye 540 
 
 The ptarmigan in snow could spy ; 
 
 Each pass, by mountain, lake, and heath, 
 
 He knew, through Lennox and Menteith ; 
 
 Vain was the bound of dark-brown doe 
 
 When Malcolm bent his sounding bow, 545 
 
 And scarce that doe, though winged with fear, 
 
56 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto ii 
 
 Outstripped in speed the mountaineer : 
 
 Right up Ben Lomond could he press, 
 
 And not a sob his toil confess. 
 
 His form accorded with a mind 550 
 
 Lively and ardent, frank and kind ; 
 
 A blither heart, till Ellen came, 
 
 Did never love nor sorrow tame ; 
 
 It danced as lightsome in his breast 
 
 As played the feather on his crest. 555 
 
 Yet friends, who nearest knew the youth, 
 
 His scorn of wrong, his zeal for truth, 
 
 And bards, who saw his features bold 
 
 When kindled by the tales of old, 
 
 Said, were that youth to manhood grown, sec 
 
 Not long should Roderick Dhu's renown 
 
 Be foremost voiced by mountain fame, 
 
 But quail to that of Malcolm Graeme. 
 
 XXVI 
 
 Now back they wend their watery way, 
 
 And, *'0 my sire!" did Ellen say, 566 
 
 **Why urge thy chase so far astray? 
 
 And why so late returned? And why" — 
 
 The rest was in her speaking eye. 
 
 ''My child, the chase I follow far, 
 
 T is mimicry of noble war; 570 
 
 And with that gallant pastime reft 
 
 Were all of Douglas I have left. 
 
 I met young Malcolm as I strayed 
 
 Far eastward, in Glenfinlas' shade; 
 
 Nor strayed I safe, for all around 575 
 
 Hunters and horsemen scoured the ground. 
 
585 
 
 CANTO II THE ISLAND 57 
 
 This youth, though still a royal ward, 
 Risked life and land to be my guard, 
 And through the passes of the wood 
 Guided my steps, not unpursued ; ss^ 
 
 And Roderick shall his welcome make, 
 Despite old spleen, for Douglas' sake. 
 Then must he seek Strath-Endrick glen. 
 Nor peril aught for me again. " 
 
 XXVII 
 
 Sir Roderick, who to meet them came, 
 
 Reddened at sight of Malcolm Graeme, 
 
 Yet, not in action, word, or eye. 
 
 Failed aught in hospitality. 
 
 In talk and sport they whiled away 
 
 The morning of that summer day ; 
 
 But at high noon a courier light 
 
 Held secret parley with the knight. 
 
 Whose moody aspect soon declared 
 
 That evil were the news he heard. 
 
 Deep thought seemed toiling in his head ; 595 
 
 Yet was the evening banquet made 
 
 Ere he assembled round the flame 
 
 His mother, Douglas, and the Graeme, 
 
 And Ellen too; then cast around 
 
 His eyes, then fixed them on the ground, goo 
 
 As studying phrase that might avail 
 
 Best to convey unpleasant tale. 
 
 Long with his dagger's hilt he played. 
 
 Then raised his haughty brow and said : — 
 
 590 
 
58 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto il 
 
 XXVIII 
 ' 'Short be my speech ; — nor time affords, eos 
 Nor my plain temper, glozing words. 
 Kinsman and father, — if such name 
 Douglas vouchsafe to Roderick's claim; 
 Mine honored mother; — Ellen, — why, 
 My cousin, turn away thine eye ? — ^lo 
 
 And Graeme, in whom I hope to know 
 Full soon a noble friend or foe, 
 When age shall give thee thy command, 
 And leading in thy native land, — 
 List all ! — the King's vindictive pride eis 
 
 Boasts to have tamed the Border-side, 
 Where chiefs, with hound and hawk who came 
 To share their monarch's sylvan game, 
 Themselves in bloody toils were snared, 
 And when the banquet they prepared, 620 
 
 And wide their loyal portals flung, 
 O'er their own gateway struggling hung. 
 Loud cries their blood from Meggat's mead, 
 From Yarrow braes and banks of Tweed, 
 Where the lone streams of Ettrick glide, ^25 
 And from the silver Teviot's side; 
 The dales, where martial clans did ride, 
 Are now one sheep-walk, waste and wide. 
 This tyrant of the Scottish throne, 
 So faithless and so ruthless known, 63o 
 
 Now hither comes ; his end the same. 
 The same pretext of sylvan game. 
 What grace for Highland Chiefs judge ye 
 By fate of Border chivalry. 
 Yet more; amid Glenfinlas' green, 635 
 
CANTO II 
 
 THE ISLAND 59 
 
 Douglas, thy stately form was seen. 
 
 This by espial sure I know : 
 
 Your counsel in the streight I show/' 
 
 XXIX 
 Ellen and Margaret fearfully 
 Sought comfort in each other's eye, m 
 
 Then turned their ghastly look, each one, 
 This to her sire, that to her son. 
 The hasty color went and came 
 In the bold cheek of Malcolm Graeme, 
 But from his glance it well appeared 645 
 
 'T was but for Ellen that he feared ; 
 While, sorrowful, but undismayed. 
 The Douglas thus his counsel said : 
 ''Brave Roderick, though the tempest roar. 
 It may but thunder and pass o'er. m 
 
 Nor will I here remain an hour. 
 To draw the lightning on thy bower ; 
 For well thou know'st, at this gray head 
 The royal bolt were fiercest sped. 
 For thee, who, at thy King's command, ^55 
 
 Canst aid him with a gallant band, 
 Submission, homage, humbled pride. 
 Shall turn the Monarch's wrath aside. 
 Poor remnants of the Bleeding Heart, 
 Ellen and I will seek apart m 
 
 The refuge of some forest cell. 
 There, like the hunted quarry, dwell, 
 Till on the mountain and the moor 
 The stern pursuit be passed and o'er, " — 
 
60 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto il 
 
 XXX 
 
 *'No, by mine honor," Roderick said, ees 
 
 *'So help me Heaven, and my good blade! 
 
 No, never ! Blasted be yon Pine, 
 
 My fathers' ancient crest and mine, 
 
 If from its shade in danger part 
 
 The lineage of the Bleeding Heart! ero 
 
 Hear my blunt speech : grant me this maid 
 
 To wife, thy counsel to mine aid ; 
 
 To Douglas, leagued v^ith Roderick Dhu, 
 
 Will friends and allies flock enow ; 
 
 Like cause of doubt, distrust, and grief, ers 
 
 Will bind to us each Western Chief. 
 
 When the loud pipes my bridal tell. 
 
 The Links of Forth shall hear the knell, 
 
 The guards shall start in Stirling's porch ; 
 
 And when I light the nuptial torch, eso 
 
 A thousand villages in flames 
 
 Shall scare the slumbers of King James ! — 
 
 Nay, Ellen, blench not thus away, 
 
 And, mother, cease these signs, I pray ; 
 
 I meant not all my heat might say. — ess 
 
 Small need of inroad or of fight, 
 
 When the sage Douglas may unite 
 
 Each mountain clan in friendly band. 
 
 To guard the passes of their land, 
 
 Till the foiled King from pathless glen ew 
 
 Shall bootless turn him home again.'* 
 
 XXXI 
 
 There are who have, at midnight hour, 
 In slumber scaled a dizzy tower, 
 
CAUTO II THE ISLAND 61 
 
 And, on the verge that beetled o'er 
 
 The ocean tide's incessant roar, 696 
 
 Dreamed calmly out their dangerous dream, 
 
 Till wakened by the morning beam ; 
 
 When, dazzled by the eastern glow, 
 
 Such startler cast his glance below, 
 
 And saw unmeasured depth around, 7oo 
 
 And heard unintermitted sound, 
 
 And thought the battled fence so frail, 
 
 It waved like cobweb in the gale; — • 
 
 Amid his senses' giddy wheel, 
 
 Did he not desperate impulse feel, 705 
 
 Headlong to plunge himself below. 
 
 And meet the worst his fears foreshow ? — 
 
 Thus Ellen, dizzy and astound. 
 
 As sudden ruin yawned around. 
 
 By crossing terrors wildly tossed, 710 
 
 Still for the Douglas fearing most, 
 
 Could scarce the desperate thought withstand, 
 
 To buy his safety with her hand. 
 
 XXXII 
 Such purpose dread could Malcolm spy 
 In Ellen's quivering lip and eye, 715 
 
 And eager rose to speak, —but ere 
 His tongue could hurry forth his fear. 
 Had Douglas marked the hectic strife, 
 Where death seemed combating with life ; 
 For to her cheek, in feverish flood, 720 
 
 One instant rushed the throbbing blood, 
 Then ebbing back, with sudden sway, 
 Left its domain as wan as clay. 
 
62 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto n 
 
 ''Roderick, enough! enough!'* he cried, 
 
 ' *My daughter cannot be thy bride ; rm 
 
 Not that the blush to wooer dear. 
 
 Nor paleness that of maiden fear. 
 
 It may not be, — forgive her. Chief, 
 
 Nor hazard aught for our relief. 
 
 Against his sovereign, Douglas ne'er 73o 
 
 Will level a rebellious spear. 
 
 'T was I that taught his youthful hand 
 
 To rein a steed and wield a brand ; 
 
 I see him yet, the princely boy! 
 
 Not Ellen more my pride and joy ; 7^5 
 
 I love him still, despite my wrongs 
 
 By hasty wrath and slanderous tongues. 
 
 0, seek the grace you well may find, 
 
 Without a cause to mine combined!" 
 
 XXXIII 
 
 Twice through the hall the Chieftain strode; 740 
 
 The waving of his tartans broad, 
 
 And darkened brow, where wounded pride 
 
 With ire and disappointment vied, 
 
 Seemed, by the torch's gloomy light. 
 
 Like the ill Demon of the night, 743 
 
 Stooping his pinions' shadowy sway 
 
 Upon the nighted pilgrim's way: 
 
 But, unrequited Love ! thy dart 
 
 Plunged deepest its envenomed smart, 
 
 And Roderick, with thine anguish stung, 750 
 
 At length the hand of Douglas wrung, 
 
 While eyes that mocked at tears before 
 
 With bitter drops were running o'er. 
 
CANTO 11 THE ISLAND 63 
 
 The death-pangs of long-cherished hope 
 Scarce in that ample breast had scope, 753 
 
 But, struggling with his spirit proud, 
 Convulsive heaved its checkered shroud, 
 While every sob — so mute were all- 
 Was heard distinctly through the hall. 
 The son's despair, the mother's look, 76o 
 
 111 might the gentle Ellen brook; 
 She rose, and to her side there came, 
 To aid her parting steps, the Graeme. 
 
 XXXIV 
 
 Then Roderick from the Douglas broke — 
 
 As flashes flame through sable smoke, 765 
 
 Kindling its wreaths, long, dark, and low, 
 
 To one broad blaze of ruddy glow, 
 
 So the deep anguish of despair 
 
 Burst, in fierce jealousy, to air. 
 
 With stalwart grasp his hand he laid 770 
 
 On Malcolm's breast and belted plaid: 
 
 ''Back, beardless boy!" he sternly said, 
 
 ''Back, minion! holdst thou thus at naught 
 
 The lesson I so lately taught? 
 
 This roof, the Douglas, and that maid, 775 
 
 Thank thou for punishment delayed." 
 
 Eager as greyhound on his game. 
 
 Fiercely with Roderick grappled Graeme. 
 
 "Perish my name, if aught afford 
 
 Its Chieftain safety save his sword !" 78o 
 
 Thus as they strove their desperate hand 
 
 Griped to the dagger or the brand, 
 
 And death had been — but Douglas rose, 
 
64 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto ii 
 
 And thrust between the struggling foes 
 
 His giant strength : — "Chieftains, forego! rgs 
 
 I hold the first who strikes my foe. — 
 
 Madmen, forbear your frantic jar! 
 
 What! is the Douglas fallen so far, 
 
 His daughter's hand is deemed the spoil 
 
 Of such dishonorable broil?" 790 
 
 Sullen and slowly they unclasp, 
 
 As struck with shame, their desperate grasp, 
 
 And each upon his rival glared. 
 
 With foot advanced and blade half bared. 
 
 XXXV 
 
 Ere yet the brands aloft were flung, 795 
 
 Margaret on Roderick's mantle hung. 
 
 And Malcolm heard his Ellen's scream, 
 
 As faltered through terrific dream. 
 
 Then Roderick plunged in sheath his sword. 
 
 And veiled his wrath in scornful word : soo 
 
 ''Rest safe till morning; pity 't were 
 
 Such cheek should feel the midnight air! 
 
 Then mayst thou to James Stuart tell, 
 
 Roderick will keep the lake and fell. 
 
 Nor lackey with his freeborn clan 805 
 
 The pageant pomp of earthly man. 
 
 More would he of Clan-Alpine know, 
 
 Thou canst our strength and passes show. — ■ 
 
 Malise, what ho!" — his henchman came: 
 
 "Give our safe-conduct to the Graeme. " gio 
 
 Young Malcolm answered, calm and bold * 
 
 "Fear nothing for thy favorite hold ; 
 
 The spot an angel deigned to grace 
 
CANTO II THE ISLAND 65 
 
 Is blessed, though robbers haunt the place. 
 
 Thy churlish courtesy for those sis 
 
 Reserve, who fear to be thy foes. 
 
 As safe to me the mountain way 
 
 At midnight as in blaze of day, 
 
 Though with his boldest at his back 
 
 Even Roderick Dhu beset the track. — ■ 820 
 
 Brave Douglas, — lovely Ellen, — nay, 
 
 Naught here of parting will I say. 
 
 Earth does not hold a lonesome glen 
 
 So secret but we meet again. ^ — 
 
 Chieftain! we too shall find an hour," — 
 
 He said, and left the sylvan bower. 
 
 825 
 
 XXXVI 
 Old Allan followed to the strand — 
 Such was the Douglas's command — - 
 And anxious told, how, on the morn. 
 The stern Sir Roderick deep had sworn, 8.30 
 
 The Fiery Cross should circle o'er 
 Dale, glen, and valley, down and moor. 
 Much were the peril to the Graeme 
 From those who to the signal came ; 
 Far up the lake 't were safest land, 8.35 
 
 Himself would row him to the strand. 
 He gave his counsel to the wind. 
 While Malcolm did, unheeding, bind. 
 Round dirk and pouch and broadsword rolled, 
 His ample plaid in tightened fold, 84o 
 
 And stripped his limbs to such array 
 As best might suit the watery way, — 
 
66 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto ii 
 
 XXXVII 
 
 Then spoke abrupt: ''Farewell to thee, 
 
 Pattern of old fidelity!'^ 
 
 The Minstrel's hand he kindly pressed, — 845 
 
 "Oh, could I point a place of rest! 
 
 My sovereign holds in ward my land. 
 
 My uncle leads my vassal band ; 
 
 To tame his foes, his friends to aid. 
 
 Poor Malcolm has but heart and blade. 85o 
 
 Yet, if there be one faithful Graeme 
 
 Who loves the chieftain of his name, 
 
 Not long shall honored Douglas dwell 
 
 Like hunted stag in mountain cell; 
 
 Nor, ere yon pride-swollen robber dare, — gss 
 
 I may not give the rest to air! 
 
 Tell Roderick Dhu I owed him naught. 
 
 Not the poor service of a boat. 
 
 To waft me to yon mountain-side. '* 
 
 Then plunged he in the flashing tide. seo 
 
 Bold o'er the flood his head he bore, 
 
 And stoutly steered him from the shore; 
 
 And Allan strained his anxious eye. 
 
 Far mid the lake his form to spy. 
 
 Darkening across each puny wave, ses 
 
 To which the moon her silver gave. 
 
 Fast as the cormorant could skim 
 
 The swimmer plied each active limb; 
 
 Then landing in the moonlight dell. 
 
 Loud shouted of his weal to tell. 87o 
 
 The Minstrel heard the far halloo, 
 
 And joyful from the shore withdrew. 
 
CANTO THIRD 
 
 THE GATHERING 
 
 Time rolls his ceaseless course. The race of yore, 
 Who danced our infancy upon their knee, 
 
 And told our marvelling boyhood legends store 
 Of their strange ventures happed by land or sea, 
 How are they blotted from the things that be ! 5 
 
 How few, all weak and withered of their force, 
 Wait on the verge of dark eternity, 
 
 Like stranded wrecks, the tide returning hoarse. 
 
 To sweep them from our sight! Time rolls his 
 ceaseless course. 
 
 Yet live there still who can remember well, 10 
 
 How, when a mountain chief his bugle blew, 
 Both field and forest, dingle, cliff, and dell. 
 
 And solitary heath, the signal knew ; 
 
 And fast the faithful clan around him drew, 
 What time the warning note was keenly wound, 15 
 
 What time aloft their kindred banner flew. 
 While clamorous war-pipes yelled the gathering 
 
 sound. 
 And while the Fiery Cross glanced, like a meteor, 
 round. 
 
 H 
 
 The Summer dawn's reflected hue 
 
 To purple changed Lock Katrine blue ; 20 
 
25 
 
 68 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto hi 
 
 Mildly and soft the western breeze 
 
 Just kissed the lake, just stirred the trees, 
 
 And the pleased lake, like maiden eoy. 
 
 Trembled but dimpled not for joy : 
 
 The mountain-shadows on her breast 
 
 Were neither broken nor at rest ; 
 
 In bright uncertainty they lie, 
 
 Like future joys to Fancy's eye. 
 
 The water-lily to the light 
 
 Her chalice reared of silver bright ; 30 
 
 The doe awoke, and to the lawn. 
 
 Begemmed with dew-drops, led her fawn; 
 
 The gray mist left the mountain-side, 
 
 The torrent showed its glistening pride ; 
 
 Invisible in flecked sky 35 
 
 The lark sent down her revelry ; 
 
 The blackbird and the speckled thrush 
 
 Good -morrow gave from brake and brush ; 
 
 In answer cooed the cushat dove 
 
 Her notes of peace and rest and love. 40 
 
 III 
 No thought of peace, no thought of rest 
 Assuaged the storm in Roderick's breast. 
 With sheathed broadsword in his hand. 
 Abrupt he paced the islet strand, 
 And eyed the rising sun, and laid 45 
 
 His hand on his impatient blade. 
 Beneath a rock, his vassals' care 
 Was prompt the ritual to prepare, 
 With deep and deathful meaning fraught; 
 For such Antiquity had taught so 
 
CANTO III THE GATHERING 69 
 
 Was preface meet, ere yet abroad 
 
 The Cross of Fire should take its road. 
 
 The shrinking band stood oft aghast 
 
 At the impatient glance he cast ; — 
 
 Such glance the mountain eagle threw, 55 
 
 As, from the cliffs of Benvenue, 
 
 She spread her dark sails on the wind, 
 
 And, high in middle heaven reclined, 
 
 With her broad shadow on the lake, 
 
 Silenced the warblers of the brake. go 
 
 IV 
 
 A heap of withered boughs was piled, 
 
 Of juniper and rowan wild. 
 
 Mingled with shivers from the oak, 
 
 Rent by the lightning's recent stroke. 
 
 Brian the Hermit by it stood, as 
 
 Barefooted, in his frock and hood. 
 
 His grizzled beard and matted hair 
 
 Obscured a visage of despair ; 
 
 His naked arms and legs, seamed o'er, 
 
 The scars of frantic penance bore. 70 
 
 That monk, of savage form and face. 
 
 The impending danger of his race 
 
 Had drawn from deepest solitude, « 
 
 Far in Benharrow's bosom rude. 
 
 Not his the mien of Christian priest, 75 
 
 But Druid's, from the grave released. 
 
 Whose hardened heart and eye might brook 
 
 On human sacrifice to look ; 
 
 And much, 't was said, of heathen lore 
 
 Mixed in the charms he muttered o'er. ,sa 
 
70 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto hi 
 
 The hallowed creed gave only worse 
 
 And deadlier emphasis of curse. 
 
 No peasant sought that Hermit's prayer, 
 
 His cave the pilgrim shunned with care; 
 
 The eager huntsman knew his bound, 85 
 
 And in mid chase called off his hound ; 
 
 Or if, in lonely glen or strath, 
 
 The desert-dweller met his path. 
 
 He prayed, and signed the cross between. 
 
 While terror took devotion's mien. 90 
 
 V 
 
 Of Brian's birth strange tales were told. 
 His mother watched a midnight fold. 
 Built deep within a dreary glen. 
 Where scattered lay the bones of men 
 In some forgotten battle slain, 95 
 
 And bleached by drifting wind and rain. 
 It might have tamed a warrior's heart 
 To view such mockery of his art! 
 The knot-grass fettered there the hand 
 Which once could burst an iron band ; 100 
 
 Beneath the broad and ample bone, 
 That bucklered heart to fear unknown, 
 * A feeble and a timorous guest, 
 The fieldfare framed her lowly nest; 
 There the slow blindworm left his slime 105 
 On the fleet limbs that mocked at time; 
 And there, too, lay the leader's skull. 
 Still wreathed with chaplet, flushed and full, 
 For heath-bell with her purple bloom 
 Supplied the bonnet and the plume. no 
 
CANTO III 
 
 THE GATHERING 71 
 
 All night, in this sad glen, the maid 
 
 Sat shrouded in her mantle's shade: 
 
 She said no shepherd sought her side, 
 
 No hunter's hand her snood untied, 
 
 Yet ne'er again to braid her hair iis 
 
 The virgin snood did Alice wear ; 
 
 Gone was her maiden glee and sport, 
 
 Her maiden girdle all too short. 
 
 Nor sought she, from that fatal night. 
 
 Or holy church or blessed rite, 120 
 
 But locked her secret in her breast. 
 
 And died in travail, unconfessed. 
 
 VI 
 
 Alone, among his young compeers, 
 
 Was Brian from his infant years ; 
 
 A moody and heart-broken boy, 125 
 
 Estranged from sympathy and joy, 
 
 Bearing each taunt which careless tongue 
 
 On his mysterious lineage flung. 
 
 Whole nights he spent by moonlight pale, 
 
 To wood and stream his hap to wail, 130 
 
 Till, frantic, he as truth received 
 
 What of his birth the crowd believed, 
 
 And sought, in mist and meteor *fire, 
 
 To meet and know his Phantom Sire ! 
 
 In vain, to soothe his wayward fate, 135 
 
 The cloister oped her pitying gate ; 
 
 In vain the learning of the age 
 
 Unclasped the sable-lettered page ; 
 
 Even in its treasures he could find 
 
 Food for the fever of his mind. i4o 
 
72 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO III 
 
 Eager he read whatever tells 
 
 Of magic, cabala, and spells, 
 
 And every dark pursuit allied 
 
 To curious and presumptuous pride ; 
 
 Till with fired brain and nerves overstrung, 145 
 
 And heart with mystic horrors wrung, 
 
 Desperate he sought Benharrow's den. 
 
 And hid him from the haunts of men. 
 
 VII 
 
 The desert gave him visions wild 
 
 Such as might suit the specter's child. 150 
 
 Where with black cliffs the torrents toil. 
 
 He watched the wheeling eddies boil. 
 
 Till from their foam his dazzled eyes 
 
 Beheld the River Demon rise : 
 
 The mountain mist took form and limb 155 
 
 Of noontide hag or goblin grim ; 
 
 The midnight wind came wild and dread, 
 
 Swelled with the voices of the dead ; 
 
 Far on the future battle-heath 
 
 His eyes beheld the ranks of death : leo 
 
 Thus the lone Seer, from mankind hurled, 
 
 Shaped forth a disembodied world. 
 
 One lingering sympathy of mind 
 
 Still bound him to the mortal kind; 
 
 The only parent he could claim les 
 
 Of ancient Alpine's lineage came. 
 
 Late had he heard, in prophet's dream. 
 
 The fatal Ben-Shie's boding scream ; 
 
 Sounds, too, had come in midnight blast 
 
 Of charging steeds, careering fast no 
 
CANTO III THE GATHERING 73 
 
 Along Benharrow's shingly side, 
 
 Where mortal horseman ne'er might ride ; 
 
 The thunderbolt had split the pine, — 
 
 All augured ill to Alpine's line. 
 
 He girt his loins, and came to show 175 
 
 The signals of impending woe, 
 
 And now stood prompt to bless or ban, 
 
 As bade the Chieftain of his clan. 
 
 VIII 
 
 'T was all prepared ; — and from the rock 
 
 A goat, the patriarch of the flock, iso 
 
 Before the kindling pile was laid, 
 
 And pierced by Roderick's ready blade. 
 
 Patient the sickening victim eyed 
 
 The life-blood ebb in crimson tide 
 
 Down his clogged beard and shaggy limb, 135 
 
 Till darkness glazed his eyeballs dim. 
 
 The grisly priest, with murmuring prayer, 
 
 A slender crosslet framed with care, 
 
 A cubit's length in measure due ; 
 
 The shaft and limbs were rods of yew, 190 
 
 Whose parents in Inch-Cailliach wave 
 
 Their shadows o'er Clan-Alpine's grave, 
 
 And, answering Lomond's breezes deep. 
 
 Soothe many a chieftain's endless sleep. 
 
 The Cross thus formed he held on high. 195 
 
 With wasted hand and haggard eye. 
 
 And strange and mingled feelings woke, 
 
 While his anathema he SDoke: — 
 
74 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto hi 
 
 IX 
 
 * *Woe to the clansman who shall view 
 
 This symbol of sepulchral yew, 200 
 
 Forgetful that its branches grew 
 
 Where weep the heavens their holiest dew 
 
 On Alpine's dwelling low! 
 Deserter of his Chieftain's trust, 
 He ne'er shall mingle with their dust, 20s 
 
 But, from his sires and kindred thrust. 
 Each clansman's execration just 
 
 Shall doom him wrath and woe. " 
 He paused ; — the word the vassals took. 
 With forward step and fiery look, 210 
 
 On high their naked brands they shook. 
 Their clattering targets wildly strook ; 
 
 And first in murmur low, 
 Then, like the billow in his course. 
 That far to seaward finds his source, 215 
 
 And flings to shore his mustered force. 
 Burst with loud roar their answer hoarse, 
 
 ''Woe to the traitor, woe!" 
 Ben-an's gray scalp the accents knew. 
 The joyous wolf from covert drew, 220 
 
 The exulting eagle screamed afar, — 
 They knew the voice of Alpine's war. 
 
 X 
 
 The shout was hushed on lake and fell. 
 The Monk resumed his muttered spell : 
 Dismal and low its accents came, 225 
 
 The while he scathed the Cross with flame ; 
 And the few words that reached the air. 
 
CANTO III 
 
 THE GATHERING 75 
 
 Although the holiest name was there, 
 
 Had more of blasphemy than prayer. 
 
 But when he shook above the crowd 230 
 
 Its kindled points, he spoke aloud : — 
 
 ''Woe to the wretch who fails to rear 
 
 At this dread sign the ready spear ! 
 
 For, as the flames this symbol sear. 
 
 His home, the refuge of his fear, 235 
 
 A kindred fate shall know ; 
 Far o'er its roof the volumed flame 
 Clan-Alpine's vengeance shall proclaim, 
 While maids and matrons on his name 
 Shall call down wretchedness and shame, 240 
 
 And infamy and woe, " 
 Then rose the cry of females, shrill 
 As goshawk's whistle on the hill, 
 Denouncing misery and ill. 
 Mingled with childhood's babbling trill 245 
 
 Of curses stammered slow ; 
 Answering with imprecation dread, 
 
 ' 'Sunk be his home in embers red ! 
 
 And cursed be the meanest shed 
 
 That e'er shall hide the houseless head 250 
 
 We doom to want and woe!" 
 
 A sharp and shrieking echo gave, 
 
 Coir-Uriskin, thy goblin cave ! 
 
 And the gray pass where birches wave 
 
 On Beala-nam-bo. 255 
 
 XI 
 Then deeper paused the priest anew, 
 And hard his laboring breath he drew, 
 
76 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto hi 
 
 While, with set teeth and clenched hand, 
 
 And eyes that glowed like fiery brand, 
 
 He meditated curse more dread, 260 
 
 And deadlier, on the clansman's head 
 
 Who, summoned to his chieftain's aid, 
 
 The signal saw and disobeyed. 
 
 The crosslet's points of sparkling wood 
 
 He quenched among the bubbling blood, ges 
 
 And, as again the sign he reared. 
 
 Hollow and hoarse his voice was heard : 
 
 ''When flits this Cross from man to man, 
 
 Vich-Alpine's summons to his clan. 
 
 Burst be the ear that fails to heed ! 270 
 
 Palsied the foot that shuns to speed ! 
 
 May ravens tear the careless eyes. 
 
 Wolves make the coward heart their prize ! 
 
 As sinks that blood-stream in the earth, 
 
 So may his heart's-blood drench his hearth ! 275 
 
 As dies in hissing gore the spark, 
 
 Quench thou his light, Destruction dark ! 
 
 And be the grace to him denied. 
 
 Bought by this sign to all beside!" 
 
 He ceased ; no echo gave again 280 
 
 The murmur of the deep Amen. 
 
 xn 
 
 Then Roderick with impatient look 
 From Brian's hand the symbol took : 
 * 'Speed, Malise, speed!" he said, and gave 
 The crosslet to his henchman brave. 235 
 
 *'The muster-place be Lanrick mead- 
 Instant the time — sjpeed, Malise, speed!" 
 
30O 
 
 CANTO III THE GATHERING 77 
 
 Like heath-bird, when the hawks pursue, 
 
 A barge across Loch Katrine flew : 
 
 High stood the henchman on the prow ; 290 
 
 So rapidly the barge-men row, 
 
 The bubbles, where they launched the boat, 
 
 Were all unbroken and afloat, 
 
 Dancing in foam and ripple still. 
 
 When it had neared the mainland hill; 395 
 
 And from the silver beach's side 
 
 Still was the prow three fathom wide, 
 
 When lightly bounded to the land 
 
 The messenger of blood and brand. 
 
 XIII 
 Speed, Malise, speed ! the dun deer's hide 
 On fleeter foot was never tied. 
 Speed, Malise, speed ! such cause of haste 
 Thine active sinews never braced. 
 Bend 'gainst the steepy hill thy breast, 
 Burst down like torrent from its crest ; 
 With short and springing footstep pass 
 The trembling bog and false morass ; 
 Across the brook like roebuck bound, 
 And thread the brake like questing hound ; 
 The crag is high, the scaur is deep, 310 
 
 Yet shrink not from the desperate leap : 
 Parched are thy burning lips and brow. 
 Yet by the fountain pause not now ; 
 Herald of battle, fate, and fear, 
 Stretch onward in thy fleet career ! 315 
 
 The wounded hind thou track 'st not now, 
 Pursuest not maid through greenwood bough, 
 
 305 
 
78 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto iii 
 
 Nor pliest thou now thy flying pace 
 
 With rivals in the mountain race ; 
 
 But danger, death, and warrior deed a^ j 
 
 Are in thy course — speed, Malise, speed ! 
 
 XIV 
 Fast as the fatal symbol flies. 
 In arms the huts and hamlets rise ; 
 From winding glen, from upland brown, 
 They poured each hardy tenant down. 325 
 
 Nor slacked the messenger his pace ; 
 He showed the sign, he named the place. 
 And, pressing forward like the wind. 
 Left clamor and surprise behind. 
 The fisherman forsook the strand, 330 
 
 The swarthy smith took dirk and brand ; 
 With changed cheer, the mower blithe 
 Left in the half-cut swath his scythe ; 
 The herds without a keeper strayed, 
 The plough was in mid-furrow stayed, 335 
 
 The falconer tossed his hawk away. 
 The hunter left the stag at bay ; 
 Prompt at the signal of alarms. 
 Each son of Alpine rushed to arms ; 
 So swept the tumult and afi'ray 340 
 
 Along the margin of Achray. 
 Alas, thou lovely lake ! that e'er 
 Thy banks should echo sounds of fear! 
 The rocks, the bosky thickets, sleep 
 So stilly on thy bosom deep, ^ 
 
 The lark's blithe carol from the cloud 
 Seems for the scene too gaJly loud. 
 
355 
 
 CANTO III THE GATHERING 79 
 
 XV 
 
 Speed, Malise, speed ! The lake is past, 
 
 Duncraggan's huts appear at last. 
 
 And peep, like moss-grown rocks, half seen, 350 
 
 Half hidden in the copse so green ; 
 
 There mayst thou rest, thy labor done, 
 
 Their lord shall speed the signal on. — 
 
 As stoops the hawk upon his prey, 
 
 The henchman shot him down the way. 
 
 What woeful accents load the gale ? 
 
 The funeral yell, the female wail ! 
 
 A gallant hunter's sport is o'er, 
 
 A valiant warrior fights no more. 
 
 Who, in the battle or the chase, 
 
 At Roderick's side shall fill his place! — 
 
 Within the hall, where torch's ray 
 
 Supplies the excluded beams of day. 
 
 Lies Duncan on his lonely bier. 
 
 And o'er him streams his widow's tear. 
 
 His stripling son stands mournful by. 
 
 His youngest weeps, but knows not why ; 
 
 The village maids and matrons round 
 
 The dismal coronach resound. 
 
 XVI 
 CORONACH 
 He is gone on the mountain, 37a 
 
 He is lost to the forest, 
 Like a summer-dried fountain. 
 
 When our need was the sorest. 
 The font, reappearing. 
 
 From the rain -drops shall borrow, 375 
 
 365 
 
80 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto hi 
 
 But to US comes no cheering, 
 To Duncan no morrow ! 
 
 The hand of the reaper 
 
 Takes the ears that are hoary. 
 But the voice of the weeper sso 
 
 Wails manhood in glory. 
 The autumn winds rushing 
 
 Waft the leaves that are searest, 
 But our flower was in flushing, 
 
 When blighting was nearest. sss 
 
 Fleet foot on the correi, 
 
 Sage counsel in cumber, 
 Red hand in the foray, 
 
 How sound is thy slumber ! 
 Like the dew on the mountain, 390 
 
 Like the foam on the river, 
 Like the bubble on the fountain, 
 
 Thou art gone, and forever ! 
 
 XVII 
 See Stumah, who, the bier beside, 
 His master's corpse with wonder eyed, 395 
 
 Poor Stumah ! whom his least halloo 
 Could send like lightning o'er the dew. 
 Bristles his crest, and points his ears. 
 As if some stranger step he hears. 
 'T is not a mourner's muffled tread, 400 
 
 Who comes to sorrow o'er the dead, 
 But headlong haste or deadly fear 
 Urge the precipitate career. 
 All stand aghast: — unheeding all, 
 
CANTO III THE GATHERING 81 
 
 The henchman bursts into the hall ; 405 
 
 Before the dead man's bier he stood, 
 
 Held forth the Cross besmeared with blood ; 
 
 * 'The muster-place is Lanrick mead ; 
 
 Speed forth the signal! clansmen, speed!'' 
 
 XVIII 
 
 Angus, the heir of Duncan's line, 410 
 
 Sprung forth and seized the fatal sign. 
 
 In haste the stripling to his side 
 
 His father's dirk and broadsword tied; 
 
 But when he saw his mother's eye 
 
 Watch him in speechless agony, 415 
 
 Back to her opened arms he flew, 
 
 Pressed on her lips a fond adieu, — 
 
 **Alas!" she sobbed, — ''and yet be gone, 
 
 And speed thee forth, like Duncan's son!" 
 
 One look he cast upon the bier, 420 
 
 Dashed from his eye the gathering tear, 
 
 Breathed deep to clear his laboring breast. 
 
 And tossed aloft his bonnet crest. 
 
 Then, like the high-bred colt when, freed. 
 
 First he essays his fire and speed, 425 
 
 He vanished, and o'er moor and moss 
 
 Sped forward with the Fiery Cross. 
 
 Suspended was the widow's tear 
 
 While yet his footsteps she could hear; 
 
 And when she marked the henchman's eye 430 
 
 Wet with unwonted sympathy, 
 
 "Kinsman, " she said, "his race is run 
 
 That should have sped thine errand on ; 
 
 The oak has fallen, — the sapling bough 
 
82 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto hi 
 
 Is all Duncraggan's shelter now. 435 
 
 Yet trust I well, his duty done, 
 
 The orphan's God will guard my son. — 
 
 And you, in many a danger true. 
 
 At Duncan's hest your blades that drew. 
 
 To arms, and guard that orphan's head ! 440 
 
 Let babes and women wail the dead.'' 
 
 Then weapon-clang and martial call 
 
 Resounded through the funeral hall. 
 
 While from the walls the attendant band 
 
 Snatched sword and targe with hurried hand , 445 
 
 And short and flitting energy 
 
 Glanced from the mourner's sunken eye, 
 
 As if the sounds to warrior dear 
 
 Might rouse her Duncan from his bier. 
 
 But faded soon that borrowed force ; 450 
 
 Grief claimed his right, and tears their course. 
 
 XIX 
 
 Benledi saw the Cross of Fire, 
 
 It glanced like lightning up Strath-Ire. 
 
 O'er dale and hill the summons flew. 
 
 Nor rest nor pause young Angus knew ; 455 
 
 The tear that gathered in his eye 
 
 He left the mountain-breeze to dry ; 
 
 Until, where Teith's young waters roll 
 
 Betwixt him and a wooded knoll 
 
 That graced the sable strath with green, 460 
 
 The chapel of Saint Bride was seen. 
 
 Swoln was the stream, remote the bridge, 
 
 But Angus paused not on the edge ; 
 
 Though the dark waves danced dizzily, 
 
CANTO III THE GATHERING 83 
 
 Though reeled his sympathetic eye, 465 
 
 He dashed amid the torrent's roar: 
 
 His right hand high the crosslet bore, 
 
 His left the pole-axe grasped, to guide 
 
 And stay his footing in the tide. 
 
 He stumbled twice, ^ — ^the foam splashed high, 470 
 
 With hoarser swell the stream raced by ; 
 
 And had he fallen, — forever there. 
 
 Farewell Duncraggan's orphan heir! 
 
 But still, as if in parting life. 
 
 Firmer he grasped the Cross of strife, 475 
 
 Until the opposing bank he gained. 
 
 And up the chapel pathway strained. 
 
 XX 
 
 A blithesome rout that morning-tide 
 
 Had sought the chapel of Saint Bride. 
 
 Her troth Tombea's Mary gave 48o 
 
 To Norman, heir of Armandave, 
 
 And, issuing from the Gothic arch. 
 
 The bridal now resumed their march. 
 
 In rude but glad procession came 
 
 Bonneted sire and coif-clad dame: 485 
 
 And plaided youth, with jest and jeer. 
 
 Which snooded maiden would not hear ; 
 
 And children, that, unwitting why, 
 
 Lent the gay shout their shrilly cry ; 
 
 And minstrels, that in measures vied 490 
 
 Before the young and bonny bride, 
 
 Whose downcast eye and cheek disclose 
 
 The tear and blush of morning rose. 
 
 With virgin step and bashful hand 
 
84 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO iii 
 
 495 
 
 She held the kerchief's snowy band. 
 The gallant bridegroom by her side 
 Beheld his prize with victor's pride, 
 And the glad mother in her ear 
 Was closely whispering word of cheer. 
 
 XXI 
 
 Who meets them at the churchyard gate ? 500 
 
 The messenger of fear and fate ! 
 
 Haste in his hurried accent lies, 
 
 And grief is swimming in his eyes. 
 
 All dripping from the recent flood, 
 
 Panting and travel-soiled he stood, 505 
 
 The fatal sign of fire and sword 
 
 Held forth, and spoke the appointed word : 
 
 ' The muster-place is Lanrick mead ; 
 
 Speed forth the signal! Norman, speed!" 
 
 And must he change so soon the hand, 510 
 
 Just linked to his by holy band. 
 
 For the fell Cross of blood and brand? 
 
 And must the day so blithe that rose. 
 
 And promised rapture in the close. 
 
 Before its setting hour, divide 515 
 
 The bridegroom from the plighted bride ? 
 
 O fatal doom ! — it must ! it must ! 
 
 Clan-Alpine's cause, her Chieftain's trust. 
 
 Her summons dread, brook no delay ; 
 
 Stretch to the race, — away ! away ! 520 
 
 XXH 
 
 Yet slow he laid his plaid aside, 
 And lingering eyed his lovely bride, 
 
CANTO III THE GATHERING 85 
 
 Until he saw the starting tear 
 
 Speak woe he might not stop to cheer; 
 
 Then, trusting not a second look, 525 
 
 In haste he sped him up the brook. 
 
 Nor backward glanced till on the heath 
 
 Where Lubnaig's lake supplies the Teith. — 
 
 What in the racer's bosom stirred ? 
 
 The sickening pang of hope deferred, 530 
 
 And memory with a torturing train 
 
 Of all his morning visions vain. 
 
 Mingled with love's impatience, came 
 
 The manly thirst for martial fame ; 
 
 The stormy joy of mountaineers 535 
 
 Ere yet they rushed upon the spears ; 
 
 And zeal for Clan and Chieftain burning, 
 
 And hope, from well-fought field returning, 
 
 With war's red honors on his crest. 
 
 To clasp his Mary to his breast. 540 
 
 Stung by such thoughts, o'er bank and brae, 
 
 Like fire from flint he glanced away. 
 
 While high resolve and feeling strong 
 
 Burst into voluntary song. 
 
 XXIII 
 
 SONG 
 
 The heath this night must be my bed, 545 
 
 The bracken curtain for my head, 
 My lullaby the warder's tread. 
 
 Far, far, from love and thee, Mary ; 
 Tomorrow eve, more stilly laid. 
 My couch may be my bloody plaid, 56o 
 
 My vesper song thy wail, sweet maidi 
 
 It will not waken me, Mary! 
 
86 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto hi 
 
 I may not, dare not, fancy now 
 
 The grief that clouds thy lovely brow, 
 
 I dare not think upon thy vow, 555 
 
 And all it promised me, Mary. 
 No fond regret must Norman know ; 
 When bursts Clan-Alpine on the foe. 
 His heart must be like bended bow. 
 
 His foot like arrow free, Mary. 56o 
 
 A time will come with feeling fraught. 
 For, if I fall in battle fought. 
 Thy hapless lover's dying thought 
 
 Shall be a thought on thee, Mary. 
 And if returned from conquered foes, 555 
 
 How blithely will the evening close, 
 How sweet the linnet sing repose. 
 
 To my young bride and me, Mary ! 
 
 XXIV 
 
 Not faster o'er thy heathery braes, 
 
 Balquidder, speeds the midnight blaze, 570 
 
 Rushing in conflagration strong 
 
 Thy deep ravines and dells along, 
 
 Wrapping thy cliffs in purple glow. 
 
 And reddening the dark lakes below ; 
 
 Nor faster speeds it, nor so far, 575 
 
 As o'er thy heaths the voice of war. 
 
 The signal roused to martial coil 
 
 The sullen margin of Loch Voil, 
 
 Waked still Loch Doine, and to the source 
 
 Alarmed, Balvaig, thy swampy course ; 5^0 
 
 Thence southward turned its rapid road 
 
CANTO III THE GATHERING 87 
 
 Adown Strath-Gartney's valley broad, 
 
 Till rose in arms each man might claim 
 
 A portion in Clan-Alpine's name, 
 
 From the gray sire, whose trembling hand 535 
 
 Could hardly buckle on his brand, 
 
 To the raw boy, whose shaft and bow 
 
 Were yet scarce terror to the crow. 
 
 Each valley, each sequestered glen, 
 
 Mustered its little horde of men, 590 
 
 That met as torrents from the height 
 
 In Highland dales their streams unite, 
 
 Still gathering, as they pour along, 
 
 A voice more loud, a tide more strong. 
 
 Till at the rendezvous they stood 595 
 
 By hundreds prompt for blows and blood, 
 
 Each trained to arms since life began. 
 
 Owning no tie but to his clan, 
 
 No oath but by his chieftain's hand, 
 
 No law but Roderick Dhu's command. eoo 
 
 XXV 
 
 That summer morn had Roderick Dhu 
 
 Surveyed the skirts of Benvenue, 
 
 And sent his scouts o'er hill and heath, 
 
 To view the frontiers of Menteith. 
 
 All backward came with news of truce ; 605 
 
 Still lay each martial Graeme and Bruce, 
 
 In Rednock courts no horsemen wait, 
 
 No banner waved at Cardross gate. 
 
 On Duchray's towers no beacon shone, 
 
 Nor scared the herons from Loch Con ; eio 
 
 All seemed at peace. — ^Now wot ye why 
 
88 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto hi 
 
 The Chieftain with such anxious eye, 
 
 Ere to the muster he repair, 
 
 This western frontier scanned with care ? — 
 
 In Benvenues most darksome cleft, 615 
 
 A fair though cruel pledge was left ; 
 
 For Douglas, to his promise true, 
 
 That morning from the isle withdrew. 
 
 And in a deep sequestered dell 
 
 Had sought a low and lonely cell. 620 
 
 By many a bard in Celtic tongue 
 
 Has Coir-nan- Uriskin been sung; 
 
 A softer name the Saxons gave, 
 
 And called the grot the Goblin Cave. 
 
 XXVI 
 
 It was a wild and strange retreat, 625 
 
 As e'er was trod by outlaw's feet. 
 
 The dell, upon the mountain's crest, 
 
 Yawned like a gash on warrior's breast; 
 
 Its trench had stayed full many a rock, 
 
 Hurled by primeval earthquake shock 63o 
 
 From Benvenue's gray summit wild, 
 
 And here, in random ruin piled, 
 
 They frowned incumbent o'er the spot, 
 
 And formed the rugged sylvan grot. 
 
 The oak and birch with mingled shade 535 
 
 At noontide there a twilight made, 
 
 Unless when short and sudden shone 
 
 Some straggling beam on cliff or stone, 
 
 With such a glimpse as prophet's eye 
 
 Gains on thy depth. Futurity. 64o 
 
 No murmur waked the solemn still, 
 
CANTO III THE GATHERING 89 
 
 Save tinkling of a fountain rill ; 
 
 But when the wind chafed with the lake, 
 
 A sullen sound would upward break, 
 
 With dashing hollow voice, that spoke 645 
 
 The incessant war of wave and rock. 
 
 Suspended cliffs with hideous sway 
 
 Seemed nodding o'er the cavern gray. 
 
 From such a den the wolf had sprung, 
 
 In such the wild-cat leaves her young; es* 
 
 Yet Douglas and his daughter fair 
 
 Sought for a space their safety there. 
 
 Gray Superstition's whisper dread 
 
 Debarred the spot to vulgar tread ; 
 
 For there, she said, did fays resort, ess 
 
 And satyrs hold their sylvan court, 
 
 By moonlight tread their mystic maze. 
 
 And blast the rash beholder's gaze. 
 
 XXVII 
 Now eve, with western shadows long. 
 Floated on Katrine bright and strong, qqq 
 
 When Roderick with a chosen few 
 Repassed the heights of Benvenue. 
 Above the Goblin Cave they go. 
 Through the wild pass of Beal-nam-bo; 
 The prompt retainers speed before, ess 
 
 To launch the shallop from the shore. 
 For 'cross Loch Katrine lies his way 
 To view the passes of Achray, 
 And place his clansmen in array. 
 Yet lags the Chief in musing mind, 67o 
 
 Unwonted sight, his men behind. 
 
90 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO iii 
 
 A single page, to bear his sword, 
 
 Alone attended on his lord ; 
 
 The rest their way through thickets break, 
 
 And soon await him by the lake. 675 
 
 It was a fair and gallant sight, 
 
 To view them from the neighboring height, 
 
 By the low-levelled sunbeam's light! 
 
 For strength and stature, from the clan 
 
 Each warrior was a chosen man, eso 
 
 As even afar might well be seen. 
 
 By their proud step and martial mien. 
 
 Their feathers dance, their tartans float. 
 
 Their targets gleam, as by the boat 
 
 A wild and warlike group they stand, 685 
 
 That well became such mountain-strand. 
 
 XXVIII 
 Their Chief with step reluctant still 
 Was lingering on the craggy hill, 
 Hard by where turned apart the road 
 To Douglas's obscure abode. 69o 
 
 It was but with that dawning morn 
 That Roderick Dhu had proudly sworn 
 To drown his love in war's wild roar, 
 Nor think of Ellen Douglas more ; 
 But he who stems a stream with sand, 695 
 
 And fetters fame with flaxen band, 
 Has yet a harder task to prove, — 
 By firm resolve to conquer love ! 
 Eve finds the Chief, like restless ghost. 
 Still hovering near his treasure lost; 7©o 
 
 For though his haughty heart deny 
 
;anto III 
 
 THE GATHERING 91 
 
 A parting meeting to his eye, 
 
 Still fondly strains his anxious ear 
 
 The accents of her voice to hear, 
 
 And inly did he curse the breeze m 
 
 That waked to sound the rustling trees. 
 
 But hark ! what mingles in the strain ? 
 
 It is the harp of Allan-bane, 
 
 That wakes its measure slow and high, 
 
 Attuned to sacred minstrelsy. 710 
 
 What melting voice attends the strings? 
 
 T is Ellen, or an angel, sings. 
 
 XXIX 
 
 HYMN TO THE VIRGIN 
 
 Ave Maria I maiden mild ! 
 
 Listen to a maiden's prayer! 
 Thou canst hear though from the wild, 715 
 
 Thou canst save amidst despair. 
 Safe may we sleep beneath thy care, 
 
 Though banished, outcast, and reviled — 
 Maiden! hear a maiden's prayer; 
 
 Mother, hear a suppliant child! 720 
 
 Ave Maria ! 
 
 Ave Maria ! undefiled ! 
 
 The flinty couch we now must share 
 Shall seem with down of eider piled, 
 
 If thy protection hover there. 
 The miirky cavern's heavy air 725 
 
 Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled ; 
 Then, Maiden I hear a maiden's prayer, 
 
 Mother, list a suppliant child ! 
 
 Ave Maria I 
 
92 THE LADY OF THE LAKE Cantc hi 
 
 Ave Maria! stainless styled ! 
 
 Foul demons of the earth and air, -sc 
 
 From this their wonted haunt exiled, 
 
 Shall flee before thy presence fair. 
 We bow us to our lot of care. 
 
 Beneath thy guidance reconciled : 
 Hear for a maid a maiden's prayer, 78^ 
 
 And for a father hear a child ! 
 
 Ave Maria! 
 
 XXX 
 
 Died on the harp the closing hymn, — 
 
 Unmoved in attitude and limb, 
 
 As listening still, Clan-Alpine's lord 
 
 Stood leaning on his heavy sword, Y4c 
 
 Until the page with humble sign 
 
 Twice pointed to the sun's decline. 
 
 Then while his plaid he round him cast, 
 
 *'It is the last time — 'tis the last, " 
 
 He muttered thrice, — ''the last time e'er 745 
 
 That angel-voice shall Roderick hear!" 
 
 It was a goading thought, — his stride 
 
 Hied hastier down the mountain-side; 
 
 Sullen he flung him in the boat. 
 
 And instant 'cross the lake it shot. 750 
 
 They landed in that silvery bay, 
 
 And eastward held their hasty way, 
 
 Till, with the latest beams of light. 
 
 The band arrived on Lanrick height. 
 
 Where mustered in the vale below 755 
 
 Clan- Alpine's men in martial show. 
 
CANTO III THE GATHERING 93 
 
 XXXI 
 A various scene the clansmen made : 
 Some sat, some stood, some slowly strayed ; 
 But most, with mantles folded round, 
 Were couched to rest upon the ground, -eo 
 
 Scarce to be known by curious eye 
 From the deep heather where they lie, 
 So well was matched the tartan screen 
 With heath-bell dark and brackens green ; 
 Unless where, here and there, a blade -65 
 
 Or lance's point a glimmer made. 
 Like glow-worm twinkling through the shade. 
 But when, advancing through the gloom, 
 They saw the Chieftain's eagle plume. 
 Their shout of welcome, shrill and wide, 770 
 Shook the steep mountain's steady side. 
 Thrice it arose, and lake and fell 
 Three times returned the martial yell ; 
 It died upon Bochastle's plain. 
 And Silence claimed her evening reign. 77s 
 
 a 
 
CANTO FOURTH 
 
 THE PROPHECY 
 I 
 
 *The rose is fairest when 't is budding new, 
 
 And hope is brightest when it dawns from fears; 
 The rose is sweetest washed with morning dew, 
 
 And love is loveliest when embalmed in tears. 
 
 wilding rose whom fancy thus endears, 5 
 
 I bid your blossoms in my bonnet wave. 
 
 Emblem of hope and love through future years !'' 
 Thus spoke young Norman, heir of Armandave, 
 What time the sun arose on Vennachar's broad wave. 
 
 II 
 Such fond conceit, half said, half sung, -c 
 
 Love prompted to the bridegroom's tongue. 
 All while he stripped the wild-rose spray, 
 His axe and bow beside him lay. 
 For on a pass 'twixt lake and wood 
 • A wakeful sentinel he stood. 1.5 
 
 Hark ! — on the rock a footstep rung. 
 And instant to his arms he sprung. 
 ' 'Stand, or thou diest ! — What, Malise ? — soon 
 Art thou returned from Braes of Doune. 
 By thy keen step and glance I know, 20 
 
 Thou bring'st us tidings of the foe. '' — ■ 
 For while the Fiery Cross hied on, 
 On distant scout had Malise gone. — 
 ' 'Where sleeps the Chief V" the henchman said. 
 
CANTO IV THE PROPHECY 95 
 
 ' 'Apart, in yonder misty glade ; as 
 
 To his lone couch Pll be your guide/* — 
 
 Then called a slumberer by his side, 
 
 And stirred him with his slackened bow, — 
 
 ''Up, up, Glentarkin! rouse thee, ho! 
 
 We seek the Chieftain ; on the track 
 
 Keep eagle watch till I come back." 
 
 30 
 
 III 
 Together up the pass they sped : 
 ' 'What of the f oeman ? ' ' Norman said. — 
 ' 'Varying reports from near and far ; • 
 This certain, — that a band of war 35 
 
 Has for two days been ready boune, 
 At prompt command to march from Doune ; 
 King James the while, with princely powers, 
 Holds revelry in Stirling towers. 
 Soon will this dark and gathering cloud 40 
 
 Speak on our glens in thunder loud. 
 Inured to bide such bitter bout. 
 The warrior's plaid may bear it out; 
 But, Norman, how wilt thou provide 
 A shelter for thy bonny bride?" — ^^ 
 
 "What! know ye not that Roderick's care 
 To the lone isle hath caused repair 
 Each maid and matron of the clan. 
 And every child and aged man 
 Unfit for arms ; and given his charge, go 
 
 Nor skiff nor shallop, boat nor barge, 
 Upon these lakes shall float at large. 
 But all beside the islet moor, 
 That such dear pledge may rest secure?" — ■ 
 
96 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto l^> 
 
 IV 
 
 •* *T is well advised, — the Chieftain's plan 55 
 Bespeaks the father of his clan. 
 But wherefore sleeps Sir Roderick Dhu 
 Apart from all his followers true?'* 
 ''It is because last evening-tide 
 Brian an augury hath tried, -jo 
 
 Of that dread kind which must not be 
 Unless in dread extremity. 
 The Taghairm called ; by which, afar, 
 Or sires foresaw the events of war. 
 Duncraggan's milk-white bull they slew, '' — es 
 MALISE 
 
 ' 'Ah ! well the gallant brute I knew ! 
 
 The choicest of the prey we had 
 
 When swept our merrymen Gallangad. 
 
 His hide was snow, his horns were dark, 
 
 His red eye glowed like fiery spark; 70 
 
 So fierce, so tameless, and so fleet. 
 
 Sore did he cumber our retreat, 
 
 And kept our stoutest kerns in awe. 
 
 Even at the pass of Beal 'maha. 
 
 But steep and flinty was the road, ^5 
 
 And sharp the hurrying pikeman's goad, 
 
 And when we came to Dennan's Row 
 
 A child might scathless stroke his brow.'' 
 
 V 
 
 NORMAN 
 
 *That bull was slain ; his reeking hide, 
 
 They stretched the cataract beside, ^ 
 
CANTO IV THE PROPHECY 97 
 
 Whose waters their wild tumult toss 
 
 Adown the black and craggy boss 
 
 Of that huge cliff whose ample verge 
 
 Tradition calls the Hero's Targe. 
 
 Couched on a shelf beneath its brink, 85 
 
 Close where the thundering torrents sink, 
 
 Rocking beneath their headlong sway, 
 
 And drizzled by the ceaseless spray, 
 
 Midst groan of rock and roar of stream, 
 
 The wizard waits prophetic dream. oo 
 
 Nor distant rests the Chief ; — but hush ! 
 
 See, gliding slow through mist and bush. 
 
 The hermit gains yon rock, and stands 
 
 To gaze upon our slumbering bands. 
 
 Seems he not, Malise, like a ghost, 95 
 
 That hovers o'er a slaughtered host? 
 
 Or raven on the blasted oak, 
 
 That, watching while the deer is broke. 
 
 His morsel claims with sullen croak?" 
 
 MALISE 
 ' Teace ! peace ! to other than to me loc 
 
 Thy words were evil augury; 
 But still I hold Sir Roderick's blade 
 Clan-Alpine's omen and her aid, 
 Not aught that, gleaned from heaven or hell, 
 Yon fiend -begotten Monk can tell. 105 
 
 The Chieftain joins him, see — and now 
 Together they descend the brow. " 
 
 VI 
 And, as they came, with Alpine's Lord 
 The Hermit Monk held solemn word : — 
 
9S THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto iv 
 
 * 'Roderick! it is a fearful strife, no 
 
 For man endowed with mortal life, 
 
 Whose shroud of sentient clay can still 
 
 Feel feverish pang and fainting chill, 
 
 Whose eye can stare in stony trance, 
 
 Whose hair can rouse like warrior's lance, — us 
 
 T is hard for such to view, unfurled, 
 
 The curtain of the future world. 
 
 Yet, witness every quaking limb, 
 
 My sunken pulse, mine eyeballs dim. 
 
 My soul with harrowing anguish torn, i^o 
 
 This for my Chieftain have I borne !— 
 
 The shapes that sought my fearful couch 
 
 A human tongue may ne'er avouch; 
 
 No mortal man — save he, who, bred 
 
 Between the living and the dead, 105 
 
 Is gifted beyond nature's law — 
 
 Had e'er survived to say he saw. 
 
 At length the fateful answer came 
 
 In characters of living flame ! 
 
 Not spoke in word, nor blazed in scroll, 130 
 
 But borne and branded on my soul : — • 
 
 Which spills the foremost foeman's life, 
 
 That party conquers in the strife." 
 
 VII 
 
 * 'Thanks, Brian, for thy zeal and care ! 
 
 Good is thine augury, and fair. 135 
 
 Clan-Alpine ne'er in battle stood 
 
 But first our broadswords tasted blood. 
 
 A surer victim still I know. 
 
 Self -offered to the auspicious blow : 
 
CANTO IV THE PROPHECY 99 
 
 A spy has sought my land this morn, — ■ uo 
 
 No eve shall witness his return ! 
 
 My followers guard each pass's mouth, 
 
 To east, to westward, and to south ; 
 
 Red Murdoch, bribed to be his guide. 
 
 Has charge to lead his steps aside, 145 
 
 Till in deep path or dingle brown 
 
 He light on those shall bring him down.- 
 
 But see, who comes his news to show ! 
 
 Malise! what tidings of the foe?'* 
 
 vin 
 
 **At Doune, o'er many a spear and glaive 150 
 
 Two Barons proud their banners wave. 
 
 I saw the Moray's silver star, 
 
 And marked the sable pale of Mar. ' ' 
 
 ''By Alpine's soul, high tidings those! 
 
 I love to hear of worthy foes. 155 
 
 When move they on ? " ' 'Tomorrow 's noon 
 
 Will see them here for battle boune. " 
 
 "Then shall it see a meeting stern ! 
 
 But, for the place, — say, couldst thou learn 
 
 Nought of the friendly clans of Earn ? leo 
 
 Strengthened by them, we well might bide 
 
 The battle on Benledi's side. 
 
 Thou couldst not ? — well ! Clan-Alpine's men 
 
 Shall man the Trosachs' shaggy glen ; 
 
 Within Loch Katrine's gorge we'll fight, 165 
 
 All in our maids' and matrons' sight, 
 
 Each for his hearth and household fire, 
 
 Father for child, and son for sire, 
 
 Lover for maid beloved ! — But whv — 
 
100 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto iv 
 
 Is it the breeze affects mine eye ? no 
 
 Or dost thou come, ill-omened tearl 
 
 A messenger of doubt or fear ? 
 
 No ! sooner may the Saxon lance 
 
 Unfix Benledi from his stance, 
 
 Than doubt or terror can pierce through 175 
 
 The unyielding heart of Roderick Dhu ! 
 
 'T is stubborn as his trusty targe. 
 
 Each to his post ! — all know their charge. ' * 
 
 The pibroch sounds, the bands advance, 
 
 The broadswords gleam, the banners dance, iso 
 
 Obedient to the Chieftain's glance. — 
 
 I turn me from the martial roar, 
 
 And seek Coir-Uriskin once more. 
 
 IX 
 Where is the Douglas ? — he is gone ; 
 And Ellen sits on the gray stone iso 
 
 Fast by the cave, and makes her moan, 
 While vainly Allan's words of cheer 
 Are poured on her unheeding ear. 
 ''He will return — dear lady, trust! — 
 With joy return ; — he will — he must. 190 
 
 Well was it time to seek afar 
 Some refuge from impending war. 
 When e'en Clan- Alpine's rugged swarm 
 Are cowed by the approaching storm. 
 I saw their boats with many a light, 195 
 
 Floating the livelong yesternight. 
 Shifting like flashes darted forth 
 By the red streamers of the north ; 
 I marked at morn how close they ride, 
 
CANTO IV THE PROPHECY 101 
 
 Thick moored by the lone islet's side, 200 
 
 Like wild ducks couching in the fen 
 
 When stoops the hawk upon the glen. 
 
 Since this rude race dare not abide 
 
 The peril on the mainland side, 
 
 Shall not thy noble father's care 205 
 
 Some safe retreat for thee prepare?" 
 
 X 
 
 ELLEN 
 
 ''No, Allan, no! Pretext so kind 
 
 My wakeful terrors could not blind. 
 
 When in such tender tone, yet grave, 
 
 Douglas a parting blessing gave, 210 
 
 The tear that glistened in his eye 
 
 Drowned not his purpose fixed and high. 
 
 My soul, though feminine and weak, 
 
 Can image his; e'en as the lake, 
 
 Itself disturbed by slightest stroke, 215 
 
 Reflects the invulnerable rock. 
 
 He hears report of battle rife. 
 
 He deems himself the cause of strife. 
 
 I saw him redden when the theme 
 
 Turned, Allan, on thine idle dream 200 
 
 Of Malcolm Graeme in fetters bound, 
 
 Which I, thou saidst, about him wound. 
 
 Think'st thou he trowed thine omen aught? 
 
 Ono! 't was apprehensive thought 
 
 For the kind youth, — for Roderick too — 225 
 
 Let me be just — that friend so true ; 
 
 In danger both, and in our cause ! 
 
 Minstrel, the Douglas dare not pause. 
 
J02 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto IV 
 
 Why else that solemn warning given, 
 
 *If not on earth, we meet in heaven!' 230 
 
 Why else, to Cambus-kenneth's fane. 
 
 If eve return him not again, 
 
 Am I to hie and make me known ? 
 
 Alas! he goes to Scotland's throne. 
 
 Buys his friends* safety with his own ; 035 
 
 He goes to do — what I had done. 
 
 Had Douglas' daughter been his son!" 
 
 XI 
 
 *'Nay, lovely Ellen! — dearest, nay! 
 
 If aught should his return delay. 
 
 He only named yon holy fane .240 
 
 As fitting place to meet again. 
 
 Be sure he's safe; and for the Graeme, — 
 
 Heaven's blessing on his gallant name! — 
 
 My visioned sight may yet prove true. 
 
 Nor bode of ill to him or you. 245 
 
 When did my gifted dream beguile? 
 
 Think of the stranger at the isle, 
 
 And think upon the harpings slow 
 
 That presaged this approaching woe! 
 
 Sooth was my prophecy of fear ; 050 
 
 Believe it when it augurs cheer. 
 
 Would we had left this dismal spot! 
 
 Ill luck still haunts a fairy grot. 
 
 Of such wondrous tale I know — 
 
 Dear lady, change that look of woe, 255 
 
 My harp was wont thy grief to cheer. ' ' 
 
 ELLEN 
 *'Well, be it as thou wilt; I hear, 
 
CANTO IV THE PROPHECY 103 
 
 But cannot stop the bursting tear. ' * 
 
 The Minstrel tried his simple art, 
 
 But distant far was Ellen's heart. 260 
 
 XII 
 
 BALLAD 
 ALICE BRAND 
 
 Merry it is in the good greenwood, 
 
 When the mavis and merle are singing, 
 
 When the deer sweeps by, and the hounds are in cry. 
 And the hunter's horn is ringing. 
 
 '*0 Alice Brand, my native land 265 
 
 Is lost for love of you ; 
 And we must hold by wood and wold, 
 
 As outlaws wont to do. 
 
 *'0 Alice, 't was all for thy locks so bright, 
 And 't was all for thine eyes so blue, 270 
 
 That on the night of our luckless flight 
 Thy brother bold I slew. 
 
 *'Now must I teach to hew the beech 
 
 The hand that held the glaive, 
 For leaves to spread our lowly bed, 2:5 
 
 And stakes to fence our cave. 
 
 ''And for vest of pall, thy fingers small, 
 
 That wont on harp to stray, 
 A cloak must shear from the slaughtered deer. 
 
 To keep the cold away. ' ' 280 
 
 *'0 Richard! if my brother died, 
 
 T was but a fatal chance ; 
 For darkling was the battle tried. 
 
 And fortune sped the lance. 
 
704 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO l\ 
 
 "If pall and vair no more I wear, 255 
 
 Nor thou the crimson sheen, 
 As warm, we'll say, is the russet gray, 
 
 As gay the forest-green. 
 
 ''And, Richard, if our lot be hard. 
 
 And lost thy native land, 290 
 
 Still Alice has her own Richard, 
 
 And he his Alice Brand. " 
 
 XIII 
 BALLAD CONTINUED 
 'T is merry, 't is merry, fn good greenwood ; 
 
 So blithe Lady Alice is singing ; 
 On the beech's pride, and oak's brown side, 295 
 
 Lord Richard's axe is ringing. 
 
 Up spoke the moody Elfin King, 
 
 Who woned within the hill, — 
 Like wind in the porch of a ruined church 
 
 His voice was ghostly shrill. 300 
 
 "Why sounds yon stroke on beech and oak, 
 
 Our moonlight circle's screen? 
 Or who comes here to chase the deer, 
 
 Beloved of our Elfin Queen ? 
 Or who may dare on wold to wear ' 305 
 
 The fairies' fatal green? 
 
 ' 'Up, Urgan, up ! to yon mortal hie, 
 
 For thou wert christened man ; 
 For cross or sign thou wilt not fly. 
 
 For muttered word or ban. 310 
 
 "Lay on him the curse of the withered heart, 
 The curse of the sleepless eye ; 
 
CAXTo IV THE PROPHECY 105 
 
 Till he wish and pray that his life would part, 
 Nor yet find leave to die. '' 
 
 XIV 
 
 BALLAD CONTINUED 
 
 'T IS merry, 't is merry, in good greenwood, 315 
 
 Though the birds have stilled their singing ; 
 
 The evening blaze doth Alice raise. 
 And Richard is fagots bringing. 
 
 Up Urgan starts, that hideous dwarf 
 
 Before Lord Richard stands, 320 
 
 And, as he crossed and blessed himself, 
 "I fear not sign, '* quoth the grisly elf, 
 
 ''That is made with bloody hands/* 
 
 But out then spoke she, Alice Brand, 
 
 That woman void of fear, — • 325 
 
 ''And if there's blood upon his hand, 
 
 'T is but the blood of deer. " 
 
 ' 'Now loud thou liest, thou bold of mood ! 
 
 It cleaves unto his hand, 
 The stain of thine own kindly blood, 330 
 
 The blood of Ethert Brand. ' ' 
 
 Then forward stepped she, Alice Brand, 
 
 And made the holy sign, — 
 *'And if there's blood on Richard's hand, 
 
 A spotless hand is mine. 335 
 
 "And I conjure thee, demon elf, 
 
 By Him whom demons fear, 
 To show us whence thou art thyself. 
 
 And what thine errand here?" 
 
106 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO tv 
 
 XV 
 
 BALLAD CONTINUED 
 
 '' 'T is merry, 't is merry, in Fairy-land, 340 
 
 When fairy birds are singing. 
 When the court doth ride by their monarch's side, 
 
 With bit and bridle ringing : 
 
 ''And gayly shines the Fairy-land — 
 
 But all is glistening show, 345 
 
 Like the idle gleam that December's beam 
 
 Can dart on ice and snow. 
 
 *'And fading, like that varied gleam. 
 
 Is our inconstant shape, 
 Who now like knight and lady seem, 350 
 
 And now like dwarf and ape. 
 
 ' 'It was between the night and day. 
 
 When the Fairy King has power. 
 That I sunk down in a sinful fray, 
 And 'twixt life and death was snatched away 355 
 
 To the joyless Elfin bower. 
 
 "But wist I of a woman bold, 
 
 Who thrice my brow durst sign, 
 I might regain my mortal mould, 
 
 As fair a form as thine. '' 36o 
 
 She crossed him once — she crossed him twice — 
 
 That lady was so brave ; 
 The fouler grew his goblin hue, 
 
 The darker grew the cave. 
 
 She crossed him thrice, that lady bold ; 305 
 
 He rose beneath her hand 
 
CANTO IV THE PROPHECY 107 
 
 The fairest knight on Scottish mould, 
 Her brother, Ethert Brand ! 
 
 Merry it is in good greenwood, 
 
 When the mavis and merle are singing, 370 
 
 But merrier were they in Dunfermline gray. 
 
 When all the bells were ringing. 
 
 XVI 
 
 Just as the minstrel sounds were stayed, 
 A stranger climbed the steepy glade ; 
 His martial step, his stately mien, 375 
 
 His hunting-suit of Lincoln green, 
 His eagle glance, remembrance claims — 
 'T is Snowdoun's Knight, 't is James Fitz- James. 
 Ellen beheld as in a dream. 
 Then, starting, scarce suppressed a scream : ggg 
 ' *0 stranger ! in such hour of fear 
 What evil hap has brought thee here?'' 
 ''An evil hap how can it be 
 That bids me look again on thee ? 
 By promise bound, my former guide 385 
 
 Met me betimes this morning-tide, 
 And marshalled over bank and bourne 
 The happy path of my return. ' ' 
 ' 'The happy path ! — what ! said he naught 
 Of war, of battle to be fought, 390 
 
 Of guarded pass?" "No, by my faith! 
 Nor saw I aught could augur scathe/' 
 "0 haste thee, Allan, to the kern: 
 * Yonder his tartans I discern ; 
 
 Learn thou his purpose, and conjure 395 
 
108 THE LADY OF THE LAKE cant) iv 
 
 That he will guide the stranger sure!— 
 What prompted thee, unhappy man ? 
 The meanest serf in Roderick's clan 
 Had not been bribed, by love or fear. 
 Unknown to him to guide thee here." 400 
 
 XVII 
 
 "Sweet Ellen, dear my life must be. 
 
 Since it is worthy care from thee ; 
 
 Yet life I hold but idle breath 
 
 When love or honor 's weighed with death. 
 
 Then let me profit by my chance, 405 
 
 And speak my purpose bold at once. 
 
 I come to bear thee from a wild 
 
 Where ne'er before such blossom smiled. 
 
 By this soft hand to lead thee far 
 
 From frantic scenes of feud and war. 410 
 
 Near Bochastle my horses wait ; 
 
 They bear us soon to Stirling gate. 
 
 I'll place thee in a lovely bower, 
 
 I'll guard thee like a tender flower — " 
 
 * '0 hush. Sir Knight ! 't were female art, 415 
 
 To say I do not read thy heart ; 
 
 Too much, before, my selfish ear 
 
 Was idly soothed my praise to hear. 
 
 That fatal bait hath lured thee back. 
 
 In deathful hour, o'er dangerous track ; 420 
 
 And how, how, can I atone 
 
 The wreck my vanity brought on ! — 
 
 One way remains — I'll tell him all — ■ 
 
 Yes ! struggling bosom, forth it shall ! 
 
 Thou, whose light folly bears the blame, 425 
 
CANTO IV THE PROPHECY 109 
 
 Buy thine own pardon with thy shame! 
 
 But first — my father is a man 
 
 Outlawed and exiled, under ban ; 
 
 The price of blood is on his head, 
 
 With me 't were infamy to wed. 
 
 Still wouldst thou speak ? — then hear the truth ! 
 
 Fitz-James, there is a noble youth — 
 
 If yet he is ! — exposed for me 
 
 And mine to dread extremity — 
 
 Thou hast the secret of my heart ; 435 
 
 Forgive, be generous, and depart ! ' ' 
 
 XVIII 
 Fitz-James knew every wily train 
 A lady's fickle heart to gain, 
 But here he knew and felt them vain. 
 There shot no glance from Ellen's eye, 440 
 
 To give her steadfast speech the lie ; 
 In maiden confidence she stood, 
 Though mantled in her cheek the blood. 
 And told her love with such a sigh 
 Of deep and hopeless agony, 445 
 
 As death had sealed her Malcolm's doom 
 And she sat sorrowing on his tomb. 
 Hope vanished from Fitz-James 's eye. 
 But not with hope fled sympathy. 
 He proffered to attend her side, 450 
 
 As brother would a sister guide. 
 *'0 little know'st thou Roderick's heart! 
 Safer for both we go apart. 
 haste thee, and from Allan learn 
 If thou mayst trust yon wily kern. " 45E 
 
no THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto iv 
 
 With hand upon his forehead laid, 
 
 The conflict of his mind to shade, 
 
 A parting step or two he made ; 
 
 Then, as some thought had crossed his brain, 
 
 He paused, and turned, and came again. 400 
 
 XIX 
 
 ''Hear, lady, yet a parting word I — 
 
 It chanced in fight that my poor sword 
 
 Preserved the life of Scotland's lord. 
 
 This ring the grateful Monarch gave, 
 
 And bade, when I had boon to crave, 465 
 
 To bring it back, and boldly claim 
 
 The recompense that I would name. 
 
 Ellen, I am no courtly lord. 
 
 But one who lives by lance and sword. 
 
 Whose castle is his helm and shield, 470 
 
 His lordship the embattled field. 
 
 What from a prince can I demand, 
 
 Who neither reck of state nor land ? 
 
 Ellen, thy hand — the ring is thine; 
 
 Each guard and usher knows the sign. 47^ 
 
 Seek thou the King without delay ; 
 
 This signet shall secure thy way : 
 
 And claim thy suit, whate'er it be, 
 
 As ransom of his pledge to me. '' 
 
 He placed the golden circlet on, 4go 
 
 Paused — kissed her hand — and then was gone. 
 
 The aged Minstrel stood aghast. 
 
 So hastily Fitz- James shot past. 
 
 He joined his guide, and wending do\yn 
 
 The ridges of the mountain brown, 48b 
 
CANTO IV THE PROPHECY 111 
 
 Across the stream they took their Nay 
 That joins Loch Katrine to Achray. 
 
 XX 
 
 All in the Trosachs' glen was still, 
 
 Noontide was sleeping on the hill: 
 
 Sudden his guide whooped loud and high — 490 
 
 * 'Murdoch ! was that a signal cry ?" — 
 
 He stammered forth, ' 1 shout to scare 
 
 Yon raven from his dainty fare. '^ 
 
 He looked — he knew the raven's prey, 
 
 His own brave steed : ' 'Ah ! gallant gray ! 495 
 
 For thee — for me, perchance — 't were well 
 
 We ne'er had seen the Trosachs' dell. — 
 
 Murdoch, move first — but silently ; 
 
 Whistle or whoop, and thou shalt die!" 
 
 Jealous and sullen on they fared, soo 
 
 Each silent, each upon his guard. 
 
 XXI 
 
 Now wound the path its dizzy ledge 
 
 Around a precipice's edge, 
 
 When lo ! a wasted female form, 
 
 Blighted by wrath of sun and storm, 505 
 
 In tattered weeds and wild array. 
 
 Stood on a cliff beside the way, 
 
 And glancing round her restless eye. 
 
 Upon the wood, the rock, the sky. 
 
 Seemed naught to mark, yet all to spy. 510 
 
 Her brow was wreathed with gaudy broom ; 
 
 With gesture wild she waved a plume 
 
 Of feathers, which the eagles fling 
 
112 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto i> 
 
 To crag and cliff from dusky wing ; 
 
 Such spoils her desperate step had sought, 515 
 
 Where scarce was footing for the goat. 
 
 The tartan plaid she first descried, 
 
 And shrieked till all the rocks replied ; 
 
 As loud she laughed when near they drew, 
 
 For then the Lowland garb she knew ; 500 
 
 And then her hands she wildly wrung, 
 
 And then she wept, and then she sung — 
 
 She sung ! — the voice, in better time, 
 
 Perchance to harp or lute might chime; 
 
 And now, though strained and roughened, still 505 
 
 Rung wildly sweet to dale and hill. 
 
 XXII 
 
 SONG 
 They bid me sleep, they bid me pray. 
 
 They say my brain is warped and wrung — 
 I cannot sleep on Highland brae, 
 
 I cannot pray in Highland tongue. 530 
 
 But were I now where Allan glides, 
 Or heard my native Devan's tides. 
 So sweetly would I rest, and pray 
 That Heaven would close my wintry day ! 
 
 'T was thus my hair they bade me braid, 535 
 They made me to the church repair ; 
 
 It was my bridal morn they said. 
 
 And my true love would meet me there. 
 
 But woe betide the cruel guile 
 
 That drowned in blood the morning smile! 540 
 
 And woe betide the fairy dream ! 
 
 I only waked to sob and scream. 
 
CANTO IV THE PROPHECY 113 
 
 XXIII 
 
 **Who is this maid? what means her lay? 
 
 She hovers o'er the hollow way, 
 
 And flutters wide her mantle gray, 545 
 
 As the lone heron spreads his wing, 
 
 By twilight, o'er a haunted spring. " 
 
 '' T is Blanche of Devan, " Murdoch said, 
 
 ''A crazed and captive Lowland maid, 
 
 Ta'en on the morn she was a bride, 550 
 
 When Roderick forayed Devan-side. 
 
 The gay bridegroom resistance made, 
 
 And felt our Chief's unconquered blade. 
 
 I marvel she is now at large. 
 
 But oft she 'scapes from Maudlin's charge. — 555 
 
 Hence, brain-sick fool ! ' ' — He raised his bow : — 
 
 ''Now, if thou strik'st her but one blow, 
 
 I'll pitch thee from the cliff as far 
 
 As ever peasant pitched a bar!" 
 
 * Thanks, champion, thanks ! ' 'the Maniac cried, 500 
 
 And pressed her to Fitz- James's side. 
 
 ''See the gray pennons I prepare. 
 
 To seek my true love through the air I 
 
 I will not lend that savage groom, 
 
 To break his fall, one downy plume ! 565 
 
 No ! — deep amid disjointed stones. 
 
 The wolves shall batten on his bones, 
 
 And then shall his detested plaid. 
 
 By bush and brier in mid-air stayed. 
 
 Wave forth a banner fair and free, 570 
 
 Meet signal for their revelry. '^ 
 
114 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO iv 
 
 XXIV 
 '*Hush thee, poor maiden, and be still!'' 
 *'0! thou look'st kindly, and I will. 
 Mine eye has dried and wasted been, 
 But still it loves the Lincoln green ; 575 
 
 And, though mine ear is all unstrung, 
 Still, still it loves the Lowland tongue. 
 
 * Tor 0, my sweet William was forester true. 
 
 He stole poor Blanche's heart away ! 
 His coat it was all of the greenwood hue, ^so 
 And so blithely he trilled the Lowland lay! 
 
 ' It was not that I meant to tell . . . 
 
 But thou art wise and guessest well. '' 
 
 Then, in a low and broken tone. 
 
 And hurried note, the song went on. 585 
 
 Still on the Clansman fearfully 
 
 She fixed her apprehensive eye, 
 
 Then turned it on the Knight, and then 
 
 Her look glanced wildly o'er the glen. 
 
 XXV 
 
 * The toils are pitched, and the stakesareset, — 390 
 
 Ever sing merrily, merrily ; 
 The bows they bend, and the knives they whet, 
 Hunters live so cheerily. 
 
 ' Tt was a stag, a stag of ten. 
 
 Bearing its branches sturdily; 595 
 
 He came stately down the glen, — 
 
 Ever sing hardily, hardily. 
 
 **It was there he met with a wounded doe, 
 She was bleeding deathfully : 
 
CANTO IV THE PROPHECY 115 
 
 She warned him of the toils below, eoo 
 
 0, so faithfully, faithfully ! 
 
 *'He had an eye, and he could heed, — 
 
 Ever sing warily, warily ; 
 He had a foot, and he could speed, — 
 
 Hunters watch so narrowly. " eos 
 
 XXVI 
 
 Fitz- James's mind was passion-tossed, 
 
 When Ellen's hints and fears were lost; 
 
 But Murdoch's shout suspicion wrought, 
 
 And Blanche's song conviction brought. 
 
 Not like a stag that spies the snare, eio 
 
 But lion of the hunt aware. 
 
 He waved at once his blade on high, 
 
 * 'Disclose thy treachery, or die!" 
 
 Forth at full speed the Clansman flew, 
 
 But in his race his bow he drew. eis 
 
 The shaft just grazed Fitz- James's crest, 
 
 And thrilled in Blanche's faded breast. — 
 
 Murdoch of Alpine ! prove thy speed, 
 
 For ne'er had Alpine's son such need; 
 
 With heart of fire, and foot of wind, 620 
 
 The fierce avenger is behind ! 
 
 Fate judges of the rapid strife — 
 
 The forfeit death — the prize is life ; 
 
 Thy kindred ambush lies before, 
 
 Close couched upon the heathery moor; 625 
 
 Them couldst thou roach ! — it may not be- 
 
 Thine ambushed kin thou ne'er shait see, 
 
 The fiery Saxon gains on thee ! — 
 
116 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto iv 
 
 Resistless speeds the deadly thrust, 
 
 As lightning strikes the pine to dust; ^30 
 
 With foot and hand Fitz-James must strain 
 
 Ere he can win his blade again. 
 
 Bent o'er the fallen with falcon eye, 
 
 He grimly smiled to see him die. 
 
 Then slower wended back his way, ess 
 
 Where the poor maiden bleeding lay. 
 
 XXVII 
 
 She sat beneath the birchen tree, 
 
 Her elbow resting on her knee ; 
 
 She had withdrawn the fatal shaft, 
 
 And gazed on it, and feebly laughed ; e40 
 
 Her wreath of broom and feathers gray, 
 
 Daggled with blood, beside her lay. 
 
 The Knight to stanch the life-stream tried, — 
 
 * 'Stranger, it is in vain!'' she cried. 
 
 *This hour of death has given me more 645 
 
 Of reason's power than years before; 
 
 For, as these ebbing veins decay, 
 
 My frenzied visions fade away. 
 
 A helpless injured wretch I die. 
 
 And something tells me in thine eye eso 
 
 That thou wert mine avenger born. 
 
 Seest thou this tress? — 0, still Tve worn 
 
 This little tress of yellow hair. 
 
 Through danger, frenzy, and despair! 
 
 It once was bright and clear as thine, 655 
 
 But blood and tears have dimmed its shine. 
 
 I will not tell thee when 't was shred. 
 
 Nor from what guiltless victim's head, — 
 
CANTO IV THE PROPHECY 11? 
 
 My brain would turn I-r-but it shall wave 
 
 Like plumage on thy helmet brave, eeo 
 
 Till sun and wind shall bleach the stain, 
 
 And thou wilt bring it me again. 
 
 I waver still. — God! more bright 
 
 Let reason beam her parting light ! — 
 
 0, by thy knighthood's honored sign, ees 
 
 And for thy life preserved by mine, 
 
 When thou shalt see a darksome man, 
 
 Who boasts him Chief of Alpine's Clan, 
 
 With tartans broad and shadowy plume. 
 
 And hand of blood, and brow of gloom, ero 
 
 Be thy heart bold, thy weapon strong. 
 
 And wreak poor Blanche of Devan 's wrong ! — 
 
 They watch for thee by pass and fell . . . 
 
 Avoid the path . . . OGod! . . . farewell." 
 
 XXVIII 
 A kindly heart had brave Fitz- James; ers 
 
 Fast poured his eyes at pity's claims; 
 And now, with mingled grief and ire. 
 He saw the murdered maid expire. 
 ''God, in my need, be my relief. 
 As I wreak this on yonder Chief!" eso 
 
 A lock from Blanche's tresses fair 
 He blended with her bridegroom's hair; 
 The mingled braid in blood he dyed. 
 And placed it on his bonnet-side : 
 '*By Him whose word is truth, I swear, §85 
 
 No other favor will I wear, 
 Till this sad token I imbrue 
 In the best blood of Roderick Dhu ! — 
 
118 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto iv 
 
 But hark ! what means yon faint halloo? 
 The chase is up, — but they shall know, 69o 
 
 The stag at bay 's a dangerous foe. " 
 Barred from the known but guarded way, 
 Through copse and cliffs Fitz-James must stray, 
 And oft must change his desperate track 
 By stream and precipice turned back. 695 
 
 Heartless, fatigued, and faint, at length, 
 From lack of food and loss of strength, 
 He couched him in a thicket hoar, 
 And thought his toils and perils o'er: — 
 ''Of all my rash adventures past, 700 
 
 This frantic feat must prove the last ! 
 Who e'er so mad but might have guessed 
 That all this Highland hornet's nest 
 Would muster up in swarms so soon 
 •As e'er they heard of bands at Doune? — 705 
 Like bloodhounds now they search me out, — 
 Hark, to the whistle and the shout! — • 
 If farther through the wilds I go, 
 I only fall upon the foe : 
 
 I'll couch me here till evening gray, 7to 
 
 Then darkling try my dangerous way.'' 
 
 XXIX 
 
 The shades of eve come slowly down, 
 
 The woods are wrapt in deeper brown, 
 
 The owl awakens from her dell, 
 
 The fox is heard upon the fell ; 715 
 
 Enough remains of glimmering light 
 
 To guide the wanderer's steps aright, 
 
 Yet not enough from far to show 
 
CANTO IV THE PROPHECY 119 
 
 His figure to the watchful foe. 
 
 With cautious step and ear awake, 720 
 
 He climbs the crag and threads the brake ; 
 
 And not the summer solstice there 
 
 Tempered the midnight mountain air, 
 
 But every breeze that swept the wold 
 
 Benumbed his drenched limbs with cold. 725 
 
 In dread, in danger, and alone. 
 
 Famished and chilled, through ways unknown, 
 
 Tangled and steep, he journeyed on ; 
 
 Till, as a rock's huge point he turned, 
 
 A watch-fire close before him burned. 730 
 
 XXX 
 Beside its embers red and clear. 
 Basked in his plaid a mountaineer ; 
 And up he sprung with sword in hand, — 
 ''Thy name and purpose! Saxon, stand!'' 
 ' 'A stranger. " ''What dost thou require?" 735 
 ' 'Rest and a guide, and food and fire. 
 My life's beset, my path is lost. 
 The gale has chilled my limbs with frost. " 
 ' 'Art thou a friend to Roderick ?" ' 'No. ' ' 
 "Thou dar'st not call thyself a foe?" 740 
 
 "I dare! to him and all the band 
 He brings to aid his murderous hand. " 
 ' 'Bold words ! — but, though the beast of game 
 The privilege of chase may claim. 
 Though space and law the stag we lend, 745 
 
 Ere hound we slip or bow we bend, 
 Who ever recked, where, how, or when. 
 The prowling fox was trapped or slain ? 
 
120 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto yi 
 
 Thus treacherous scouts, — yet^sure they lie, 
 
 Who say thou earnest a secret spy !" — ■ 750 
 
 * 'They do, by heaven ! — come Roderick Dhu, 
 
 And of his clan the boldest two. 
 
 And let me but till morning rest, 
 
 I write the falsehood on their crest. " 
 
 'If by the blaze I mark aright, -55 
 
 Thou bear'st the belt and spur of Knight/' 
 
 ' Then by these tokens mayst thou know 
 
 Each proud oppressor's mortal foe/' 
 
 "Enough, enough; sit down and share 
 
 A soldier's couch, a soldier's fare." 76o 
 
 XXXI 
 
 He gave him of his Highland cheer. 
 
 The hardened flesh of mountain deer ; 
 
 Dry fuel on the fire he laid. 
 
 And bade the Saxon share his plaid. 
 
 He tended him like welcome guest, 765 
 
 Then thus his further speech addressed : — 
 
 ' 'Stranger, I am to Roderick Dhu 
 
 A clansman born, a kinsman true ; 
 
 Each word against his honor spoke 
 
 Demands of me avenging stroke ; 770 
 
 Yet more, — upon thy fate, 't is said, 
 
 A mighty augury is laid. 
 
 It rests with me to wind my horn, — 
 
 Thou art with numbers overborne; 
 
 It rests with me, here, brand to brand, 775 
 
 Worn as thou art, to bid thee stand : 
 
 But, not for clan, nor kindred's cause, 
 
 Will I depart from honor's laws; 
 
OAx\TO IV THE PROPHECY 12t 
 
 To assail a wearied man were shame, 
 
 And stranger is a holy name ; ^ao 
 
 Guidance and rest, and food and fire, 
 
 In vain he never must require. 
 
 Then rest thee here till dawn of day ; 
 
 Myself will guide thee on the way, 
 
 O'er stock and stone, through watch and ward, 735 
 
 Till past Clan-Alpine's outmost guard. 
 
 As far as Coilantogle's ford ; 
 
 From thence thy warrant is thy sword. *' 
 
 ' 'I take thy courtesy, by heaven, 
 
 As freely as 't is nobly given!" 79® 
 
 *'Well, rest thee; for the bittern's cry 
 
 Sings us the lake's wild lullaby." 
 
 With that he shook the gathered heath, 
 
 And spread his plaid upon the wreath ; 
 
 And the brave foemen, side by side, 7^ 
 
 Lay peaceful down like brothers tried, 
 
 And slept until the dawning beam 
 
 Purpled the mountain and the stream. 
 
CANTO FIFTH 
 
 THE COMBAT 
 I 
 
 Fair as the earliest beam of eastern light, 
 When first, by the bewildered pilgrim spied, 
 
 It smiles upon the dreary brow of night, 
 And silvers o'er the torrent's foaming tide, 
 And lights the fearful path on mountain-side, — 5 
 
 Fair as that beam, although the fairest far, 
 Giving to horror grace, to danger pride. 
 
 Shine martial Faith, and Courtesy's bright star, 
 
 Through all the wreckful storms that cloud the brow 
 of War. 
 
 II 
 
 That early beam, so fair and sheen, 10 
 
 Was twinkling through the hazel screen. 
 
 When, rousing at its glimmer red. 
 
 The warriors left their lowly bed. 
 
 Looked out upon the dappled sky, 
 
 Muttered their soldier matins by, is 
 
 And then awaked their fire, to steal. 
 
 As short and rude, their soldier meal. 
 
 That o'er, the Gael around him threw 
 
 His graceful plaid of varied hue. 
 
CANTO V THE COMBAT 123 
 
 And, true to promise, led the way, ^ 
 
 By thicket green and mountain gray. 
 
 A wildering path ! — they winded now 
 
 Along the precipice's brow, 
 
 Commanding the rich scenes beneath, 
 
 The windings of the Forth and Teith, 25 
 
 And all the vales between that lie, 
 
 Till Stirling's turrets melt in sky; 
 
 Then, sunk in copse, their farthest glance, 
 
 Gained not the length of horseman's lance. 
 
 'T was oft so steep, the foot was fain :^ 
 
 Assistance from the hand to gain ; 
 
 So tangled oft that, bursting through. 
 
 Each hawthorn shed her showers of dew, — 
 
 That diamond dew, so pure and clear, 
 
 It rivals all but Beauty's tear! 35 
 
 III 
 
 At length they came where, stern and steep, 
 
 The hill sinks down upon the deep. 
 
 Here Vennachar in silver flows, 
 
 There, ridge on ridge, Benledi rose ; 
 
 Ever the hollow path twined on, 40 
 
 Beneath steep bank and threatening stone ; 
 
 A hundred men might hold the post 
 
 With hardihood against a host. 
 
 The rugged mountain's scanty cloak 
 
 Was dwarfish shrubs of birch and oak, 45 
 
 With shingles bare, and cliffs between, 
 
 And patches bright of bracken green, 
 
 And heather black, that waved so high, 
 
 It held the copse in rivalry. 
 
J24 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto v 
 
 But where the lake slept deep and still, 50 
 
 Dank osiers fringed the swamp and hill; 
 
 And oft both path and hill were torn, 
 
 Where wintry torrent down had borne. 
 
 And heaped upon the cumbered land 
 
 Its wreck of gravel, rocks, and sand. 55 
 
 So toilsome was the road to trace, 
 
 The guide, abating of his pace, 
 
 Led slowly through the pass's jaws. 
 
 And asked Fitz- James by what strange cause 
 
 He sought these wilds, traversed by few, qq 
 
 Without a pass from Roderick Dhu. 
 
 IV 
 
 ' 'Brave Gael, my pass, in danger tried, 
 Hangs in my belt and by my side ; 
 Yet, sooth to tell/' the Saxon said, 
 '1 dreamt not now to claim its aid. 
 When here, but three days since, I came. 
 Bewildered in pursuit of game, 
 All seemed as peaceful and as still 
 As the mist slumbering on yon hill; 
 Thy dangerous Chief was then afar. 
 Nor soon expected back from war. 
 Thus said, at least, my mountain-guide. 
 Though deep perchance the villian lied. '* 
 *Tet why a second venture try?'' 
 * 'A warrior thou, and ask me why ! — 
 Moves our free course by such fixed cause 
 As gives the poor mechanic laws ? 
 Enough, I sought to drive away 
 The lazy hours of peaceful day ; 
 
 65 
 
CANTO V THE COMBAT 125 
 
 Slight cause will then suffice to guide so 
 
 A Knight's free footsteps far and wide, — 
 
 A falcon flown, a greyhound strayed, 
 
 The merry glance of mountain maid ; 
 
 Or, if a path be dangerous known. 
 
 The danger's self is lure alone. " 85 
 
 V 
 
 ' Thy secret keep, I urge thee not ; — 
 
 Yet, ere again ye sought this spot, 
 
 Say, heard ye naught of Lowland war, 
 
 Against Clan-Alpine, raised by Mar?" 
 
 ' 'No, by my word ; — of bands prepared 90 
 
 To guard King James's sports I heard ; 
 
 Nor doubt I aught, but, when they hear 
 
 This muster of the mountaineer, 
 
 Their pennons will abroad be flung, 
 
 Which else in Doune had peaceful hung. " 95 
 
 ' Tree be they flung ! for we were loath 
 
 Their silken folds should feast the moth. 
 
 Free be they flung ! — as free shall wave 
 
 Clan-Alpine's pine in banner brave. 
 
 But, stranger, peaceful since you came, 100 
 
 Bewildered in the mountain-game, 
 
 Whence the bold boast by which you show 
 
 Vich-Alpine's vowed and mortal foe?" 
 
 * 'Warrior, but yester-morn I knew 
 
 Naught of thy Chieftain, Roderick Dhu, 105 
 
 Save as an outlawed desperate man. 
 
 The chief of a rebellious clan. 
 
 Who, in the Regent's court and sight, 
 
 With ruffian dagger stabbed a knight ; 
 
126 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO V 
 
 Yet this alone might from his part no 
 
 Sever each true and loyal heart. ' ' 
 
 VI 
 
 Wrathful at such arraignment foul, 
 Dark lowered the clansman's sable scowl. 
 \ A space he paused, then sternly said, 
 
 ' 'And heardst thou why he drew his blade V us 
 
 Heardst thou that shameful word and blow 
 
 Brought Roderick's vengeance on his foe? 
 
 What recked the Chieftain if he stood 
 
 On Highland heath or Holy -Rood? 
 
 He rights such wrong where it is given, lao 
 
 If it were in the court of heaven. " 
 
 ''Still was it outrage; — yet, 't is true. 
 
 Not then claimed sovereignty his due ; 
 
 While Albany with feeble hand 
 
 Held borrowed truncheon of command, 125 
 
 The young King, mewed in Stirling tower, 
 
 Was stranger to respect and power. 
 
 But then, thy Chieftain's robber life! — 
 
 Winning mean prey by causeless strife. 
 
 Wrenching from ruined Lowland swain 130 
 
 His herds and harvest reared in vain, — 
 
 Methinks a soul like thine should scorn 
 
 The spoils from such foul foray borne.'* 
 
 VII 
 The Gael beheld him, grim the while, 
 And answered with disdainful smile: 135 
 
 "Saxon, from yonder mountain high, 
 I marked thee send delighted eye 
 
CANTO V THE COMBAT 127 
 
 Far to the south and east, where lay, 
 
 Extended in succession gay. 
 
 Deep waving fields and pastures green, 140 
 
 With gentle slopes and groves between : — 
 
 These fertile plains, that softened vale. 
 
 Were once the birthright of the Gael ; 
 
 The stranger came with iron hand, 
 
 And from our fathers reft the land. 145 
 
 Where dwell we now ? See, rudely swell 
 
 Crag over crag, and fell o'er fell. 
 
 Ask we this savage hill we tread 
 
 For fattened steer or household bread, 
 
 Ask we for flocks these shingles dry, iso 
 
 And well the mountain might reply, — 
 
 To you, as to your sires of yore. 
 
 Belong the target and claymore ! 
 
 I give you shelter in my breast, 
 
 Your own good blades must win the rest. ' 155 
 
 Pent in this fortress of the North, 
 
 Think 'st thou we will not sally forth. 
 
 To spoil the spoiler as we may. 
 
 And from the robber rend the prey ? 
 
 Ay, by my soul ! — While on yon plain leo 
 
 The Saxon rears one shock of grain. 
 
 While of ten thousand herds there strays 
 
 But one along yon river's maze, — 
 
 The Gael, of plain and river heir, 
 
 Shall with strong hand redeem his share. les 
 
 Where live the mountain Chiefs who hold 
 
 That plundering Lowland field and fold 
 
 Is aught but retribution true ? 
 
 Seek other cause 'gainst Roderick Dhu." 
 
128 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto V 
 
 VIII 
 
 Answered Fitz-James : ' 'And, if I sought, 170 
 
 Think 'st thou no other could be brought? 
 
 What deem ye of my path waylaid ? 
 
 My life given o'er to ambuscade?'' 
 
 ' 'As of a meed to rashness due : 
 
 Hadst thou sent warning fair and true, — 175 
 
 I seek my hound or falcon strayed, 
 
 I seek, good faith, a Highland maid, — 
 
 Free hadst thou been to come and go. 
 
 But secret path marks secret foe. 
 
 Nor yet for this, even as a spy, iso 
 
 Hadst thou, unheard, been doomed to die. 
 
 Save to fulfil an augury." 
 
 ''Well, let it pass; nor will I now 
 
 Fresh cause of enmity avow, 
 
 To chafe thy mood and cloud thy brow. 185 
 
 Enough, I am by promise tied 
 
 To match me with this man of pride : 
 
 Twice have I sought Clan-Alpine's glen 
 
 In peace ; but when I come again, 
 
 I come with banner, brand, and bow, 190 
 
 As leader seeks his mortal foe. 
 
 For love-lorn swain in lady's bower 
 
 Ne'er panted for the appointed hour, 
 
 As I, until before me stand 
 
 This rebel Chieftain and his band!" 195 
 
 IX 
 * 'Have then thy wish ! ' ' — ^He whistled shrill, 
 And he was answered from the hill; 
 Wild as the scream of the curlew. 
 
CANTO V THE COMBAT 129 
 
 From crag to crag the signal flew. 
 
 Instant, through copse and heath, arose 200 
 
 Bonnets and spears and bended bows ; 
 
 On right, on left, above, below. 
 
 Sprung up at once the lurking foe ; 
 
 From shingles gray their lances start, - 
 
 The bracken bush sends forth the dart, 205 
 
 The rushes and the willow-wand 
 
 Are bristling into axe and brand, 
 
 And every tuft of broom gives life 
 
 To plaided warrior armed for strife. 
 
 That whistle garrisoned the glen 210 
 
 At once with full five hundred men, 
 
 As if the yawning hill to heaven 
 
 A subterranean host had given. 
 
 Watching their leader's beck and will, 
 
 All silent there they stood and still. 215 
 
 Like the loose crags whose threatening mass 
 
 Lay tottering o'er the hollow pass, 
 
 As if an infant's touch could urge 
 
 Their headlong passage down the verge. 
 
 With step and weapon forward flung, 220 
 
 Upon the mountain-side they hung. 
 
 The Mountaineer cast glance of pride 
 
 Along Benledi's living side, 
 
 Then fixed his eye and sable brow 
 
 Full on Fitz-James : ' 'How say 'st thou now ? 225 
 
 These are Clan-Alpine's warriors true; 
 
 And, Saxon, — I am Roderick Dhu!" 
 
 X 
 
 Fitz-James was brave : — though to his heart 
 The life-blood thrilled with sudden start, 
 
130 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO v 
 
 He manned himself with dauntless air, 230 
 
 Returned the Chief his haughty stare, 
 
 His back against a rock he bore. 
 
 And firmly placed his foot before : — 
 
 ''Come one, come all! this rock shall fly 
 
 From its firm base as soon as I. '* 235 
 
 Sir Roderick marked,— and in his eyes 
 
 Respect was mingled with surprise, 
 
 And the stern joy which warriors feel 
 
 In foeman worthy of their steel. 
 
 Short space he stood — then waved his hand : m 
 
 Down sunk the disappearing band ; 
 
 Each warrior vanished where he stood. 
 
 In broom or bracken, heath or wood ; 
 
 Sunk brand and spear and bended bow. 
 
 In osiers pale and copses low ; 345 
 
 It seeemd as if their mother Earth 
 
 Had swallowed up her warlike birth. 
 
 The wind's last breath had tossed in air 
 
 Pennon and plaid and plumage fair, — 
 
 The next but swept a lone hill-side, 250 
 
 Where heath and fern were waving wide : 
 
 The sun's last glance was glinted back 
 
 From spear and glaive, from targe and jack, — 
 
 The next, all unreflected, shone 
 
 On bracken green and cold gray stone. 255 
 
 XI 
 Fitz- James looked round, — yet scarce believed 
 The witness that his sight received ; 
 Such apparition well might seem 
 Delusion of a dreadful dream. 
 
jAOTo V THE COMBAT ISl 
 
 Sir Roderick in suspense he eyed, 
 
 And to his look the Chief replied : 
 
 'Tear naught — nay, that I need not say — 
 
 But — doubt not aught from mine array. 
 
 Thou art my guest ; — I pledged my word 
 
 As far as Coilantogle ford : 265 
 
 Nor would I call a clansman's brand 
 
 For aid against one valiant hand, 
 
 Though on our strife lay every vale 
 
 Rent by the Saxon from the Gael. 
 
 So move we on ; — ^I only meant 270 
 
 To show the reed on which you leant, 
 
 Deeming this path you might pursue 
 
 Without a pass from Roderick Dhu. '' 
 
 They moved ; — I said Fitz-James was brave 
 
 As ever knight that belted glaive, 275 
 
 Yet dare not say that now his blood 
 
 Kept on its wont and tempered flood. 
 
 As, following Roderick's stride, he drew 
 
 That seeming lonesome pathway through, 
 
 Which yet by fearful proof was rife 280 
 
 With lances, that, to take his life. 
 
 Waited but signal from a guide, 
 
 So late dishonored and defied. 
 
 Ever, by stealth, his eye sought round 
 
 The vanished guardians of the ground, 285 
 
 And still from copse and heather deep 
 
 Fancy saw spear and broadsword peep, 
 
 And in the plover's shrilly strain 
 
 The signal whistle heard again. 
 
 Nor breathed he free till far behind 290 
 
 The pass was left; for then they wind 
 
132 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto v 
 
 Along a wide and level green, 
 
 Where neither tree nor tuft was seen, 
 
 Nor rush nor bush of broom was near, 
 
 To hide a bonnet or a spear. 295 
 
 XII 
 
 The Chief in silence strode before, 
 
 And reached that torrent's sounding shore, 
 
 Which, daughter of three mighty lakes, 
 
 From Vennachar in silver breaks, 
 
 Sweeps through the plain, and ceaseless mines 300 
 
 On Bochastle the mouldering lines, 
 
 Where Rome, the Empress of the world, 
 
 Of yore her eagle wings unfurled. 
 
 And herfe his course the Chieftain stayed, 
 
 Threw down his target and his plaid, 305 
 
 And to the Lowland warrior said : 
 
 ''Bold Saxon! to his promise just, 
 
 Vich-Alpine has discharged his trust. 
 
 This murderous Chief, this ruthless man. 
 
 This head of a rebellious clan, 310 
 
 Hath led thee safe, through watch and ward, 
 
 Far past Clan-Alpine's outmost guard. 
 
 Now, man to man, and steel to steel, 
 
 A Chieftain's vengeance thou shalt feel. 
 
 See, here all vantageless I stand, 315 
 
 Armed like thyself with single brand ; 
 
 For this is Coilantogle ford. 
 
 And thou must keep thee with thy sword. " 
 
 XIII 
 The Saxon paused : '1 ne'er delayed. 
 When foeman bade me draw my blade ; 53^ 
 
CANTO V THE COMBAT 133 
 
 Nay, more, brave Chief, I vowed thy death ; 
 
 Yet sure thy fair and generous faith. 
 
 And my deep debt for life preserved, 
 
 A better meed have well deserved : 
 
 Can naught but blood our feud atone ? 325 
 
 Are there no means V — ' 'No, stranger, none ! 
 
 And hear, — to fire thy flagging zeal, — • 
 
 The Saxon cause rests on thy steel ; 
 
 For thus spoke Fate by prophet bred 
 
 Between the living and the dead : 330 
 
 'Who spills the foremost foeman's life. 
 
 His party conquers in the strife. ' " 
 
 'Then, by my word,'' the Saxon said, 
 
 "The riddle is already read. 
 
 Seek yonder brake beneath the cliff, — • 335 
 
 There lies Red Murdoch, stark and stiff. 
 
 Thus Fate hath solved her prophecy ; 
 
 Then yield to Fate, and not to me. 
 
 To James at Stirling let us go. 
 
 When, if thou wilt be still his foe, 340 
 
 Or if the King shall not agree 
 
 To grant thee grace and favor free, 
 
 I plight mine honor, oath and word 
 
 That, to thy native strengths restored. 
 
 With each advantage shalt thou stand 345 
 
 That aids thee now to guard thy land. '' 
 
 XIV 
 Dark lightning flashed from Roderick's eye: 
 "Soars thy presumption, then, so high. 
 Because a wretched kern ye slew, 
 Homage to name to Roderick Dhu ? 350 
 
134 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto V 
 
 He yields not, he, to man nor Fate ! 
 
 Thou add'st but fuel to my hate ; — 
 
 My clansman's blood demands revenge. 
 
 Not yet prepared ? — By heaven, I change 
 
 My thought, and hold thy valor light 055 
 
 As that of some vain carpet knight. 
 
 Who ill deserved my courteous care, 
 
 And whose best boast is but to v^ear 
 
 A braid of his fair lady's hair. " 
 
 *1 thank thee, Roderick, for the word ! 300 
 
 It nerves my heart, it steels my sword ; 
 
 For I have sworn this braid to stain 
 
 In the best blood that warms thy vein. 
 
 Now, truce, farewell ! and, ruth, be gone ! — 
 
 Yet think not that by thee alone, 365 
 
 Proud Chief! can courtesy be shown ; 
 
 Though not from copse, or heath, or cairn. 
 
 Start at my whistle clansmen stern, 
 
 Of this small horn one feeble blast 
 
 Would fearful odds against thee cast. 37^ 
 
 But fear not — doubt not — which thou wilt — 
 
 We try this quarrel hilt to hilt. " 
 
 Then each at once his falchion drew. 
 
 Each on the ground his scabbard threw, 
 
 Each looked to sun and stream and plain 375 
 
 As what they ne'er might see again ; 
 
 Then foot and point and eye opposed. 
 
 In dubious strife they darkly closed. 
 
 XV 
 
 111 fared it then with Roderick Dhu, 
 
 That on the field his targe he threw, m 
 
CANTO V THE COMBAT 135 
 
 Whose brazen studs and tough bull-hide 
 
 Had death so often dashed aside ; 
 
 For, trained abroad his arms to wield, 
 
 Fitz- James's blade was sword and shield. 
 
 He practised every pass and ward, 385 
 
 To thrust, to strike, to feint, to guard ; 
 
 While less expert, though stronger far, 
 
 The Gael maintained unequal war. 
 
 Three times in closing strife they stood. 
 
 And thrice the Saxon blade drank blood ; 390 
 
 No stinted draught, no scanty tide, 
 
 The gushing flood the tartans dyed. 
 
 Fierce Roderick felt the fatal drain, 
 
 And showered his blows like wintry rain ; 
 
 And, as firm rock or castle -roof 395 
 
 Against the winter shower is proof, 
 
 The foe, invulnerable still, 
 
 Foiled his wild rage by steady skill ; 
 
 Till, at advantage ta'en, his brand 
 
 Forced Roderick's weapon from his hand, 400 
 
 And backward borne upon the lea, 
 
 Brought the proud Chieftain to his knee. 
 
 XVI 
 
 *'Now yield thee, or by Him who made 
 The world, thy heart's blood dyes my blade 1" 
 'Thy threats, thy mercy, I defy ! 405 
 
 Let recreant yield, who fears to die. " 
 Like adder darting from his coil. 
 Like wolf that dashes through the toil. 
 Like mountain-cat who guards her young. 
 Full at Fitz-James's throat he sprung; 410 
 
236 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO v 
 
 Received, but recked not of a wound, 
 
 And locked his arms his foeman round. — 
 
 Now gallant Saxon, hold thine own ! 
 
 No maiden's hand is round thee thrown! 
 
 That desperate grasp thy frame might feel 415 
 
 Through bars of brass and triple steel ! 
 
 They tug, they strain! down, down they go, 
 
 The Gael above, Fitz-James below. 
 
 The Chieftain's gripe his throat compressed, 
 
 His knee was planted on his breast ; 420 
 
 His clotted locks he backward threw. 
 
 Across his brow his hand he drew. 
 
 From blood and mist to clear his sight, 
 
 Then gleamed aloft his dagger bright! 
 
 But hate and fury ill supplied 425 
 
 The stream of life's exhausted tide. 
 
 And all too late the advantage came. 
 
 To turn the odds of deadly game : 
 
 For, while the dagger gleamed on high. 
 
 Reeled soul and sense, reeled brain and eye. 430 
 
 Down came the blow ! but in the heath 
 
 The erring blade found bloodless sheath. 
 
 The struggling foe may now unclasp 
 
 The fainting Chief's relaxing grasp ; 
 
 Unwounded from the dreadful close, 435 
 
 But breathless all, Fitz-James arose. 
 
 XVH 
 He faltered thanks to heaven for life. 
 Redeemed, unhoped, from desperate strife ; 
 !Next on his foe his look he cast. 
 Whose every gasp appeared his last; 440 
 
 In Roderick's gore he dipped the braid, — 
 
CANTO V THE COMBAT 137 
 
 * Toor Blanche ! thy wrongs are dearly paid ; 
 
 Yet with thy foe must die, or live, 
 
 The praise that faith and valor give. ' ' 
 
 With that he blew a bugle note, 445 
 
 Undid the collar from his throat, 
 
 Unbonneted, and by the wave 
 
 Sat down his brow and hands to lave. 
 
 Then faint afar are heard the feet 
 
 Of rushing steeds in gallop fleet ; 450 
 
 The sounds increase, and now are seen 
 
 Four mounted squires in Lincoln green ; 
 
 Two who bear lance, and two who lead 
 
 By loosened rein a saddled steed; 
 
 Each onward held his headlong course, 455 
 
 And by Fitz-James reined up his horse, — 
 
 With wonder viewed the bloody spot, — 
 
 ''Exclaim not, gallants! question not. — 
 
 You, Herbert and Luffness, alight, 
 
 And bind the wounds of yonder knight ; 460 
 
 Let the gray palfrey bear his weight. 
 
 We destined for a fairer freight, 
 
 And bring him on to Stirling straight; 
 
 I will before at better speed. 
 
 To seek fresh horse and fitting weed. 465 
 
 The sun rides high ; — ^I must be boune 
 
 To see the archer-game at noon ; 
 
 But lightly Bayard clears the lea. — 
 
 De Vaux and Herries, follow me. 
 
 XVIII 
 
 ''Stand, Bayard, stand!" — the steed obeyed, 470 
 With arching neck and bended head, 
 
13» THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO V 
 
 And glancing eye and quivering ear, 
 
 As if he loved his lord to hear. 
 
 No foot Fitz-James in stirrup stayed, 
 
 No grasp upon the saddle laid, 475 
 
 But wreathed his left hand in the mane, 
 
 And lightly bounded from the plain, 
 
 Turned on the horse his armed heel, 
 
 And stirred his courage with the steel. 
 
 Bounded the fiery steed in air, 48o 
 
 The rider sat erect and fair. 
 
 Then like a bolt from steel crossbow 
 
 Forth launched, along the plain they go. 
 
 They dashed that rapid torrent through. 
 
 And up Carhonie's hill they flew; 435 
 
 Still at the gallop pricked the Knight, 
 
 His merrymen followed as they might. 
 
 Along thy banks, swift Teith ! they ride. 
 
 And in the race they mock thy tide ; 
 
 Torry and Lendrick now are past, 490 
 
 And Deanstown lies behind them cast ; 
 
 They rise, the bannered towers of Doune, 
 
 They sink in distant woodland soon ; 
 
 Blair-Drummond sees the hoofs strike fire, 
 
 They sweep like breeze through Ochtertyre ; 495 
 
 They mark just glance and disappear. 
 
 The lofty brow of ancient Kier ; 
 
 They bathe their coursers' sweltering sides, 
 
 Dark Forth ! amid thy sluggish tides. 
 
 And on the opposing shore take ground, 500 
 
 With plash, with scramble, and with bound. 
 
 Right-hand they leave thy cliffs, Craig-Forth I 
 
 And soon the bulwark of the North, 
 
CANTO V 
 
 THE COMBAT 139 
 
 Gray Stirling, with her towers and town, 
 Upon their fleet career looked down. 505 
 
 XIX 
 
 As up the flinty path they strained, 
 
 Sudden his steed the leader reined ; 
 
 A signal to his squire he flung. 
 
 Who instant to his stirrup sprung : — 
 
 ''Seest thou, De Vaux, yon woodsman gray, 510 
 
 Who townward holds the rocky way, 
 
 Of stature tall and poor array? 
 
 Mark'st thou the firm, yet active stride, 
 
 With which he scales the mountain-side ? 
 
 Know'st thou from whence he comes,or whom f'515 
 
 ''No, by my word ; — a burly groom 
 
 He seems, who in the field or chase 
 
 A baron's train would nobly grace — " 
 
 ''Out, out, De Vaux! can fear supply, 
 
 And jealousy, no sharper eye ? 520 
 
 Afar, ere to the hill he drew, 
 
 That stately form and step I knew ; 
 
 Like form in Scotland is not seen. 
 
 Treads not such step on Scottish green. 
 
 'T is James of Douglas, by Saint Serle ! 525 
 
 The uncle of the banished Earl. 
 
 Away, away, to court, to show 
 
 The near approach of dreaded foe : 
 
 The King must stand upon his guard ; 
 
 Douglas and he must meet prepared. '* 530 
 
 Thenright-hand wheeled their steeds,and straight 
 
 They won the Castle's postern gate. 
 
140 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto v 
 
 XX 
 
 The Douglas, who had bent his way 
 
 From Cambus-kenneth's abbey gray, 
 
 Now, as he climbed the rocky shelf, 535 
 
 Held sad communion with himself : — 
 
 **Yes! all is true my fears could frame; 
 
 A prisoner lies the noble Graeme, 
 
 And fiery Roderick soon will feel 
 
 The vengeance of the royal steel. 540 
 
 I, only I, can ward their fate, — 
 
 God grant the ransom come not late ! 
 
 The Abbess hath her promise given, 
 
 My child shall be the bride of Heaven ; — 
 
 Be pardoned one repining tear ! 545 
 
 For He who gave her knows how dear 
 
 How excellent ! — but that is by. 
 
 And now my business is — to die. 
 
 Ye towers ! within whose circuit dread 
 
 A Douglas by his sovereign bled ; 550 
 
 And thou, sad and fatal mound ! 
 
 That oft hast heard the death-axe sound, 
 
 As on the noblest of the land 
 
 Fell the stern headsman's bloody hand, — 
 
 The dungeon, block and nameless tomb 555 
 
 Prepare — for Douglas seeks his doom ! 
 
 But hark ! what blithe and jolly peal 
 
 Makes the Franciscan steeple reel ? 
 
 And see ! upon the crowded street, 
 
 In motley groups what masquers meet ! m 
 
 Banner and pageant, pipe and drum. 
 
 And merry morrice-dancers come. 
 
 I guess, by all this quaint array, 
 
CAN^<^ 7 THE COMBAT 141 
 
 The burghers hold their sports today. 
 
 James will be there; he loves such show, 565 
 
 Where the good yeoman bends his bow, " 
 
 And the tough wrestler foils his foe. 
 
 As well as where, in proud career. 
 
 The high-born tilter shivers spear. 
 
 ril follow to the Castle-park, 57o 
 
 And play my prize ; — King James shall mark 
 
 If age has tamed these sinews stark. 
 
 Whose force so oft in happier days 
 
 His boyish wonder loved to praise.'' 
 
 XXI 
 
 The Castle gates were open flung, 575 
 
 The quivering drawbridge rocked and rung, 
 
 And echoed loud the flinty street 
 
 Beneath the coursers' clattering feet, 
 
 As slowly down the steep descent 
 
 Fair Scotland's King and nobles went, 530 
 
 While all along the crowded way 
 
 Was jubilee and loud huzza. 
 
 And ever James was bending low 
 
 To his white jennet's saddle-bow. 
 
 Doffing his cap to city dame, sss 
 
 Who smiled and blushed for pride and shame. 
 
 And well the simperer might be vain, — 
 
 He chose the fairest of the train. 
 
 Gravely he greets each city sire, 
 
 Commends each pageant's quaint attire, 590 
 
 Gives to the dancers thanks aloud, 
 
 And smiles and nods upon the crowd, 
 
 Who rend the heavens with their acclaims, — 
 
142 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto v 
 
 "Long live the Commons' King, King James T' 
 
 Behind the King thronged peer and knight 5% 
 
 And noble dame and damsel bright, 
 
 Whose fiery steeds ill brooked the stay 
 
 Of the steep street and crowded way. 
 
 But in the train you might discern 
 
 Dark lowering brow and visage stern ; goo 
 
 There nobles mourned their pride restrained, 
 
 And the mean burgher's joys disdained; 
 
 And chiefs, who, hostage for their clan, 
 
 Were each from home a banished man. 
 
 There thought upon their own gray tower, soe 
 
 Their waving woods, their feudal power. 
 
 And deemed themselves a shameful part 
 
 Of pageant which they cursed in heart. 
 
 XXII 
 
 Now, in the Castle-park, drew out 
 
 Their checkered bands the joyous rout. eio 
 
 There morricers, with bell at heel 
 
 And blade in hand, their mazes wheel ; 
 
 But chief, beside the butts, there stand 
 
 Bold Robin Hood and all his band, — • 
 
 Friar Tuck with quarterstaff and cowl, ds 
 
 Old Scathelocke with his surly scowl, 
 
 Maid Marian, fair as ivory bone. 
 
 Scarlet, and Mutch, and Little John • 
 
 Their bugles challenge all that will 
 
 In archery to prove their skill. 620 
 
 The Douglas bent a bow of might, — 
 
 His first shaft centred in the white, 
 
 And when in turn he shot again, 
 
CANTO V THE COMBAT 143 
 
 His second split the first in twain. 
 
 From the King's hand must Douglas take 625 
 
 A silver dart, the archers' stake; 
 
 Fondly he watched, with watery eye, 
 
 Some answering glance of sympathy, — 
 
 No kind emotion made reply ! 
 
 Indifferent as to archer wight, 63o 
 
 The monarch gave the arrow bright. 
 
 XXIII 
 Now, clear the ring ! for, hand to hand. 
 The manly wrestlers take their stand. 
 Two o'er the rest superior rose. 
 And proud demanded mightier foes, — 635 
 
 Nor called in vain, for Douglas came. — 
 For life is Hugh of Larbert lame ; 
 Scarce better John of Alloa's fare, 
 Whom senseless home his comrades bare. 
 Prize of the wrestling match, the King 540 
 
 To Douglas gave a golden ring. 
 While coldly glanced his eye of blue, 
 As frozen drop of wintry dew. 
 Douglas would speak, but in his breast 
 His struggling soul his words suppresssed ; 645 
 Indignant then he turned him where 
 Their arms the brawny yeomen bare. 
 To hurl the massive bar in air. 
 When each his utmost strength had shown, 
 The Douglas rent an earth-fast stone eso 
 
 From its deep bed, then heaved it high. 
 And sent the fragment through the sky 
 A rood beyond the farthest mark ; 
 
144 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto v 
 
 And still in Stirling's royal park, 
 
 The gray-haired sires, who know the past, 655 
 
 To strangers point the Douglas cast, 
 
 And moralize on the decay 
 
 Of Scottish strength in modern day. 
 
 XXIV 
 
 The vale with loud applauses rang, 
 
 The Ladies' Rock sent back the clang. m 
 
 The King, with look unmoved, bestowed 
 
 A purse well filled with pieces broad. 
 
 Indignant smiled the Douglas proud, 
 
 And threw the gold among the crowd, 
 
 Who now with anxious wonder scan, ces 
 
 And sharper glance, the dark gray man ; 
 
 Till whispers rose among the throng. 
 
 That heart so free, and hand so strong, 
 
 Must to the Douglas blood belong. 
 
 The old men marked and shook the head, cro 
 
 To see his hair with silver spread. 
 
 And winked aside, and told each son. 
 
 Of feats upon the English done. 
 
 Ere Douglas of the stalwart hand 
 
 Was exiled from his native land. ero 
 
 The women praised his stately form, 
 
 Though wrecked by many a winter's storm ; 
 
 The youth with awe and wonder saw 
 
 His strength surpassing Nature's law. 
 
 Thus judged, as is their wont, the crowd, m 
 
 Till murmurs rose to clamors loud. 
 
 But not a glance from that proud ring 
 
 Of peers who circled round the King 
 
CANTO V THE COMBAT H5 
 
 With Douglas held communion kind, 
 
 Or called the banished man to mind ; ess 
 
 No, not from those who at the chase 
 
 Once held his side the honored place, 
 
 Begirt his board, and in the field 
 
 Found safety underneath his shield ; 
 
 For he whom royal eyes disown, ego 
 
 When was his form to courtiers known I 
 
 XXV 
 
 The Monarch saw the gambols flag, 
 
 And bade let loose a gallant stag, 
 
 Whose pride, the holiday to crown, 
 
 Two favorite greyhounds should pull down, 695 
 
 That venison free and Bourdeaux wine 
 
 Might serve the archery to dine. 
 
 But Lufra,— whom from Douglas' side 
 
 Nor bribe nor threat could e'er divide. 
 
 The fleetest hound in all the North, — • 700 
 
 Brave Lufra saw, and darted forth. 
 
 She left the royal hounds midway, 
 
 And dashing on the antlered prey. 
 
 Sunk her sharp muzzle in his flank. 
 
 And deep the flowing life-blood drank. 705 
 
 The King's stout huntsman saw the sport 
 
 By strange intrude** broken short, 
 
 Came up, and with his leash unbound. 
 
 In anger struck the noble hound. 
 
 The Douglas had endured, that morn, 710 
 
 The King's cold look, the nobles' scorn, 
 
 And last, and worst to spirit proud, 
 
 Had borne the pity of the crowd ; 
 
146 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO v 
 
 But Lufra had been fondly bred, 
 
 To share his board, to watch his bed, 715 
 
 And oft would Ellen Lufra's neck 
 
 In maiden glee with garlands deck ; 
 
 They were such playmates that with name 
 
 Of Lufra Ellen's image came. 
 
 His stifled wrath is brimming high, .-20 
 
 In darkened brow and flashing eye; 
 
 As waves before the bark divide. 
 
 The crowd gave way before his stride ; 
 
 Needs but a buffet and no more. 
 
 The groom lies senseless in his gore. 725 
 
 Such blow no other hand could deal, 
 
 Though gauntleted in glove of steel. 
 
 XXVI 
 
 Then clamored loud the royal train. 
 
 And brandished swords and staves amain. 
 
 But stern the Baron's warning: ''Back! 730 
 
 Back, on your lives, ye menial pack! 
 
 Beware the Douglas. — Yes! behold, 
 
 King James ! The Douglas, doomed of old, 
 
 And vainly sought for near and far, 
 
 A victim to atone the war, 735 
 
 A willing victim, now attends, 
 
 Nor craves thy grace but for his friends." — 
 
 ''Thus is my clemency repaid ? 
 
 Presumptuous Lord!" the Monarch said; 
 
 "Of thy misproud ambitious clan, 740 
 
 Thou, James of Bothwell, wert the man, 
 
 The only man, in whom a foe 
 
 My woman-mercy would not know ; 
 
CANTO V THE COMBAT 147 
 
 But shall a Monarch's presence brook 
 Injurious blow and haughty look ? — • 745 
 
 What ho ! the Captain of our Guard ! 
 Give the offender fitting ward. — 
 Break off the sports!'' — for tumult rose, 
 And yeomen 'gan to bend their bows, — 
 * 'Break off the sports ! " he said and frowned, 750 
 ' 'And bid our horsemen clear the ground. ' ' 
 
 XXVII 
 Then uproar wild and misarray 
 Marred the fair form of festal day. 
 The horsemen pricked among the crowd. 
 Repelled by threats and insult loud ; 755 
 
 To earth are borne the old and weak, 
 The timorous fly, the women shriek ; 
 With flint, with shaft, with staff, with bar, 
 The hardier urge tumultuous war. 
 At once round Douglas darkly sweep 76o 
 
 The royal spears in circle deep. 
 And slowly scale the pathway steep. 
 While on the rear in thunder pour 
 The rabble with disordered roar. 
 With grief the noble Douglas saw 765 
 
 The Commons rise against the law, 
 And to the leading soldier said : 
 ''Sir John of Hyndford, 't was my blade 
 That knighthood on thy shoulder laid ; 
 For that good deed permit me then 770 
 
 A word with these misguided men. — 
 
148 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO V 
 
 XXVIII 
 ' *Hear, gentle friends, ere yet for me 
 Ye break the bands of fealty. 
 My life, my honor, and my cause, 
 I tender free to Scotland's laws. t^s 
 
 Are these so weak as must require 
 The aid of your misguided ire ? 
 Or if I suffer causeless wrong. 
 Is then my selfish rage so strong, 
 My sense of public weal so low, ^gc 
 
 That, for mean vengeance on a foe. 
 Those cords of love I should unbind 
 Which knit my country and my kind? 
 no! Believe, in yonder tower 
 It will not soothe my captive hour, ^85 
 
 To know those spears our foe should dread 
 For me in kindred gore are red : 
 To know, in fruitless brawl begun. 
 For me that mother wails her son. 
 For me that widow's mate expires, -go 
 
 For me that orphans weep their sires, 
 That patriots mourn insulted laws. 
 And curse the Douglas for the cause. 
 0, let your patience ward such ill. 
 And keep your right to love me still!*' 
 
 T95 
 
 XXIX 
 
 The crowd's wild fury sunk again 
 In tears, as tempests melt in rain. 
 With lifted hands and eyes, they prayed 
 For blessings on his generous head 
 Who for his country felt alone. 
 
CANTO V THE COMBAT 149 
 
 And prized her blood beyond his own. 
 
 Old men upon the verge of life 
 
 Blessed him who stayed the civil strife ; 
 
 And mothers held their babes on high, 
 
 The self-devoted Chief to spy, 805 
 
 Triumphant over wrongs and ire, 
 
 To whom the prattlers owed a sire. 
 
 Even the rough soldier's heart was moved ; 
 
 As if behind some bier beloved, 
 
 With trailing arms and drooping head, sio 
 
 The Douglas up the hill he led. 
 
 And at the Castle's battled verge. 
 
 With sighs resigned his honored charge. 
 
 XXX 
 
 The offended Monarch rode apart, 
 
 With bitter thought and swelling heart, sis 
 
 And would not now vouchsafe again 
 
 Through Stirling streets to lead his train. 
 
 '*0 Lennox, who would wish to rule 
 
 This changeling crowd, this common fool ? 
 
 Hear'st thou, ' ' he said, ' 'the loud acclaim §20 
 
 With which they shout the Douglas name? 
 
 With like acclaim the vulgar throat 
 
 Strained for King James their morning note ; 
 
 With like acclaim they hailed the day 
 
 When first I broke the Douglas sway ; 825 
 
 And like acclaim would Douglas greet 
 
 If he could hurl me from my seat. 
 
 Who o'er the herd would wish to reign, 
 
 Fantastic, fickle, fierce, and vain? 
 
 Vain as the leaf upon the stream, sso 
 
ioO THE LADY OF THE LAKE caxto v 
 
 And fickle as a changeful dream ; 
 
 Fantastic as a woman's mood, 
 
 And fierce as Frenzy's fevered blood. 
 
 Thou many-headed monster-thing, 
 
 0, who would wish to be thy king? — sas 
 
 XXXI 
 ' 'But soft ! what messenger of speed 
 Spurs hitherward his panting steed ? 
 I guess his cognizance afar — 
 What from our cousin, John of Mar?" 
 ' 'He prays, my liege, your sports keep bound 340 
 Within the safe and guarded ground ; 
 For some foul purpose yet unknown, — 
 Most sure for evil to the throne, — 
 The outlawed Chieftain, Roderick Dhu, 
 Has summoned his rebellious crew ; 8*5 
 
 'T is said, in James of BothwelTs aid 
 These loose banditti stand arrayed. 
 The Earl of Mar this morn from Doune 
 To break their muster marched, and soon 
 Your Grace will hear of battle fought; 350 
 
 But earnestly the Earl besought. 
 Till for such danger he provide. 
 With scanty train you will not ride." 
 
 xxxn 
 
 'Thou warn'st me I have done amiss, — 
 
 i should have earlier looked to this ; 855 
 
 I lost it in this bustling day. — 
 
 Retrace with speed thy former way; 
 
 Spare not for spoiling of thy steed, 
 
CANTO V THE COMBAT 151 
 
 The best of mine shall be thy meed. 
 
 Say to our faithful Lord of Mar, sec 
 
 We do forbid the intended war ; 
 
 Roderick this morn in single fight 
 
 Was made our prisoner by a knight, 
 
 And Douglas hath himself and cause 
 
 Submitted to our kingdom's laws. 865 
 
 The tidings of their leaders lost 
 
 Will soon dissolve the mountain host, 
 
 Nor would we that the vulgar feel, 
 
 For their Chief's crimes, avenging steel. 
 
 Bear Mar our message, Braco, fly ! " sro 
 
 He turned his steed, — ^'*My liege, I hie, 
 
 Yet ere I cross this lily lawn 
 
 I fear the broadswords will be drawn. " 
 
 The turf the flying courser spurned. 
 
 And to his towers the King returned. srs 
 
 XXXIII 
 111 with King James's mood that day 
 Suited gay feast and minstrel lay ; 
 Soon were dismissed the courtly throng, 
 And soon cut short the festal song. 
 Nor less upon the saddened town 88o 
 
 The evening sunk in sorrow down. 
 The burghers spoke of civil jar, 
 Of rumored feuds and mountain war, 
 Of Moray, Mar, and Roderick Dhu, 
 All up in arms ; — the Douglas too, 885 
 
 They mourned him pent within the hold, 
 ''Where stout Earl William was of old." — 
 And there his word the speaker stayed, 
 
152 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto v 
 
 And finger on his lip he laid, 
 
 Or pointed to his dagger blade. 89o 
 
 But jaded horsemen from the west 
 
 At evening to the Castle pressed, 
 
 And busy talkers said they bore 
 
 Tidings of fight on Katrine's shore; 
 
 At noon the deadly fray begun, 895 
 
 And lasted till the set of sun. 
 
 Thus giddy rumor shook the town, 
 
 Till closed the Night her pennons brown. 
 
CANTO SIXTH 
 
 THE GUARD-ROOM 
 I 
 
 The sun, awakening, through the smoky air 
 
 Of the dark city casts a sullen glance. 
 Rousing each caitiff to his task of care, 
 
 Of sinful man the sad inheritance; 
 
 Summoning revellers from the lagging dance, 5 
 Scaring the prowling robber to his den ; 
 
 Gilding on battled tower the warder's lance, 
 And warning student pale to leave his pen, 
 And yield his drowsy eyes to the kind nurse of men. 
 
 What various scenes, and 0, what scenes of woe, 10 
 
 Are witnessed by that red and struggling beam! 
 The fevered patient, from his pallet low, 
 
 Through crowded hospital beholds it stream ; 
 The ruined maiden trembles at its gleam. 
 The debtor wakes to thought of gyve and jail, 15 
 The love-lorn wretch starts from tormenting dream ; 
 The wakeful mother, by the glimmering pale, 
 Trims her sick infant's couch, and soothes his feeble 
 wail. 
 
 II 
 At dawn the towers of Stirling rang 
 With soldier-step and weapon-clang, 20 
 
 While drums with rolling note foretell 
 
T64t THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto \i 
 
 Relief to weary sentinel. 
 Through narrow loop and casement barred, 
 The sunbeams sought the Court of Guard, 
 And, struggling with the smoky air, - ^s 
 
 Deadened the torches* yellow glare. 
 In comfortless alliance shone 
 The lights through arch of blackened stone, 
 And showed wild shapes in garb of war, 
 Faces deformed with beard and scar, 30 
 
 All haggard from the midnight watch, 
 And fevered with the stern debauch ; 
 For the oak table's massive hoard, 
 Flooded with wine, with fragments stored. 
 And beakers drained, and cups o'erthrown, . 35 
 Showed in what sport the night had flown. 
 Some, weary, snored on floor and bench ; 
 Some labored still their thirst to quench; 
 Some, chilled with watching, spread their hands 
 O'er the huge chimney's dying brands, 40 
 
 While round them, or beside them flung. 
 At every step their harness rung. 
 
 Ill 
 These drew not for their fields the sword, 
 Like tenants of a feudal lord. 
 Nor owned the patriarchal claim 45 
 
 Of Chieftain in their leader's name; 
 Adventurers they, from far who roved, 
 To live by battle which they loved. 
 There the Italian's clouded face. 
 The swarthy Spaniard's there you trace; 50 
 
 The mountain-loving Switzer there 
 
CANTO VI THE GUARD-ROOM 155 
 
 More freely breathed in mountain-air ; 
 
 The Fleming there despised the soil 
 
 That paid so ill the laborer's toil; 
 
 Their rolls showed French and German name ; 55 
 
 And merry England's exiles came, 
 
 To share, with ill-concealed disdain, 
 
 Of Scotland's pay the scanty gain. 
 
 All brave in arms, well trained to wield 
 
 The heavy halberd, brand, and shield ; «o 
 
 In camps licentious, wild, and bold; 
 
 In pillage fierce and uncontrolled ; 
 
 And now, by holytide and feast. 
 
 From rules of discipline released. 
 
 IV 
 They held debate of bloody fray. ss 
 
 Fought 'twixt Loch Katrine and Achray. 
 Fierce was their speech, and mid their words 
 Their hands oft grappled to their swords ; 
 Nor sunk their tone to spare the ear 
 Of wounded comrades groaning near, 70 
 
 Whose mangled limbs and bodies gored 
 Bore token of the mountain sword. 
 Though, neighboring to the Court of Guard, 
 Their prayers and feverish wails were heard, — 
 Sad burden to the ruffian joke, 75 
 
 And savage oath by fury spoke ! — . 
 At length up started John of Brent, 
 A yeoman from the banks of Trent ; 
 A stranger to respect or fear. 
 In peace a chaser of the deer, ^ 
 
 In host a hardy mutineer, 
 
256 THE LADY OF THE LAKE Canto vi 
 
 But still the boldest of the crew 
 
 When deed of danger was to do. 
 
 He grieved that day their games cut short, 
 
 And marred the dicer's brawling sport, gs 
 
 And shouted loud, "Renew the bowl! 
 
 And, while a merry catch I troll. 
 
 Let each the buxom chorus bear, 
 
 Like brethren of the brand and spear. ' ' 
 
 V 
 SOLDIER'S SONG 
 
 Our vicar still preaches that Peter and Poule 90 
 
 Laid a swinging long curse on the bonny brown bowl, 
 That there's wrath and despair in the jolly black- 
 jack. 
 And the seven deadly sins in a flagon of sack; 
 Yet whoop, Barnaby ! off with thy liquor 
 Drink upsees out, and a tig for the vicar! 95 
 
 Our vicar he calls it damnation to sip 
 The ripe ruddy dew of a woman's dear lip, 
 Says that Beelzebub lurks in her kerchief so sly, 
 And Apollyon shoots darts from her merry black eye ; 
 Yet whoop. Jack! kiss Gillian the quicker, 100 
 
 Till she bloom like a rose, and a fig for the vicar! 
 
 Our vicar thus preaches, — and why should he not? 
 For the dues of his cure are the placket and pot ; 
 And 't is right of his oflftce poor laymen to lurch 
 Who infringe the domains of our good Mother 
 Church , 105 
 
 Yet whoop, bully-boys ! off with your liquor. 
 Sweet Marjorie's the word, and a fig for the vicar! 
 
CANTO VI THE GUARD-ROOM 157 
 
 VI 
 
 The warder's challenge, heard without, 
 
 Stayed in mid-roar the merry shout. 
 
 A soldier to the portal went, — no 
 
 V'Here is old Bertram, sirs, of Ghent ; 
 
 And — beat for jubilee the drum ! — 
 
 A maid and minstrel with him come. '' 
 
 Bertram, a Fleming, gray and scarred. 
 
 Was entering now the Court of Guard, us 
 
 A harper with him, and, in plaid 
 
 All muffled close, a mountain maid. 
 
 Who backward shrunk to 'scape the view 
 
 Of the loose scene and boisterous crew. 
 
 * 'What news ?" they roared : — ' 'I only know, 120 
 
 From noon till eve we fought with foe, 
 
 As wild and as untamable 
 
 As the rude mountains where they dwell ; 
 
 On both sides store of blood is lost, 
 
 Nor much success can either boast." — 125 
 
 ''But whence thy captives, friend ? such spoil 
 
 As theirs must needs reward thy toil. 
 
 Old dost thou wax, and wars grow sharp ; 
 
 Thou now hast glee-maiden and harp ! 
 
 Get thee an ape, and trudge the land, lao 
 
 The leader of a juggler band." 
 
 VII 
 "No, comrade; — no such fortune mine. 
 After the fight these sought our line. 
 That aged harper and the girl, 
 And, having audience of the Earl, 135 
 
 Mar bade I should purvey them steed, 
 
158 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto vi 
 
 And bring them hitherward with speed. 
 
 Forbear your mirth and rude alarm, 
 
 For none shall do them shame or harm. '' — 
 
 ' 'Hear ye his boast ? ' ' cried John of Brent, 140 
 
 Ever to strife and jangling bent; 
 
 ''Shall he strike doe beside our lodge, 
 
 And yet the jealous niggard grudge 
 
 To pay the forester his fee ? 
 
 ril have my share howe'er it be, us 
 
 Despite of Moray, Mar, or thee.'* 
 
 Bertram his forward step withstood; 
 
 And, burning in his vengeful mood. 
 
 Old Allan, though unfit for strife. 
 
 Laid hand upon his dagger-knife; iso 
 
 But Ellen boldly stepped between, 
 
 And dropped at once the tartan screen : — 
 
 So, from his morning cloud, appears 
 
 The sun of May through summer tears. 
 
 The savage soldiery, amazed ^^' 
 
 As on descended angel gazed ; 
 
 Even hardy Brent, abashed and tamed, 
 
 Stood half admiring, half asham.ed. 
 
 VIII 
 
 Boldly she spoke : "Soldiers, attend! 
 My father was the soldier's friend, i6c 
 
 Cheered him in camps, in marches led. 
 And with him in the battle bled. 
 Not from the valiant or the strong 
 Should exile's daughter suffer wrong.'* 
 Answered De Brent, most forward still 165 
 
 In every feat or good or ill : 
 
CANTO VI THE GUARD-ROOM 159 
 
 * 1 shame me of the part I played ; 
 
 And thou an outlaw's child, poor maid ! 
 
 An outlaw I by forest laws, 
 
 And merry Needwood knows the cause. 170 
 
 Poor Rose, — if Rose be living now, ' ' — 
 
 He wiped his iron eye and brow, — 
 
 **Must bear such age, I think, as thou. — 
 
 Hear ye, my mates ! I go to call 
 
 The Captain of our watch to hall : 175 
 
 There lies my halberd on the floor ; 
 
 And he that steps my halberd o'er. 
 
 To do the maid injurious part. 
 
 My shaft shall quiver in his heart! 
 
 Beware rude speech, or jesting rough ; iso 
 
 Ye all know John de Brent. Enough. " 
 
 IX 
 
 Their Captain came, a gallant young, — 
 
 Of Tullibardine's house he sprung, — 
 
 Nor wore he yet the spurs of knight ; 
 
 Gay was his mien, his humor light, 185 
 
 And, though by courtesy controlled, 
 
 Forward his speech, his bearing bold. 
 
 The high-born maiden ill could brook 
 
 The scanning of his curious look 
 
 And dauntless eye : — and yet, in sooth, 190 
 
 Young Lewis was a generous youth ; 
 
 But Ellen's lovely face and mien, 
 
 111 suited to the garb and scene, 
 
 Might lightly bear construction strange. 
 
 And give loose fancy scope to range. las 
 
 ''Welcome to Stirling towers, fair maid! 
 
160 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto Vl 
 
 Come ye to seek a champion's aid, 
 
 On palfrey white, with harper hoar. 
 
 Like errant damosel of yore ? 
 
 Does thy high quest a knight require, 200 
 
 Or may the venture suit a squire?" 
 
 Her dark eye flashed ; — shepaused and sighed : — 
 
 ''0, what have I to do with pride! — 
 
 Through scenes of sorrow, shame, and strife, 
 
 A suppliant for a father's life, 205 
 
 I crave an audience of the King. 
 
 Behold, to back my suit, a ring. 
 
 The royal pledge of grateful claims, 
 
 Given by the Monarch to Fitz-James. '' 
 
 X 
 
 The signet-ring young Lewis took 210 
 
 With deep respect and altered look, 
 
 And said i ' 'This ring our duties own ; 
 
 And pardon, if to worth unknown, 
 
 In semblance mean obscurely veiled. 
 
 Lady, in aught my folly failed. 215 
 
 Soon as the day flings wide its gates, 
 
 The King shall know what suitor waits. 
 
 Please you meanwhile in fitting bower 
 
 Repose you till his waking hour ; 
 
 Female attendance shall obey 22c 
 
 Your best, for service or array. 
 
 Permit I marshal you the way. ' ' 
 
 But, ere she followed, with the grace 
 
 And open bounty of her race, 
 
 She bade her slender purse be shared ^^25 
 
 Among the soldiers of the guard. 
 
CANTO VI THE GUARD-ROOM 161 
 
 The rest with thanks their guerdon took, 
 
 But Brent, with shy and awkward look, 
 
 On the reluctant maiden's hold 
 
 Forced bluntly back the proffered gold : — iiao 
 
 'Torgive a haughty English heart. 
 
 And 0, forget its ruder part ! 
 
 The vacant purse shall be my share, 
 
 Which in my barret-cap Til bear. 
 
 Perchance, in jeopardy of war, 235 
 
 Where gayer crests may keep afar. ' ' 
 
 With thanks — 'twas all she could — the maid 
 
 His rugged courtesy repaid, 
 
 XI 
 
 When Ellen forth with Lewis went, 
 
 Allan made suit to John of Brent: — 240 
 
 ' 'My lady safe, 0, let your grace 
 
 Give me to see my master's face! 
 
 His minstrel I, — to share his doom 
 
 Bound from the cradle to the tomb. 
 
 Tenth in descent, since first my sires 245 
 
 Waked for his noble house their lyres. 
 
 Nor one of all the race was known 
 
 But prized its weal above their own. 
 
 With the Chief's birth begins our care; 
 
 Our harp must soothe the infant heir, 250 
 
 Teach the youth tales of fight, and grace 
 
 His earliest feat of field or chase ; 
 
 In peace, in war, our rank we keep, 
 
 We cheer his board, we soothe his sleep. 
 
 Nor leave him till we pour our verse — ■ 355 
 
 A doleful tribute ! — o'er his hearse. 
 
162 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO vi 
 
 Then let me share his captive lot; 
 
 It is my right, — deny it not!" 
 
 ''Little we reck, " said John of Brent, 
 
 * 'We Southern men, of long descent ; aeo 
 
 Nor wot we how a name — a word — 
 
 Makes clansmen vassals to a lord : 
 
 Yet kind my noble landlord's part, — 
 
 God bless the house of Beaudesert ! 
 
 And, but I loved to drive the deer 265 
 
 More than to guide the laboring steer, 
 
 I had not dwelt an outcast here. 
 
 Come, good old Minstrel, follow me ; 
 
 Thy Lord and Chieftain shalt thou see. " 
 
 XII 
 
 Then, from a rusted iron hook, sro 
 
 A bunch of ponderous keys he took. 
 
 Lighted a torch, and Allan led 
 
 Through grated arch and passage dread. 
 
 Portals they passed, where, deep within. 
 
 Spoke prisoner's moan and fetters' din; ^^75 
 
 Through rugged vaults, where, loosely stored, 
 
 Lay wheel, and axe, and headsman's sword 
 
 And many a hideous engine grim. 
 
 For wrenching joint and crushing limb, 
 
 By artists formed who deemed it shame -zso 
 
 And sin to give their work a name. 
 
 They halted at a low-browed porch. 
 
 And Brent to Allan gave the torch. 
 
 While bolt and chain he backward rolled, 
 
 And made the bar unhasp its hold. .35 
 
 They entered : — 't was a prison -room 
 
CANTO VI THE GUARD-ROOM 163 
 
 Of stern security and gloom, 
 
 Yet not a dungeon ; for the day 
 
 Through lofty gratings found its way, 
 
 And rude and antique garniture 290 
 
 Decked the sad walls and oaken floor, 
 
 Such as the rugged days of old 
 
 Deemed fit for captive noble's hold. 
 
 ' 'Here, ' ' said De Brent, * 'thou mayst remain 
 
 Till the Leech visit him again. 295 
 
 Strict is his charge, the warders tell, 
 
 To tend the noble prisoner well. '' 
 
 Retiring then, the bolt he drew. 
 
 And the lock's murmurs growled anew. 
 
 Roused at the sound, from lowly bed 300 
 
 A captive feebly raised his head ; 
 
 The wondering Minstrel looked, and knew — 
 
 Not his dear lord, but Roderick Dhu ! 
 
 For, come from where Clan-Alpine fought. 
 
 They, erring, deemed the Chief he sought. 305 
 
 XIII 
 
 As the tall ship whose lofty prore 
 
 Shall never stem the billows more, 
 
 Deserted by her gallant band. 
 
 Amid the breakers lies astrand, — 
 
 So on his couch lay Roderick Dhu 1 310 
 
 And oft his fevered limbs he threw 
 
 In toss abrupt, as when her sides 
 
 Lie rocking in the advancing tides. 
 
 That shake her frame with ceaseless beat. 
 
 Yet cannot heave her from her seat ; — 315 
 
 0, how unlike her course at sea! 
 
164 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto vi 
 
 Or his free step on hill and lea! — 
 
 Soon as the Minstrel he could scan, — 
 
 *'What of thy lady?— of my clan?— 
 
 My mother? — Douglas? — tell me all I 320 
 
 Have they been ruined in my fall ? 
 
 Ah, yes ! or wherefore art thou here ? 
 
 Yet speak, — speak boldly, — do not fear/' — • 
 
 For Allan, who his mood well knew. 
 
 Was choked with grief and terror too. — 325 
 
 "Who fought ? — who fled ?— Old man, be brief ;— 
 
 Some might, — for they had lost their Chief. 
 
 Who basely live? — who bravely died?'' 
 
 '*0, calm thee, Chief!" the Minstrel cried, 
 
 ^^Ellenissafe!" 'Tor that thank Heaven!" 330 
 
 **And hopes are for the Douglas given ; — 
 
 The Lady Margaret, too, is well ; 
 
 And, for thy clan, — on field or fell. 
 
 Has never harp of minstrel told 
 
 Of combat fought so true and boJd. 335 
 
 Thy stately Pine is yet unbent, 
 
 Though many a goodly bough is rent. " 
 
 XIV 
 
 The Chieftain reared his form on high, 
 
 And fever's fire was in his eye ; 
 
 But ghastly, pale, and livid streaks 340 
 
 Checkered his swarthy brow and cheeks. 
 
 **Hark, Minstrel! I have heard thee play, 
 
 With measure bold on festal day, 
 
 In yon lone isle, — again where ne'er 
 
 Shall harper play or warrior hear ! — 345 
 
 That stirring air that peals on high. 
 
CANTO vr THE GUARD-ROOM 165 
 
 O'er Dermid's race our victory. — ■ 
 
 Strike it! — and then, — for well thou canst, — ■ 
 
 Free from thy minstrel-spirit glanced- 
 
 Fling me the picture of the fight, 350 
 
 AVhen met my clan the Saxon might. 
 
 r\\ listen, till my fancy hears 
 
 The clang of swords, the crash of spears ! 
 
 These grates, these walls, shall vanish then 
 
 For the fair field of fighting men, 355 
 
 And my free spirit burst away, 
 
 As if it soared from battle fray." 
 
 The trembling Bard with awe obeyed, — 
 
 Slow on the harp his hand he laid ; 
 
 But soon remembrance of the sight 36o 
 
 He witnessed from the mountain's height, 
 
 With what old Bertram told at night. 
 
 Awakened the full power of song, 
 
 And bore him in career along ; — 
 
 As shallop launched on river's tide, 365 
 
 That slow and fearful leaves the side. 
 
 But, when it feels the middle stream. 
 
 Drives downward swift as lightning's beam. 
 
 XV 
 
 BATTLE OF BEAL' AN DUINE 
 
 ''The Minstrel came once more to view 
 
 The eastern ridge of Benvenue, 370 
 
 For ere he parted he would say 
 
 Farewell to lovely Loch Achray — ■ 
 
 Where shall he find, in foreign land, 
 
 So lone a lake, so sweet a strand ! — 
 
 There is no breeze upon the fern, 37s 
 
166 THE LADY OF THE LAKE CANTO VI 
 
 No ripple on the lake, 
 Upon her eyry nods the erne, 
 
 The deer has sought the brake ; 
 The small birds will not sing aloud. 
 
 The springing trout lies still, aso 
 
 So darkly glooms yon thunder-cloud. 
 That swathes, as with a purple shroud, 
 
 Benledi's distant hill. 
 Is it the thunder's solemn sound 
 
 That mutters deep and dread, age 
 
 Or echoes from the groaning ground 
 
 The warrior's measured tread ? 
 Is it the lightning's quivering glance 
 
 That on the thicket streams, 
 Or do they flash on spear and lance 390 
 
 The sun's retiring beams? — 
 I see the dagger-crest of Mar, 
 I see the Moray's silver star, 
 Wave o'er the cloud of Saxon war, 
 That up the lake comes winding far ! 396 
 
 To hero boune for battle-strife. 
 
 Or bard of martial lay, 
 'T were worth ten years of peaceful life, 
 
 One glance at their array ! 
 
 XVI 
 * Their light-armed archers far and near 400 
 
 Surveyed the tangled ground. 
 Their centre ranks, with pike and spear, 
 
 A twilight forest frowned. 
 Their barded horsemen in the rear 
 
 The stern battalia crowned. 405 
 
CANTO VI THE GUARD-ROOM 167 
 
 No cymbal clashed, no clarion rang, 
 
 Still were the pipe and drum ; 
 Save heavy tread, and armor's clang. 
 
 The sullen march was dumb. 
 There breathed no wind their crests to shake, 410 
 
 Or wave their flags abroad ; 
 Scarce the frail aspen seemed to quake. 
 
 That shadowed o'er their road. 
 Their vaward scouts no tidings bring, 
 
 Can rouse no lurking foe, 415 
 
 Nor spy a trace of living thing. 
 
 Save when they stirred the roe ; 
 The host moves like a deep-sea wave. 
 Where rise no rocks its pride to brave. 
 
 High-swelling, dark, and slow. 420 
 
 The lake is passed, and now they gain 
 A narrow and a broken plain, 
 Before the Trosachs' rugged jaws; 
 And here the horse and spearmen pause. 
 While, to explore the dangerous glen, 425 
 
 Dive through the pass the archer-men. 
 
 XVII 
 **At once there rose so wild a yell 
 Within that dark and narrow dell. 
 As all the fiends from heaven that fell 
 Had pealed the banner-cry of hell ! 430 
 
 Forth from the pass in tumult driven, 
 Like chaff before the wind of heaven. 
 
 The archery appear : 
 For life ! for life ! their flight they ply — 
 And shriek, and shout, and battle-cry, 435 
 
168 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto vi 
 
 And plaids and bonnets waving high, 
 And broadswords flashing to the sky, 
 
 Are maddening in the rear. 
 Onward they drive in dreadful race. 
 
 Pursuers and pursued ; 440 
 
 Before that tide of flight and chase, 
 How shall it keep its rooted place. 
 
 The spearmen's twilight wood? — 
 'Down, down, ' cried Mar, 'your lances down ! 
 
 Bear back both friend and foe!' — 445 
 
 Like reeds before the tempest's frown. 
 That serried grove of lances brown 
 
 At once lay levelled low ; 
 And closely shouldering side to side. 
 The bristling ranks the onset bide. — 450 
 'We'll quell the savage mountaineer. 
 
 As their Tinchel cows the game ! 
 They come as fleet as forest deer. 
 We'll drive them back as tame. ' 
 
 XVIII 
 "Bearing before them in their course 455 
 
 The relics of the archer force, 
 Like wave with crest of sparkling foam. 
 Right onward did Clan- Alpine come. 
 Above the tide, each broadsword bright 
 Was brandishing like beam of light, m 
 
 Each targe was dark below ; 
 And with the ocean's mighty swing. 
 When heaving to the tempest's wing. 
 They hurled them on the foe. 
 I heard the lance's shivering crash, 465 
 
CANTO V THE GUARD-ROOM 169 
 
 As when the whirlwind rends the ash ; 
 I heard the broadsword's deadly clang, 
 As if a hundred anvils rang! 
 But Moray wheeled his rearward rank 
 Of horsemen on Clan-Alpine's flank, — 470 
 
 'My banner-man, advance ! 
 I see, ' he cried, 'their column shake. 
 Now, gallants! for your ladies' sake. 
 
 Upon them with the lance!' — 
 The horsemen dashed among the rout, 475 
 
 As deer break through the broom ; 
 Their steeds are stout, their swords are out, 
 
 They soon make lightsome room. 
 Clan- Alpine's best are backward borne — 
 
 Where, where was Roderick then ! 48o 
 
 One blast upon his bugle-horn 
 Were worth a thousand men. 
 And refluent through the pass of fear 
 
 The battle's tide was poured; 
 Vanished the Saxon's struggling spear, 435 
 
 Vanished the mountain-sword. 
 As Bracklinn's chasm, so black and steep, 
 
 Receives her roaring linn. 
 As the dark caverns of the deep 
 
 Suck the wild whirlpool in, 490 
 
 So did the deep and darksome pass 
 Devour the battle's mingled mass; 
 None linger now upon the plain, 
 Save those who ne'er shall flght again. 
 
170 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto VI 
 
 XIX 
 '*Now westward rolls the battle's din, 495 
 
 That deep and doubling pass within. — 
 Minstrel, away I the work of fate 
 Is bearing on ; its issue wait. 
 Where the rude Trosachs' dread defile 
 Opens on Katrine's lake and isle. soo 
 
 Gray Benvenue I soon repassed. 
 Loch Katrine lay beneath me cast. 
 The sun is set ; — the clouds are met 
 
 The lowering scowl of heaven 
 An inky hue of livid blue 505 
 
 To the deep lake has given ; 
 Strange gusts of wind from mountain glen 
 Swept o'er the lake, then sunk again. 
 I heeded not the eddying surge, 
 Mine eye but saw the Trosachs' gorge, 510 
 
 Mine ear but heard that sullen sound, 
 Which like an earthquake shook the ground, 
 And spoke the stern and desperate strife 
 That parts not but with parting life. 
 Seeming, to minstrel ear, to toll 515 
 
 The dirge of many a passing soul. 
 Nearer it comes — the dim -wood glen 
 The martial flood disgorged again, 
 
 But not in mingled tide ; 
 The plaided warriors of the North sao 
 
 High on the mountain thunder forth 
 
 And overhang its side, 
 While by the lake below appears 
 The darkening cloud of Saxon spears. 
 At weary bay each shattered band, 535 
 
 Eying their foemen, sternly stand ; 
 
CANTO VI THE GUARD-ROOM 171 
 
 Their banners stream like tattered sail, 
 That flings its fragments to the gale, 
 And broken arms and disarray 
 Marked the fell havoc of the day. 530 
 
 XX 
 
 '^Viewing the mountain's ridge askance, 
 The Saxons stood in sullen trance, 
 Till Moray pointed with his lance, 
 
 And cried : 'Behold yon isle ! — 
 See ! none are left to guard its strand 535 
 
 But women weak, that wring the hand : 
 'T is there of yore the robber band 
 
 Their booty wont to pile ; — 
 My purse, with bonnet-pieces store, 
 To him will swim a bow-shot o'er, 540 
 
 And loose a shallop from the shore. 
 Lightly we'll tame the war-wolf then. 
 Lords of his mate, and brood, and den. ' 
 Forth from the ranks a spearman sprung. 
 On earth his casque and corselet rung, 545 
 
 He plunged him in the wave : — 
 All saw the deed, — the purpose knew, 
 And to their clamors Benvenue 
 
 A mingled echo gave ; 
 The Saxons shout, their mate to cheer, 550 
 
 The helpless females scream for fear, 
 And yells for rage the mountaineer. 
 'T was then, as by the outcry riven, 
 Poured down at once the lowering heaven ; 
 A whirlwind swept Loch Katrine's breast, 555 
 Her billows reared their snowy crest. 
 
172 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto vi 
 
 Well for the swimmer swelled they high, 
 
 To mar the Highland marksman's eye; 
 
 For round him showered, mid rain and hail, 
 
 The vengeful arrows of the Gael. 5tjo 
 
 In vain. — He nears the isle — and lo! 
 
 His hand is on a shallop's bow. 
 
 Just then a flash of lightning came, 
 
 It tinged the waves and strand with flame ; 
 
 I marked Duncraggan's widowed dame, 565 
 
 Behind an oak I saw her stand, 
 
 A naked dirk gleamed in her hand : — 
 
 It darkened, — but amid the moan 
 
 Of waves I heard a dying groan ; — 
 
 Another flash ! — the spearman floats 570 
 
 A weltering corse beside the boats. 
 
 And the stern matron o'er him stood, 
 
 Her hand and dagger streaming blood. 
 
 XXI 
 
 " 'Revenge! revenge!' the Saxons cried, 
 
 The Gaels' exulting shout replied. 575 
 
 Despite the elemental rage. 
 
 Again they hurried to engage ; 
 
 But, ere they closed in desperate fight. 
 
 Bloody with spurring, came a knight. 
 
 Sprung from his horse, and from a crag 580 
 
 Waved 'twixt the hosts a milk-white flag. 
 
 Clarion and trumpet by his side 
 
 Rung forth a truce-note high and wide, 
 
 While, in the Monarch's name, afar 
 
 A herald ^s voice forbade the war, 535 
 
 For Both well's lord and Roderick bold 
 
CANTO VI THE GUARD-ROOM 173 
 
 Were both, he said, in captive hold. ' ' — 
 
 But here the lay made sudden stand, 
 
 The harp escaped the Minstrel's hand! 
 
 Oft had he stolen a glance, to spy 590 
 
 How Roderick brooked his minstrelsy: 
 
 At first, the Chieftain, to the chime. 
 
 With lifted hand kept feeble time ; 
 
 That motion ceased, — yet feeling strong 
 
 Varied his look as changed the song ; 595 
 
 At length, no more his deafened ear 
 
 The minstrel melody can hear; 
 
 His face grows sharp, — his hands are clenched, 
 
 As if some pang his heart-strings wrenched ; 
 
 Set are his teeth, his fading eye eoo 
 
 Is sternly fixed on vacancy ; 
 
 Thus, motionless and moanless, drew 
 
 His parting breath stout Roderick Dhu !— 
 
 Old Allan-bane looked on aghast. 
 
 While grim and still his spirit passed ; eos 
 
 But when he saw that life was fled, 
 
 He poured his wailing o'er the dead 
 
 XXH 
 
 LAMENT 
 
 ''And art thou cold and lowly laid. 
 
 Thy foeman's dread, thy people's aid, 
 
 Breadalbane's boast, Clan-Alpine's shade! 610 
 
 For thee shall none a requiem say ? — 
 
 For thee, who loved the minstrel's lay, 
 
 For thee, of Bothwell's house the stay, 
 
 The shelter of her exiled line. 
 
 E'en in this prison-house of thine, eis 
 
 I'll wail for Alpine's honored Pine! 
 
174 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto Vl 
 
 **What groans shall yonder valleys fill! 
 What shrieks of grief shall rend yon hill ! 
 What tears of burning rage shall thrill, 
 When mourns thy tribe thy battles done, eso 
 Thy fall before the race was won, 
 Thy sword ungirt ere set of sun ! 
 There breathes not clansman of thy line, 
 But would have given his life for thine. 
 0, woe for Alpine's honored Pine! ess 
 
 ''Sad was thy lot on mortal stage ! — 
 
 The captive thrush may brook the cage, 
 
 The prisoned eagle dies for rage. 
 
 Brave spirit, do not scorn my strain 1 
 
 And, when its notes awake again, eso 
 
 Even she, so long beloved in vain. 
 
 Shall with my harp her voice combine, 
 
 And mix her woe and tears with mine, 
 
 To wail Clan-Alpine's honored Pine.'' 
 
 XXIII 
 
 Ellen the while, with bursting heart, 635 
 
 Remained in lordly bower apart. 
 
 Where played, with many-colored gleams^ 
 
 Through storied pane the rising beams. 
 
 In vain on gilded roof they fall, 
 
 And lightened up a tapestried wall, 64o 
 
 And for her use a menial train 
 
 A rich collation spread in vain. 
 
 The banquet proud, the chamber gay, 
 
 Scarce drew one curious glance astray ; 
 
 Or if she looked, 't was but to say, 645 
 
 With better omen dawned the day 
 
CANTO VI THE GUARD-ROOM 175 
 
 In that lone isle, where waved on high 
 
 The dun-deer's hide for canopy ; 
 
 Where oft her noble father shared 
 
 The simple meal her care prepared, eso 
 
 While Lufra, crouching by her side. 
 
 Her station claimed with jealous pride. 
 
 And Douglas, bent on woodland game, 
 
 Spoke of the chase to Malcolm Graeme, 
 
 Whose answer, oft at random made, ess 
 
 The wandering of his thoughts betrayed. 
 
 Those who such simple joys have known 
 
 Are ta,ught to prize them when they're gone. 
 
 But sudden, see, she lifts her head, 
 
 The window seeks with cautious tread. eeo 
 
 What distant music has the power 
 
 To win her in this woful hour? 
 
 'T was from a turret that o'erhung 
 
 Her latticed bower, the strain was sung. 
 
 XXIV 
 
 LAY OF THE IMPRISONED HUNTSMAN 
 
 ' 'My hawk is tired of perch and hood, ees 
 
 My idle greyhound loathes his food, 
 
 My horse is weary of his stall. 
 
 And I am sick of captive thrall. 
 
 I wish I were as I have been. 
 
 Hunting the hart in forest green, ero 
 
 With bended bow and bloodhound free, 
 
 For that's the life is meet for me. 
 
 * 'I hate to learn the ebb of time 
 From yon dull steeple's drowsy chime, 
 
176 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto VI 
 
 Or mark it as the sunbeams crawl, ers 
 
 Inch after inch, along the wall. 
 
 The lark was wont my matins ring, 
 
 The sable rook my vespers sing ; 
 
 These towers, although a king's they be, 
 
 Have not a hall of joy for me. eso 
 
 ' 'No more at dawning morn I rise, 
 
 And sun myself in Ellen's eyes, 
 
 Drive the fleet deer the forest through, 
 
 And homeward wend with evening dew ; 
 
 A blithesome welcome blithely meet, ess 
 
 And lay my trophies at her feet, 
 
 While fled the eve on wing of glee,— 
 
 That life is lost to love and me!" 
 
 XXV 
 
 The heart-sick lay was hardly said, 
 
 The listener had not turned her head, 69o 
 
 It trickled still, the starting tear, 
 
 When light a footstep struck her ear, 
 
 And Snowdoun's graceful Knight was near. 
 
 She turned the hastier, lest again 
 
 The prisoner should renew his strain. 695 
 
 **0, welcome, brave Fitz- James ! " she said ; 
 
 * 'How may an almost orphan maid 
 
 Pay the deep debt — " ''0, say not so! 
 
 To me no gratitude you owe. 
 
 Not mine, alas ! the boon to give, ?oo 
 
 And bid thy noble father live ; 
 
 I can but be thy guide, sweet maid. 
 
 With Scotland's King thy suit to aid. 
 
705 
 
 no 
 
 Canto VI THE GUARD-ROOM 177 
 
 No tyrant he, though ire and pride 
 
 May lay his better mood aside. 
 
 Come, Ellen, come ! 't is more than time. 
 
 He holds his court at morning prime. " 
 
 With beating heart, and bosom wrung, 
 
 As to a brother's arm she clung. 
 
 Gently he dried the falling tear, 
 
 And gently whispered hope and cheer ; 
 
 Her faltering steps half led, half stayed, 
 
 Through gallery fair and high arcade. 
 
 Till at his touch its wings of pride 
 
 A portal arch unfolded wide. 7i5 
 
 XXVI 
 
 Within 't was brilliant all and light, 
 
 A thronging scene of figures bright ; 
 
 It glowed on Ellen's dazzled sight. 
 
 As when the setting sun has given 
 
 Ten thousand hues to summer even. 
 
 And from their tissue fancy frames 
 
 Aerial knights and fairy dames. 
 
 Still by Fitz-James her footing stayed ; 
 
 A few faint steps she forward made, 
 
 Then slow her drooping head she raised. 
 
 And fearful round the presence gazed ; 
 
 For him she sought who owned this state, 
 
 The dreaded Prince whose will was fate! — 
 
 She gazed on many a princely port 
 
 Might well have ruled a royal court; 730 
 
 On many a splendid garb she gazed,— 
 
 Then turned bewildered and amazed, 
 
 For all stood bare ; and in the room 
 
 720 
 
 25 
 
178 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto yi 
 
 Fitz-James alone wore cap and plume. 
 
 To him each lady's look was lent, 7;35 
 
 On him each courtier's eye was bent; 
 
 Midst furs and silks and jewels sheen, 
 
 He stood, in simple Lincoln green, 
 
 The centre of the glittering ring, — 
 
 And Snowdoun 's Knight is Scotland 's King ! 740 
 
 XXVII 
 
 As wreath of snow on mountain-breast 
 
 Slides from the rock that gave it rest, 
 
 Poor Ellen glided from her stay. 
 
 And at the Monarch's feet she lay; 
 
 No word her choking voice commands, — 745 
 
 She showed the ring, — she clasped her hands. 
 
 0, not a moment could he brook. 
 
 The generous Prince, that suppliant look ! 
 
 Gently he raised her, — and, the while. 
 
 Checked with a glance the circle's smile ; 750 
 
 Graceful, but grave, her brow he kissed. 
 
 And bade her terrors be dismissed : — 
 
 ' Tes, fair ; the wandering poor Fitz-James 
 
 The fealty of Scotland claims. 
 
 To him thy woes, thy wishes, bring ; 755 
 
 He will redeem his signet ring. 
 
 Ask naught for Douglas ; — yester even, 
 
 His Prince and he have much forgiven ; 
 
 Wrong hath he had from slanderous tongue, 
 
 1, from his rebel kinsmen, wrong. 76o 
 We would not, to the vulgar crowd, 
 
 , Yield what they craved with clamor loud; 
 Calmly we heard and judged his cause, 
 
UANTO VI THE GUARD-ROOM 179 
 
 Our council aided and our laws. 
 
 I stanched thy father's death-feud stern res 
 
 With stout De Vaux and gray Glencairn ; 
 
 And BothwelTs Lord henceforth we own 
 
 The friend and bulwark of our throne. — 
 
 But, lovely infidel, how now ? 
 
 What clouds thy misbelieving brow ? 770 
 
 Lord James of Douglas, lend thine aid ; 
 
 Thou must confirm this doubting maid. ' ' 
 
 XXVIII 
 
 Then forth the noble Douglas sprung, 
 
 And on his neck his daughter hung. 
 
 The Monarch drank, that happy hour, 775 
 
 The sweetest, holiest draught of Power, — 
 
 When it can say with godlike voice. 
 
 Arise, sad Virtue, and rejoice ! 
 
 Yet would not James the general eye 
 
 On nature's raptures long should pry ; 78o 
 
 He stepped between — ' 'Nay, Douglas, nay. 
 
 Steal not my proselyte away ! 
 
 The riddle 't is my right to read, 
 
 That brought this happy chance to speed. 
 
 Yes, Ellen, when disguised I stray 785 
 
 In life's more low but happier way, 
 
 'T is under name which veils my power. 
 
 Nor falsely veils, — for Stirling's tower 
 
 Of yore the name of Snowdoun claims, 
 
 And Normans call me James Fitz-James. 790 
 
 Thus watch I o'er insulted laws. 
 
 Thus learn to right the injured cause." 
 
 Then, in a tone apart and low, — 
 
180 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto vi 
 
 * 'Ah, little traitress ! none must know 
 
 What idle dream, what lighter thought, ^95 
 
 What vanity full dearly bought. 
 
 Joined to thine eye's dark witchcraft, drew 
 
 My spell-bound steps to Benvenue 
 
 In (^angerous hour, and all but gave 
 
 Thy Monarch's life to mountain glaive!" 8oi> 
 
 Aloud he spoke: 'Thou still dost hold 
 
 That little talisman of gold. 
 
 Pledge of my faith, Fitz-James's ring, — 
 
 What seeks fair Ellen of the King?" 
 
 XXIX 
 
 Full well the conscious maiden guessed sos 
 
 He probed the weakness of her breast; 
 
 But with that consciousness there came 
 
 A lightening of her fears for Graeme, 
 
 And more she deemed the Monarch's ire 
 
 Kindled 'gainst him who for her sire sio 
 
 Rebellious broadsword boldly drew ; 
 
 And, to her generous feeling true. 
 
 She craved the grace of Roderick Dhu. 
 
 ' 'Forbear thy suit; — the King of kings 
 
 Alone can stay life's parting wings. sis 
 
 I know his heart, I know his hand, 
 
 Have shared his cheer, and proved his brand ; — 
 
 My fairest earldom would I give 
 
 To bid Clan-Alpine's Chieftain live! — 
 
 Hast thou no other boon to crave ? 820 
 
 No other captive friend to save?" 
 
 Blushing, she turned her from the King, 
 
 And to the Douglas gave the ring. 
 
CANTO VI THE GUARD-ROOM 181 
 
 As if she wished her sire to speak 
 
 The suit that stained her glowing cheek. 325 
 
 ''Nay, then, my pledge has lost its force, 
 
 And stubborn justice holds her course. 
 
 Malcolm, come forth!'' — ^and, at the word, 
 
 Down kneeled the Graeme to Scotland's Lord. 
 
 ' Tor thee, rash youth, no suppliant sues, m 
 
 From thee may Vengeance claim her dues, 
 
 Who, nurtured underneath our smile. 
 
 Hast paid our care by treacherous wile, 
 
 And sought amid thy faithful clan 
 
 A refuge for an outlawed man, 835 
 
 Dishonoring thus thy loyal name. — 
 
 Fetters and warder for the Graeme!" 
 
 His chain of gold the King unstrung. 
 
 The links o'er Malcolm's neck he flung. 
 
 Then gently drew the glittering band, 84o 
 
 And laid the clasp on Ellen's hand. 
 
 Harp of the North, farewell ! The hills grow dark, 
 On purple peaks a deeper shade descending ; 
 
 In twilight copse the glow-worm lights her spark, 
 The deer, half seen, are to the covert wending. §45 
 Resume thy wizard elm ! the fountain lending, 
 
 And the wild breeze, thy wilder minstrelsy; 
 
 Thy numbers sweet with nature's vespers blending, 
 
 With distant echo from the fold and lea, [sso 
 
 And herd-boy's evening pipe, and hum of housing bee. 
 
 Yet, once again, farewell, thou Minstrel Harp! 
 Yet, once again, forgive my feeble sway, 
 
182 THE LADY OF THE LAKE canto VI 
 
 And little reck I of the censure sharp 
 
 May idly cavil at an idle lay. 
 
 Much have I owed thy strains on life's long way, 355 
 Through secret woes the world has never known, 
 
 When on the weary night dawned wearier day, 
 And bitterer was the grief devoured alone. — 
 That I overlive such woes, Enchantress ! is thine own. 
 
 Hark ! as my lingering footsteps slow retire, seo 
 
 Some Spirit of the Air has waked thy string ! 
 T is now a seraph bold, with touch of fire, 
 
 T is now the brush of Fairy's frolic wing. 
 
 Receding now, the dying numbers ring 
 Fainter and fainter down the rugged dell ; ses 
 
 And now the mountain breezes scarcely bring 
 A wandering witch-note of the distant spell — 
 And now, 't is silent all ! — Enchantress, fare thee 
 well! 
 
NOTES 
 
 CANTO FIRST 
 
 1. Harp of the North ! The songs of the ancient Scotch min- 
 strels were usually accompanied by the harp, which was the 
 national musical instrument. The poet invokes the spirit of 
 these old-time bards. 
 
 2. Witch-elm. The broad-leaved elm. So called because its 
 twigs were used as riding-whips for good luck, and also as 
 divining-rods. St. Fillan. A Scotch abbot of the seventh 
 century, for whom a spring near Loch Lomond was named. 
 
 10. Caledon. From Caledonia, the name given by the Ro- 
 mans to that part of Scotland north of the Clyde and Forth. 
 
 14. Each according pause. Each pause in the singing. 
 
 29. Monan. Saint Monan was a Scotch monk of the fourth 
 century who suffered martyrdom. 
 
 31. Glenartney. See map for location of places mentioned. 
 
 38. Warder. A keeper or guard. 
 
 45. Beamed frontlet. After the fourth-year horns appear the 
 head of a stag is said to be beamed. 
 
 47. Tainted gale. The wind scented with the odor of the 
 hunter can be perceived by animals at a great distance. 
 
 53. Uam-Var. Ua-Var, as the name is pronounced, or more 
 properly, Uaighmor, is a mountain to the northeast of the 
 village of Callander in Menteith, deriving its name, which sig- 
 nifies the great den or cavern, from a sort of retreat among 
 the rocks on the south side, said by tradition to have been the 
 abode of a giant. In later times it was the refuge of robbers 
 and banditti, who have been extirpated only within these forty 
 or fifty years. Strictly speaking, this stronghold is not a cave, 
 as the name would imply, but a sort of small enclosure or recess 
 surrounded with large rocks and open above head.— Scott. 
 
 54. Opening pack. A hunting term referring to the barking 
 of the hounds when they catch sight of the game, or regain 
 the scent. 
 
 66. Cairn. A heap of stones. 
 
 67. Rout. A confused crowd. 
 
 71. Linn. A pool ; sometimes a cataract, as in Canto II, 
 270: Bracklinn ; sometimes a precipice. See also Canto VI, 488. 
 
1S4 NOTES 
 
 80. Pertorce. A poetical word. 
 84. Shrewdly. Severely. 
 
 102. 'T were. It would be, 
 
 103. Cambusmore. An estate near Callander on the banks 
 of the Keltie. 
 
 107. Teith. Thi.s river, receiving the waters from several 
 lochs, was liable to overflow its banks in the rainy season. 
 
 112. Brigg of Turk. An old stone bridge over the Turk, a 
 small stream flowing through Glenfinlas valley. 
 
 115. Scourge and steel. Whip and spur. 
 
 120. St. Hubert's breed. The abbots of St. Hubert have 
 always kept sjme hounds of this race in honor of their patron 
 saint who was a hunter. 
 
 127. Quarry. The hunted animal. 
 
 131. Mountain. Benvenue. 
 
 133. Turn to bay. When the stag is no longer able to es- 
 cape from his pursuers, he turns to face and fight them. 
 
 137. For the Death-wound, etc. When the stag turned to 
 bay, the ancient hunter had the perilous task of going in upon 
 and killing or disabling the desperate animal. At certain 
 times of the year this was held particularly dangerous, a 
 wound received from a stag's horn being then deemed poison- 
 ous and more dangerous than one from the tusks of a boar — 
 Scott. Death-halloo. The shout when the huntsman had giver 
 the death stroke to the stag. 
 
 138. Whinyard. A sword or knife. 
 
 145. Trosachs. A name meaning "bristled valley" and now 
 applied to the region between Lochs Katrine and Achray. 
 
 150. Amain. With main, or full force. 
 
 151. Yelled. Echoed back the barks of the dogs. 
 
 166. Worth. From the old verb worthen, meaning "be to" 
 or "to become. " 
 
 174. Dingle. A small valley. 
 
 194. Insulated. Standing apart. 
 
 196. Tower. Tower of Babel (Genesis XI. 1-9). 
 
 202. Pagod. The tower-like temples of the Chinese are called 
 pagodas. 
 
 203. Mosque. A Mohammedan temple. 
 212. Boon. Bountiful. 
 
 258. Broom. A bushy shrub found in Western Europe. 
 
 263. Loch Katrine. The scene of the poem is one of the 
 most beautiful of the Scottish lakes, situated in Perthshire. 
 It is about eight miles long and two miles wide, serpentine in 
 shape, and surrounded by high mountains and deep ravines. A 
 small steamer plies on the lake. Near its outlet is situated 
 Ellen's Isle, in the wild region of the Trosachs. It is supposed 
 to have derived its name from "Catterins, or Ketterins, a wild 
 
CANTO FIRST 185 
 
 band of robbers who prowled about its shores, to the terror of 
 all wayfarers. " 
 
 267. Livelier. Because in motion. 
 
 274. Wildering. Bewildering. 
 
 293. Matins. The early morning- prayers in the Catholic 
 churches. 
 
 297. Drop a bead. Say a prayer. Devout Catholics use a 
 rosary or string of beads by which count is kept of prayers 
 recited. 
 
 302. Beshrew. May evil befall ; a mild imprecation often used 
 playfully and even tenderly. 
 
 317. Fall the worst. If the worst befall that can happen. 
 
 342. Naiad. A mythological nymph or goddess who presided 
 over the fountains, s reams and lakes. 
 
 344. Graces. Three lovely sisters who were the attendants 
 of Venus and Apollo. 
 
 353. Measured mood. Formal manner required by court eti- 
 quette. 
 
 360. Dear. By some it is thought that Scott wrote clear. 
 
 363. Snood. A fillet or head-band worn by Scottish young 
 unmarried women, and is emblematic of their maiden character. 
 Plaid (played). A longpieceof checkered woolen cloth called 
 "tartan" which was worn by Highlanders of both sexes. 
 It was wrapped around the body, fastened with a belt, and 
 extended to the knee. Each clan was distinguished by its own 
 peculiar plaid. 
 
 404. Prune, To trim or arrange feathers with the bill. 
 
 409. Middle age. As James died at the age of thirty (1542), 
 this is not strictly true. He was fond of going about dis- 
 guised. (See Scott's "Tales of a Grandfather.") 
 
 410. Signet sage. Seal or mark of wisdom. 
 
 425. Slighting. "Treating lightly his need of food and 
 shelter." 
 
 438. Couch. The Highlanders' rude couches were piles of 
 heather. 
 
 440. Ptarmigan. White grouse. Heath-cock. Black grouse. 
 
 441. Mere. Lake. 
 
 443. By the rood. Cross or crucifix. 
 
 462. Birchen. Shaded by birches. 
 
 ^64. Lincoln green. A kind of cloth made in Lincoln and 
 worn by lowland hunters. 
 
 478. Emprise. Enterprise. 
 
 492. Rocky isle. Ellen's Isle, situated at the foot of beauti- 
 ful Loch Katrine, is a small island containing two or three 
 acres of land rising abruptly from the water to a height of 
 from twenty-five to fifty feet. It is covered with a thick 
 undergrowth of shrubbery intermingled with a few birches 
 and pines. 
 
186 NOTES 
 
 500. Winded. Wound. 
 
 504. For retreat in dangerous hour. The Celtic chieftains, 
 whose lives were in constant jeopardy, usually had some place 
 of retreat in a secluded part of their domains, where they 
 might go in times of peril. 
 
 525. Idaean vine. The red whortleberry. 
 
 528. And every hardy plant could bear. Plant which could 
 bear. A form of speech common to the age. 
 
 546. Target. A small shield. 
 
 548. Store. Stored, laid up; an obsolete adjective. See Can- 
 to III, 3, also Canto VI, 124. 
 
 558. Tapestry. Hangings used in decorating the walls of a 
 room. 
 
 566. Brook. Endure. 
 
 573. Ferragus or Ascabart. Two giants of romantic fable. 
 
 580. Though more than kindred knew. Ellen's mother was 
 dead, and Lady Margaret, the mother of Roderick Dhu and 
 aunt of Ellen, had cared for the orphan girl and was dearly 
 loved by her, 
 
 587. Fellest. Bitterest. 
 
 591. Snowdoun. An old name for Stirling Castle. James Fitz- 
 James. A name assumed by James V. 
 
 592. Barren heritage. By the losses of the earlier James, 
 and because of the internal feuds among the Highland chiefs, 
 the kingly power was little more than a name. 
 
 596. Wot. Knows. 
 
 598. Lord Moray. The half-brother of James V. 
 
 602. Require. Request. 
 
 672. Not Ellen's spell. Not even Ellen's spell. 
 
 704. Grisly. Grim, horrible. 
 
 CANTO SECOND 
 
 21. Hawk. Catching birds with hawks was a pastime of the 
 Middle Ages. 
 
 80. Fair. Fair lady Would scorn. Who would scorn. These 
 ellipses are found frequently in this poem. 
 
 81. Prize. A lady usually bestowed the prizes in a tourna- 
 ment. 
 
 84. Turned him. In this age personal pronouns were often 
 used reflexively 
 
 94. Parts. Departs. Often in poetry and earlier English. 
 
 109. The Graeme. The ancient and powerful family of 
 Graham (which, for metrical reasons, is here spelled after 
 the Scottish pronunciation) held extensive possessions in the 
 counties of Dumbarton and Stirling. Few families can boast 
 of more historical renown. — Scott. 
 
CANTO SECOND 187 
 
 114. Waked his harp. The music of the minstrel was impro- 
 vised or composed as the inspiration came to him. 
 
 131. Saint Modan. A Scotch abbot of the seventh century. 
 Scott says, "I am not prepared to show that Saint Modan was 
 a performer on the harp. It was, however, no unsaintly ac- 
 complishment ; for Saint Dunstan certainly did play upon that 
 instrument, which retaining, as was natural, a portion of the 
 sanctity attached to its master's character, announced future 
 events by its spontaneous sound." The R. Father Hierome 
 Porter, in 1632, wrote of the accusation against Dunstan of 
 "art magick" inasmuch as his "violl, of its own accord, with- 
 out anie man's helpe," distinctly played as it was hanging 
 on the wall — a prophecy of evil. 
 
 141. Bothwell's bannered hall. The picturesque ruins of Both- 
 well Castle stand on the banks of the Clyde, about nine miles 
 above Glasgow. 
 
 142. Ere Douglases, to ruin driven. The Douglases were exiled 
 in the reign of James V. The Earl of Angus, here represented 
 as the nephew of James Douglas (Ellen's father), while acting 
 as regent, incurred the hatred of James V, and thus caused 
 the banishment of the entire clan, which was very powerful, 
 
 159. From Tweed to Spey. That is, from one end of the 
 land to the other, as the Tweed is the southern boundary of 
 Scotland and the Spey is a river far to the north, 
 
 200. Bleeding Heart. This was the cognizance of the Doug- 
 lases, who adopted it because to a chief of that clan had been 
 entrusted the heart of Robert Bruce when he fell in battle. 
 
 206. Strathspey. A Highland dance. 
 
 213. Clan-Alpine's pride. The Siol Alpine, or race of Alpine, 
 includes several clans who claimed descent from Kenneth Mc- 
 Alpine, an ancient king. These are the Macgregors, the 
 Grants, the Mackies, the Mackinnans, the MacNabs, the Mac- 
 Quarries and the Macaulays. Their common emblem was the 
 pine, which is now confined to the Macgregors.— Ta^/Zor. 
 
 216. A Lennox foray. A raid in the lands of the Lennox family, 
 bordering on the southern end of Loch Lomond. 
 
 221. Holy-Rood. Holyrood palace, Edinburgh. 
 
 229. The Douglas, etc. The exiled state of this powerful race 
 is not exaggerated in this and subsequent passages. The hatred 
 of James against the race of Douglas was so inveterate, that 
 numerous as their allies were, and disregarded as the regal 
 authority had been in similar cases, their nearest friends, even 
 in the most remote part of Scotland, durst not entertain them, 
 unless under the strictest and closest disguise, — Scott. 
 
 236. Dispensation. Permission from the Pope was necessary, 
 owing to the near relationship of Roderick and Ellen. 
 
 254. Shrouds. Shields; protects. 
 
188 ^ NOTEt 
 
 260. Maronnan. A saint whose chapel was in Kilmarnock. 
 270. Bracklinn's wave. A beautiful cascade in Menteith. 
 274. Claymore. Large sword. 
 
 306. Tine-man. Archibald Douglas was so unfortunate in all 
 his enterprises that he was called the "Tine-man" because he 
 "tined" or lost his men in every battle which he fought. 
 
 307. What time, etc. That is, at the time when Douglas 
 allied himself with Percy in the rebellion against Henry IV of 
 England. 
 
 319. Beltane. May day in the Highlands, when fires were 
 built on hill-tops at night in honor of the god Beal or Bel of 
 pagan times. 
 
 327. Canna, A sort of cotton grass. 
 
 335. Glengyle. A place at the north of Loch Katrine. 
 
 340. Bannered Pine. A banner with the device of a pme tree. 
 
 351. Chanter. The pipe which sounds the treble or tenor in 
 a bagpipe. 
 
 392. Burden. Chorus. 
 
 405. Bourgeon. To sprout. 
 
 408. Roderick Vich Alpine dhu. Besides the title expressive 
 of his patriarchal dignity as head of the clan, a chieftain had 
 usually another peculiar to himself, which distinguished him 
 from the chieftains of the same race. This was sometimes de- 
 rived from complexion, as dhu. The line therefore signifies, 
 "Black Roderick, the descendant of Alpine." 
 
 416. Menteith. Country bordering the Teith. Breadalbane, 
 country surrounding Loch Tay, north of Loch Lomond, 
 
 419-426. Places in the region of Loch Lomond south and 
 west of Loch Katrine. 
 
 431. Rosebud that graces. The allusion is to Ellen. 
 
 497. Percy's Norman pennon. A banner taken by the Doug- 
 lases at Otterburn. 
 
 504. Waned crescent. The crescent was the Buccleuch badge. 
 The Buccleuch family were defeated in their attempt to restore 
 the king. 
 
 506. Blantyre. A ruin on the Clyde opposite Bothwell Castle. 
 
 525. Unhooded. The heads of falcons were commonly cov- 
 ered wth a hood. When this was removed the bird flew away 
 to seek game. 
 
 527. Goddess of the wood. Diana. 
 
 548. Ben Lomond. A mountain east of Loch Lomond. 
 
 5h9. Not a sob. That is, without getting out of breath. 
 
 594. News. Used at that time as both singular and plural ; 
 now generally used as singular. 
 
 606. Glozing. Not plain and outspoken ; glosses over the truth. 
 
 613. Age shall give thee thy command. Malcolm was still 
 under age and a ward of the king. 
 
CANTO SECOND 189 
 
 615. The King's vindictive pride. In quelling the Border raid 
 King James had used very severe measures and had executed 
 a number of the leaders. 
 
 623-626. Meggat, Yarrow, Ettrick, Teviot. Branches of the 
 Tweed. 
 
 633. What grace for Highland Chiefs, etc. That is, what mercy 
 could Highland Chiefs expect considering the harsh treatment 
 accorded the Border Chiefs by the King? 
 
 635. Glenfinlas. A valley east of Ben-an. 
 
 638. Straight. Strait. 
 
 674. Know. The old plural of enough. 
 
 678. Links of Forth. Windings of the Forth River below 
 Stirling. 
 
 685. Heat. Anger. 
 
 702. Battled. Battlemented. 
 
 710. Crossing. Conflicting. 
 
 733. Brand. Sword. 
 
 747. Nighted. Benighted, overtaken by night. 
 
 757. Checkered shroud. Tartan plaid. 
 
 773. Minion. The favorite of a prince, on whom he lavishes 
 his favors. Used derogatorily. 
 
 774. So lately. At the ** Beltane game." See 319. 
 790. Broil. Contention, quarrel. 
 
 301. Pity 't were, etc. Hardihood was in every respect so es- 
 sential to the character of a Highlander that the reproach of 
 effeminacy was the most bitter that could be thrown upon him. 
 -Scott. 
 
 805. Lackey. A verb, meaning to pay servile attendance. 
 
 809. Henchman. Literally, haunchman, a servant who closely 
 attends his master. At drinking bouts he stands behind his 
 master's seat, at his haunch, from whence his title is derived, 
 and watches the conversation to see if any one offends his pa- 
 tron. — Scott. 
 
 825. We too shall find an hour. A time to settle the quarrel. 
 
 829. On the morn. Modifies "should circle, " not "had sworn. " 
 
 831. The Fiery Cross. See Canto III, 18. 
 
 848. Vassal band. Those who would naturally be followers 
 of Malcolm; his dependents. 
 
 867. Cormorant. A genus of web-footed sea birds, sometimes 
 called sea raven. 
 
 CANTO THIRD 
 
 3. Marvelling. Wondering. 
 
 5. That be. In old English there was the form "be" as 
 present tense as well as "am." 
 
 13. Heath. A cheerless tract of country overgrown with 
 shrubs or coarse herbage. 
 
190 NOTES 
 
 15- What time. When. Keenly wound. Sharply blown. 
 
 18. The Fiery Cross. When a chieftain designed to summon 
 his clan, upon any sudden or important emergency, he slew a 
 goat, and making a cross of any light wood, seared its extremi- 
 ties in the fire, and extinguished them in the blood of the ani- 
 mal. This was called the Fiery Cross, also Crean Tarigh, or 
 the Cross oj Shame, because disobedience to what the symbol 
 implied inferred infamy It was delivered to a swift and 
 trusty messenger, who ran full speed with it to the next ham- 
 let, where he presented it to the principal person, with a single 
 word, implying the place of rendezvous. He who received the 
 symbol was bound to send it forward, with equal despatch, to 
 the next village; and thus it passed with incredible celerity 
 through all the district which owed allegiance to the chief, 
 and also among his allies and neighbors, if the danger was 
 common to them. At sight of the Fiery Cross, every man, 
 from sixteen years old to sixty, capable of bearing arms, was 
 obliged instantly to repair, in his best arms and accoutrements, 
 to the place of rendezvous. He who failed to appear suffered 
 the extremities of fire and sword, which were emblematically 
 denounced to the disobedient by the bloody and burnt marks 
 upon this warlike signal During the civil war of 1745-6, the 
 Fiery Cross often made its circuit; and upon one occasion it 
 passed through the whole district of Breadalbane, a tract of 
 thirty-two miles, in three hours. — Scott. 
 
 28. Fancy's eye. The eye of the imagination. 
 
 30. Chalice. Cup. 
 
 31. Lawn„ An open space between woods. 
 
 38. Good morrow. Good morning Brake. A place overgrown 
 with shrubs and brambles; a thicket. 
 
 39. Cushat. The ringdove or wood pigeon. 
 
 48 Ritual. The rite or ceremony of consecrating the Fiery 
 Cross 
 
 62. Juniper. A sort of pine. Rowan. The mountain ash. 
 
 63. Shivers. Splinters. 
 
 74. Benharrow. A mountain near the head of Loch Lomond. 
 
 76. Druid. One of an order of priests which in ancient times 
 existed among the Gauls and Britons. They superintended 
 moral and religious affairs and practiced divination and magic. 
 They sacrificed human victims as a part of their worship. 
 Their most sacred rites were performed in the depths of oak 
 forests or of caves. Brian was more like a Druid priest than 
 like a Christian. 
 
 85. Bound. Boundary limit. 
 
 87. Strath. A river valley. 
 
 102. Bucklered heart. Protected by a buckler or shield. 
 
 104. Fieldfare. The common English thrush. 
 
CANTO THIRD 191 
 
 123. Compeers. Equals; companions; associates. 
 
 130. Hap. Fortune; fate. 
 
 133. Meteor fire. Light from shooting stars. 
 
 138. Sable-lettered. Black-lettered. The early English books 
 were printed in old English or modern Gothic type which is 
 heavier than ordinary type. 
 
 142. Cabala. A mysterious science among Jewish rabbis 
 whereby future events are said to be foretold. 
 
 150. Specter's child. Ghost's child. 
 
 154. River Demon. The River Horse, the form commonly 
 assumed is the Kelpy of the Lowlands, an evil and malicious 
 spirit delighting to forebode and to witness calamity. 
 
 168. Ben-Shie. Most Highland families had a tutelar, or 
 domestic spirit, attached to them, who took an interest in their 
 prosperity and intimated by its wailings any approaching dis- 
 aster. 
 
 169. Sounds. A presage of the kind alluded to in the text 
 is still believed to announce death to the ancient Highland fam- 
 ily of Mac Lean of Loch Buy. The spirit of an ancestor slain 
 in battle is heard to gallop along a stony bank, and then to 
 ride thrice around the family residence, ringing his fairy bridle 
 and thus intimating the approaching calamity. 
 
 171. Shingly. Gravelly ; pebbly. 
 
 177. Ban. Curse. 
 
 189. Cubit. About 18 or 20 inches, or the distance from the 
 elbow to the end of the middle finger. 
 
 191. Inch-Cailliach. The Isle of Nuns, or of Old Women, is 
 a most beautiful island at the lower extremity of Loch 
 Lomond. The church belonging to the former nunnery was 
 long used as the place of worship for the parish of Buchanan, 
 but scarce any vestiges of it now remain. The burial ground 
 continues to be used and contains the family places of sepulture 
 of several neighboring clans. The monuments of the lairds of 
 MacGregor, and of other families claiming a descent from the 
 old Scottish King Alpine are most remarkable. 
 
 200. Sepulchral yew. The yew tree is often planted in grave- 
 yards, on account of the color of its foliage. 
 
 203. Dwelling low. The Grave. 
 
 212. Strook. Struck. 
 
 219. Ben-an. A mountain near Loch Katrine. 
 
 226. Scathed. Burned or charred. 
 
 229. Blasphemy. Any indignity offered to God in words, 
 writing or signs; also claiming the attributes of Deity. 
 
 243. Goshawk. Goose-hawk because used in hunting geese. 
 
 253. Coir-Uriskin. The wild men's den, located in the moun- 
 tain of Benvenue. Urisk corresponds to Satyr in the Greek. 
 
 255. Beala-nam-bo. "The pass of the cattle," a most mag:- 
 
192 NOTES 
 
 nificent glade overhung with aged birch trees, a little higher 
 up the mountain than the Coir-nam-Uriskin. 
 
 286. Lanrick mead. Near Loch Vennacher. 
 
 300. Dun deer's hide. The ancient buskin was made of un- 
 dressed hide, with the hair outwards, — a circumstance which pro- 
 cured the Highlanders the well-known epithet of "Redshanks." 
 
 309. Questing. Seeking its game. 
 
 310. Scaur. A bare and broken place on a mountain side, as 
 scar. For example, Scarborough, the name of an English town. 
 
 332. Cheer. In the original sense of countenance or look. 
 
 341. Achray. Loch Achray, a small lake between Loch 
 Katrine and Loch Vennachar. 
 
 344. Bosky. Bushy; woody. 
 
 349. Duncraggan. Near the Brigg of Turk. 
 
 357. The female wail. At the death of their friends, the 
 women could be heard wailing and beating their hands together. 
 
 369. Coronach. The Coronach of the Highlanders was a wild 
 expression of lamentation, poured forth by the mourners over 
 the body of a departed friend. When the words of it were 
 articulate, they expressed the praises of the deceased, and the 
 loss the clan would sustain by his death. — Scott. 
 
 384. In flushing. In full bloom. 
 
 386. Correi. A hollow in the side of a hill where game may lie, 
 
 387. Cumber. Trouble; distress. 
 
 394. Stumah. The faithful hound belonging to Duncan. 
 
 445. Targe. A shield or buckler. 
 
 453. Strath-Ire. The first stage of the fiery cross is to Dun- 
 craggan, a place near the Brigg of Turk, where a short stream 
 divides Achray from Loch Vennacher. [From] thence it passes 
 towards Callander, and then, turning to the left up the pass of 
 Leny, is consigned to Norman at the chapel of St. Bride, which 
 stood on a small and romantic knoll in the middle of the val- 
 ley, called Strath-Ire. Tombea and Arnandave, or Ardman- 
 dave, are names of places in the vicinity. The alarm is then 
 supposed to pass along the lake of Lubnaig and through the 
 various glens in the district of Balquidder includmg the neigh- 
 boring tracts of Glenfinlas and Strath-Gartney. —5co«. 
 
 461. Chapel of Saint Bride. The site of this chapel is still to 
 be seen a short way below Loch Lubnaig. 
 
 480. Her troth Tombea' s Mary gave. Troth-giving here means 
 marriage. Tombea is a farm at the head of the Pass of Leny. 
 
 485. Coif. A close fitting hood worn by married women. 
 See Canto I, 363. 
 
 518. Her chieftain's trust. The chieftain committed to the 
 clan the trust of preserving its honor. 
 
 546. Bracken. Clumps of fern. 
 
 570. Balquidder. The braes of Balquidder are well known 
 
CANTO THIRD 193 
 
 from the song: "Will ye go, lassie, go, to the braes o' Bal- 
 quidder?" — Tannahill. The braes at the head of Strath-Ire. 
 They contain Lochs Voil and Doine and the river Tieth which, 
 above the lakes, is called Balvaig. Rob Roy is buried at 
 Balquidder. Midnight-blaze. The heath on the moorlands is 
 often set fire to, that the sheep may graze on the young herb- 
 age. This custom produces the most beautiful nocturnal ap- 
 pearances similar almost to the discharge of a volcano. This 
 simile is not new to poetry. The charge of a warrior, in the 
 fine ballad of Hardyknute, is said to be "like fire to heather 
 set." — Scott. 
 
 577. Coil. A noise; tumult, bustla 
 
 578-582. See 453. 
 
 582. Strath-Gartney. On the northern side of Loch Katrine 
 extending from Glengyle to the Trosachs. The Fiery Cross 
 has now completed the circuit of Clan Alpine's lands, a distance 
 of nearly fifty miles. 
 
 583. Each man might claim. Each man who belonged to the 
 Clan Alpine. 
 
 607. Redneck. A castle a mile east of Loch Menteith. 
 
 608. Cardross. A castle now called Cardross House, situated 
 on the Forth, three or four miles from Rednock. 
 
 609. Duchray's. Another castle the home of the Graemes, a 
 few miles southwest of Aberfoyle and between the lochs of 
 Menteith and Aid. This district was the scene of many of the 
 exploits of Rob Roy. 
 
 610. Loch Con. A small loch, the source of the River Forth, 
 two miles south of Loch Katrine surrounded by romantic 
 scenes. 
 
 633. Incumbent. Here means hanging over. 
 
 641. Still. Stillness. 
 
 655. Fays. Fairies; elves. 
 
 672. A single page. A Highland chief, being as absolute in 
 his authority as any prince, had a corresponding number of 
 officers attached to his person. L The Henchman. 2. The 
 Bard. 3. Bladier or Spokesman. 4. Gillie-more or Sword- 
 bearer. 5. Gillie-casflue, who carried the chief, if on foot, 
 over the fords. 6. Gillie constraine, who leads the chief's 
 horse. 7. Gillie-Trushanarinsh, the Baggage-man. 8. The 
 Piper. 9. The Piper's Gillie, or attendant who carries the 
 bag-pipe. — Scott. 
 
 713. Ave Maria. Hail, Mary! The Roman Catholic Invoca- 
 tion to the Virgin. See Luke I, 26-28. 
 
194 NOTES 
 
 CANTO FOURTH 
 
 18-65. Note carefully the dialogue between Norman and 
 Malise. The quotation marks will serve as gruides. 
 
 19. Braes of Doune. Doune castle on the north bank of the 
 Teith, near its junction with the Forth. The Earls of Moray- 
 are Barons of Doune. 
 
 36. Boune. Prepared. 
 
 42. Bide. Endure. 
 
 63. Taghairm. The Highlanders, like all rude people, had 
 various modes of inquiring into futurity. One of the most 
 noted was the Taghairm mentioned in the text. A person was 
 wrapped up in the skin of a newly-slain bullock, and deposited 
 beside a waterfall, or at the bottom of a precipice, or in some 
 other wild and unusual situation, where the scenery around 
 suggested nothing but objects of horror. In this situation he 
 revolved in his mind the question proposed, and whatever was 
 impressed upon him by his exalted imagination passed for the 
 inspiration of the disembodied spirits who haunt these desolate 
 recesses, — Scott. 
 
 68. Merrymen. Pronounced as two syllables, 
 
 73. Kerns. Light armed foot-soldiers in the ancient militia 
 of Ireland and Scotland. 
 
 74. Beal 'maha. East of Lomond. 
 
 77. Dennan's Row. Rowardennan, the point from which men 
 started in ascending Ben Lomond. 
 
 78. Scathless. Without injury. 
 82. Boss. Knob, 
 
 84. Hero's Targe. There is a rock so named in the forest of 
 Glenfinlas by which a tumultuary cataract takes its course. 
 —Scott. 
 
 98. Broke. Everything belonging to the chase was matter 
 of solemnity among our ancestors ; but nothing was more so 
 than the mode of cutting up, or as it was technically called, 
 breaking the slaughtered stag. The forester had his allotted 
 portion; the hounds had a certain allowance; and, to make the 
 division as general as possible, the very birds had their share 
 also. — Scott. 
 
 132. Which spills. Though this be in the text described as a 
 response of the Taghairm, or Oracle of the Hide, it was of it- 
 self an augury frequently attended to. The fate of the battle 
 was often anticipated in the imagination of the combatants, 
 by observing which party first shed blood. It is said that the 
 Highlanders under Montrose were so deeply imbued with this 
 notion, that, on the morning of the battle of Tippermoor, they 
 murdered a defenceless herdsman, whom they found in the 
 
CANTO FOURTH 195 
 
 fields, merely to secure an advantage of so much consequence 
 to their party. — Scott. 
 
 140. A spy. Fitz-James. 
 
 150. Glaive. Sword, derived from the Latin gladius. 
 
 152-153. Moray, Mar. The Earl of Moray and the Earl of 
 Mar were commanders of the forces of King James. The ' * star" 
 and (he "pale" mean their cognizances (orcrests). *'Pale"isa 
 term used in heraldry, and means a band drawn perpendicularly 
 through the center of the shield. The pale of the Earl of Mar 
 was black. 
 
 160. Earn. The district about Loch Earn and the river of 
 the same name flowing from the lake. 
 
 164. Trosachs' shaggy glen. As Trosachs means "bristling," 
 this expression may be called tautology. 
 
 174. Stance. Place or station. 
 
 198. The red streamers of the North. This refers to the Au- 
 rora Boreal is, or Northern Lights. These electrical discharges 
 are most beautiful in the North, lighting up the darkness of 
 the long winter. 
 
 217. Rife. Prevalent. 
 
 223. Trowed. Believed. Aught. At all ; to any extent. 
 
 231. Cambus-kenneth. The field of Kenneth (a king) ; about 
 a mile northeast of Stirling is situated the abbey of this name: 
 sometimes it is called the Monastery of Stirling. It was nearly 
 destroyed by the "Reformers" in 1559. All that remain of it 
 now are a few walls and a ruined tower. 
 
 250. Sooth. True. 
 
 261. Merry it is, etc. An imitation of the old Danish ballad, 
 with its free measure, alliterations and suggestively broken 
 effects. 
 
 262. Mavis, and merle. Thrush and blackbird. 
 
 267. Wold. Wood originally, but it now means an open, 
 grazing country as "Cotswold Hills." 
 
 277. Vest. From Latin vestis, a garment. Pall. From Latin 
 palla, a mantle originally, then the rich cloth from which 
 mantles were made, and this is the meaning here. 
 
 283. Darkling. In the dark. See King Lear, L 4. 237: 
 "So out went the candle and we were left darkling, " etc. 
 See also 71L 
 
 285. Vair. From the Latin varius, spotted. A kind of fur 
 much worn at the time of these events. It is now thought 
 that this fur was the skin of the gray squirrel. 
 
 298. Woned. Lived or dwelt. Chaucer used this word 
 frequently. 
 
 306. Fatal green. As the Daoine Shi\ or Men of Peace, wore 
 green habits, they were supposed to take offence when any 
 mortals ventured to assume their favorite color. Indeed, for 
 
196 NOTES 
 
 8ome reason, which has been, perhaps, originally a general 
 superstition, green is held in Scotland to be unlucky to par- 
 ticular tribes and counties. The Caithness men, who hold this 
 belief, allege as a reason that their bands wore that color 
 when they were cut off at the battle of Flodden. . . Green is 
 also disliked by those of the name of Ogilvy, but more espe- 
 cially is it held fatal to the whole clan of Grahame. — Scott. 
 
 308. Christened man. The elves were supposed greatly to envy 
 the privileges acquired by Christian initiation, and they gave 
 to those mortals who had fallen into their power a certain 
 precedence, founded upon this advantageous distinction. — Scott. 
 
 330. Kindly. (Pronounced with short i) Kindred. In Hamlet, 
 I, 2: "A little more than kin and less than kind." 
 
 336. Conjure. To summon or command a demon, a spirit, 
 etc. , by invocation or a spell. 
 
 357. But wist I, etc. But if I knew, etc. 
 
 371. Dunfermline. This word means The Fortified Hill of 
 the Crooked Stream. The most magnificent abbey in Scotland 
 was once situated here. It was destroyed by the English in 
 1303. It was rebuilt, though not with its former grandeur, 
 and the ruins of the later abbey are among the finest in Great 
 Britain. 
 
 387. Bourne. Streamlet. [Sc. burn, a. brook; Ger. brennen, 
 a spring. ] 
 
 392. Scathe. Harm; danger. 
 
 411 Bochastle. A haugh or plain between the stream that 
 flows out of Loch Vennacher and the Tieth. 
 
 413. Bower. A lady's apartment in a castle. 
 
 417. Before. That is, at his visit to the Isle. 
 
 424. Forth it shall. To what does "it" refer ? (Her story ) 
 
 437. Train. Lure. 
 
 446. As. As though. 
 
 473. Reck of. Think of ; care for. 
 
 500. They fared. They went. [A. S. faran; Ger. fahren, 
 to go.] 
 
 506. Weeds. Clothing, as "widow's weeds." 
 
 510. Seemed nought to mark. To see without intelligence. 
 
 519. As loud she laughed. Her shrieking turned to laughter, 
 and she laughed as loud as she had shrieked. 
 
 531. Allan. A stream in Perthshire entering the Forth about 
 two miles from Sterling. It is picturesquely beautiful. 
 
 532. Devan. A tributary of the Forth, celebrated in Scottish 
 poetry. The Rumbling Bridge spans the roaring cascades of 
 the Devan and the word "heard" refers to them. See Burns 
 and other Scottish poets. 
 
 552. Bridegroom. Place the accent on the second syllable to 
 preserve the metre. 
 
CANTO FOURTH 197 
 
 559. Bar. Hurling a heavy bar was one of the feats of 
 strength practiced in those days. See Canto V, 646-648. 
 
 567. Batten. Fatten. See Hamlet III, 4. 
 
 574. Been. Pronounced with the ee long as "bean," which is 
 the pronunciation in England. Also to rhyme with "green." 
 
 590. The toils are pitched. By this song. King James was 
 warned of his danger. The meaning is, that the hunters are 
 Clan-Alpine's men; the stag of ten is Fitz-James; the wounded 
 doe is herself. 
 
 594. A stag of ten. Having ten branches on his antlers. — Scott. 
 
 617. Thrilled. Quivered. 
 
 618-636. Here Scott is at his best when describing rapid 
 action. He was at heart a soldier and excels in spirited de- 
 scription as may often be noted in his writings. 
 
 624. Kindred ambush. Kmdred in ambush. See line 627. 
 
 626. Them couldst thou reach. If thou couldst reach them, 
 thou wouldst be safe. 
 
 642. Daggled. Wet; soaked. 
 
 665-674. The action of the next canto is here foreshadowed. 
 
 672. Wreak. Avenge. 
 
 676. Fast poured his eyes. Fast flowed his tears. 
 
 720. Couch me here. Make my bed here. 
 
 721. Threads the brake. Winds his way cautiously through the 
 brake. 
 
 722. Summer solstice. June 21st, when summer begins. The 
 meaning here is that even the heat of summer could not tem- 
 per the cold of these mountain crags. Solstice, from Latin 
 sol and sto. 
 
 724. Wold. The forest ; the weald [A. S. weald ; L. G. wold, 
 woold ; Ger. wald ; E. weald and wood. \ 
 
 743. Beast of game. The deer is given a fair start, but the 
 fox is shown no pity. 
 
 746. Slip. Let slip from the leash. 
 
 747. Recked. Cared. 
 
 751. Come. Means "let Roderick Dhu come and let me rest 
 and I will write the falsehood on their crest." 
 
 762. Hardened flesh of mountain deer. The Scottish High- 
 landers, in former times, had a concise mode of cooking their 
 venison, or rather of dispensing with cooking it . . . [by] 
 compressing it between two batons of wood, so as to force out 
 the blood and render it extremely hard. This they reckoned a 
 great delicacy.— Scoft. 
 
 772. A mighty augury. That of the Taghairm. 
 
 784. Myself will guide thee. Meaning I myself. 
 
 787. Coilantogle's ford. A ford across the Tieth just below 
 Loch Vennacher. There is now a footbridge at this place. 
 
 794. Wreath. Here means a heap of heather. 
 
198 NOTES 
 
 CANTO FIFTH 
 
 10. Sheen. Bright; shining. 
 18. Gael. Highlander. Saxon. Lowlander. 
 49. Copse. A thicket or grove of small trees. 
 58. Pass's jaws. Narrow opening of the pass. 
 62. Pass. Permission to go and come. 
 85. Lure. Enticement. 
 
 93. Muster. Gathering of troops or followers. 
 108 Regent. John Stewart, Duke of Albany, a relative of 
 the young King's. 
 
 125. Truncheon. A staff symbolizing authority. 
 
 126. Mewed. Imprisoned or confined as in a cage. 
 
 127. Stranger to respect and power. There is scarcely a more 
 disorderly period in Scottish history than that which succeeded 
 the battle of Flodden and occupied the minority of James V. 
 
 144. Stranger. Lowlander. 
 
 153. Target. See Canto I, 546. Claymore. A large two- 
 edged sword of the ancient Highlanders of Scotland. 
 
 156. Pent. Imprisoned. 
 
 163. Maze. Intricate windings. 
 
 169. Seek other cause. So far, indeed, was a Creagh, or 
 foray, from being held disgraceful, that a young chief was 
 always expected to show his talents for command, so soon as 
 he assumed it, by leading his clan on a successful enterprise 
 of this nature, either against a neighboring sept, for which 
 constant feuds furnished an apology, or against the Saxons. 
 or Lowlanders, for which no apology was necessary The 
 Gael, great traditional historians, never forgot that the Low- 
 lands had, at some remote period, been the property of their 
 Celtic forefathers, which furnished an ample vindication of all 
 the ravages that they could make on the unfortunate districts 
 which lay within their reach. — Scott. Scott means "historians 
 great in tradition" by "great traditional historians." 
 
 173. Ambuscade. The necessity of lying in am.bush. 
 
 196-227. This is an extremely dramatic passage, suspense 
 and surprise contributing chiefly to its force. 
 
 234-239. One of the most famous passages in the poem, and 
 probably the one most frequently quoted. 
 
 252. Glinted. Was flashed back. 
 
 253. Jack. A coat of cheap armor worn by foot soldiers. 
 268. Lay, Depended upon. 
 
 270. Only Meant. Meant only. 
 
 273. Without a pass from Roderick Dhu. This incident, like 
 some other passages in the poem, illustrative of the character 
 of the ancient Gael, is not imaginary, but borrowed from fact. 
 
CANTO FIFTH 199 
 
 The Highlanders, with the inconsistency of most nations in 
 the same state, were alternately capable of great exertions of 
 generosity, and of cruel revenge and perfidy, — Scott. 
 
 277. Wont. Accustomed. Tempered. Quiet. 
 
 298. Three mighty lakes. Katrine, Achray and Vennachar. 
 The torrent which discharges itself from Loch Vennachar, the 
 lowest and easternmost of the three lakes which form the 
 scenery adjoining the Trosachs, sweeps through a flat and ex- 
 tensive moor called Bochastle. Upon a small eminence called 
 the Dun of Bochastle, and, indeed on the plain itself, are some 
 intrenchments which have been called Roman.— Scott. 
 
 305. See 380. 
 
 324. Meed. Reward well deserved. 
 
 356. Carpet knight. One who stays at home from battle to 
 spend his time with those at home, or on the carpets of palaces. 
 
 364. Ruth. Pity. 
 
 380. Targe he threw. A round target of light wood covered 
 with strong leather and studded with brass or iron was a 
 necessary part of a Highlander's equipment. In charging 
 regular troops, they received the thrust of the bayonet in this 
 buckler, twisted it aside, and used the broadsword against the 
 encumbered soldier. A person thus armed had a considerable 
 advantage in private fray. — Scott. 
 
 383. Trained abroad. Trained in France as many were; the 
 French were long called the best fencers in Europe. 
 
 401. Lea. Field or pasture land. "The lowing herd winds 
 slowly o'er the lea. " — Gray's Elegy. 
 
 441. The braid. Blanche of Devan's hair intertwined with 
 her husband's hair. See Canto IV, 683. 
 
 452. Squires. Male attendants. 
 
 462. A fairer freight. Ellen. 
 
 504. Gray Stirling. "The glory of Scotland— who does not 
 know its noble rock, rising the monarch of the landscape, its 
 majestic and picturesque towers, its amphitheater of moun- 
 tain and the windings of its marvellous river: and who that 
 has once seen the sun descending here, in all the blaze of its 
 beauty beyond the purple hills of the west, can ever forget 
 the plain of Stirling, the endless charm of this wonderful 
 scene, the wealth, the splendor, the variety, the majesty of 
 all which here lies between earth and heaven?"— Macci^^Zocfe 
 quoted in Fullerton's Gazetteer of Scotland. 
 
 544. Bride of Haaven. A nun. 
 
 550 Douglas. The fate of William, eighth Earl of Douglas, 
 whom James II stabbed in Stirling Castle with his own hand, 
 and while under his royal safe-conduct, is familiar to readers 
 of Scottish history. — Scott. 
 
 551. Mound. A hillock on the northeast of Stirling Castle 
 where state criminals were executed. — Scott. 
 
200 NOTES 
 
 558. Franciscan steeple. Gray friars' church. 
 
 562. Morrice dancers. The morrice dance was of Moorish 
 origin and the participants rang small bells and shook rattles 
 to the accompaniment of their swift, irregular evolutions. 
 
 564. Burgher. A freeman of a burgh or borough. Sports. 
 Every burgh of Scotland of the least note, more especially the 
 considerable towns, had their solemn play or festival when 
 feats of archery were exhibited, and prizes distributed to those 
 who excelled in wrestling, hurling the bar and other exercises 
 of the period. Stirling was not likely to be deficient in pomp 
 upon such occasions, being a royal residence, and James V 
 being partial to athletic sports. His participation in these 
 amusements was one cause of his acquiring the title of King 
 of the Commons. 
 
 571. Play my prize. The same expression occurs in Shakes- 
 peare's "Timon of Athens" 1. 1. 399: "You have played your 
 prize." 
 
 572. Stark. Strong. 
 
 584. Jennet. A small Spanish horse. 
 597. Brooked. Endured. 
 611. Morricers. See 562. 
 
 613. Butts. Casks of liquor, or here, possibly, targets. 
 
 614. Robin Hood. The exhibition of this renowned outlaw 
 and his band was a favorite frolic at such festivities as these 
 here described. This sporting, in which kings did not disdain 
 to be actors, was prohibited in Scotland upon the Reformation. 
 
 615. Quarterstaff. A stout pole about six feet long. 
 630. Wight. Fellow. 
 
 641. Ring. The usual prize of a wrestling was a ram and a 
 ring, but the animal would have embarrassed my story. — Scott. 
 
 648. The massive bar. Compare Canto IV, 559. 
 
 653. Rood. A variable measure of length; about six or 
 seven yards. 
 
 656. Douglas Cast. Distance he threw. 
 
 660. Ladies' Rock. The rock from which the ladies viewed 
 the sports. 
 
 729. Amain. With great violence. 
 
 740. Misproud. Wrongly proud. 
 
 747. Ward. Imprisonment. 
 
 791. Weep their sires. Weep for their sires. 
 
 794. Ward. Ward off, a verb. 
 
 856. Lost it. Forgot it. 
 
 882. Jar. War. 
 
 886. Pent. Imprisoned. 
 
 891-898. Foreshadows the action of the next Canto. 
 
CANTO SIXTH 201 
 
 CANTO SIXTH 
 
 3. Caitiff. Here, an unfortunate man. 
 
 9. Kind nurse. Sleep. See Henry IV, Second Part, III, L 
 
 32. Stern. Violent. This use of the word is obsolete. 
 
 42. Harness. Their armor. 
 
 47. Adventurers. The Scottish armies consisted chiefly of the 
 nobility and barons, with their vassals, who held lands under 
 them for military service by themselves and their tenants. 
 The patriarchal influence exercised by the heads of clans in 
 the Highland and Borders was of a different nature, and 
 som.etimes at variance with feudal principles. It flowed from 
 the Patria Potestas, exercised by the chieftain as representing 
 the original father of the whole name, and was often obeyed 
 in contradiction to the feudal superior. James V seems first 
 to have introduced, in addition to the militia furnished from 
 these sources, the service of a small number of mercenaries, 
 who formed a bodyguard, called the Foot- Band. —<Scoi^^. 
 
 60. Halberd. A broad blade with sharp edges ending in a 
 sharp point, mounted on a handle five to seven feet long. 
 
 63. Holytide. Holy time. This use of tide is now only found 
 in poetry. 
 
 75. Burden. Chorus. See Canto II, 392. 
 
 78. Trent. A river of eastern England, flowing through 
 Nottingham and Lincoln. 
 
 81. Host. Army. An ancient meaning of the word. 
 
 87. Troll. Sing merrily. 
 
 88. Buxom. Lively. 
 
 90. Poule. Paul; an old spelling found in Chaucer and other 
 writers. 
 
 92. Black-jack. A kind of pitcher made of leather. See 
 "Old Mortality," Ch. VIII: "The large black-jack filled with 
 very small beer." 
 
 128. Wax. Grow. 
 
 129. Glee-maiden. The jongleurs, or jugglers, as we learn 
 from the elaborate work of the late Mr. Strutt on the sports 
 and pastimes of the peopl.e of England, used to call in the aid 
 of various assistants, to render these performances as cap- 
 tivating as possible. The glee-maiden was a necessary attendant. 
 Her duty was tumbling and dancing; and therefore the Anglo- 
 Saxon version of Saint Mark's Gospel states Herodias to have 
 vaulted or tumbled before King Herod. In Scotland these 
 poor creatures seem, even at a late period, to have been bonds- 
 women to their masters. — Scott. 
 
 136. Purvey. Furnish. 
 
 152. Tartan screen. The plaid which she used for covering 
 her face. 
 
202 NOTES 
 
 170. Needwood. A Staffordshire forest. 
 
 178. Part. Act. 
 
 183. Tullibardine. About twenty miles from Stirling. This 
 was where the "proud Murrays" lived. Baron Murray of 
 Tullibardine was the earliest title of the Ducal house of Atholl. 
 Tullibardine Castle is in Perthshire. 
 
 199. Errant. Notorious; infamous. Damosel. Maiden. 
 
 222. Permit, etc. Allow me to show you the way. 
 
 227. Guerdon. Reward. 
 
 234. Barret-cap. A style of cap. (Latin, birrus — hood or 
 cape.) The name for a priest's cap is "birretta. " 
 
 242. Master's. Meaning Douglas, but John of Brent takes it 
 to refer to Roderick. 
 
 295. Leech. Doctor. This is the first meaning of the word 
 
 306. Prore. Prow or bow of the ship. 
 
 309. Astrand. On the strand, as "a-shore," "a-foot. " 
 
 319. Thy lady. Ellen is naturally first in his thoughts. 
 
 327. Some might. Some might have fled. 
 
 336. Pine. See Canto II, 399-438. 
 
 348. Strike it. There are several instances, at least in tradi 
 tion, of persons so much attached to particular tunes as to 
 require to hear them on their death-beds. ... It is popu- 
 larly told of a famous free-booter that he composed the tune 
 known by the name of Macpherson's Rant while under sen- 
 tence of death and played it at the gallows' tree. Some spirited 
 words have been adapted to it by Burns — Scott. 
 
 369. Beal' an Duine. A skirmish actually took place at a 
 pass thus called in the Trosachs, and closed with the remark- 
 able incident mentioned in the text. It was greatly posterior 
 in date to the reign of James V. — Scott. 
 
 377. Erne. Eagle. 
 
 404. Barded. Armored. In some editions, barbed. 
 
 405. Battalia. Army. 
 
 414. Vaward. In the van; vanward, or in advance. 
 
 426. Dive. A strongly expressive word. See also "madden- 
 ing." in line 438. 
 
 442. It. This word refers to "wood" in line 443. 
 
 452. Tinchel. A circle of sportsmen by surrounding a great 
 space, and gradually narrowing, brought immense quantities 
 of deer together, which usually made desperate efforts to 
 break through the Tinchel. — Scott. 
 
 455-480. Scott here admirably shows his own spirit, the spirit 
 of the warrior. 
 
 539. Bonnet-pieces. Gold pieces upon which the head of King 
 James wearing a bonnet (cap) was stamped. 
 
 545. Casque. Helmet. Corselet. Chest-armor. 
 
 553. Riven. Pierced. 
 
CANTO SIXTH 203 
 
 565. Duncraggan's widowed dame. See Canto ITT, 428-451. 
 576. Elemental rage. The storm, or the raging of the elements. 
 586. Both well's lord. Douglas. 
 
 610. Breadalbane. See Canto II, 416. 
 
 611. Requiem. A prayer for the dead. So called from 
 Requiem aeterna dona eis. (Give eternal rest to them. ) 
 
 631. She. Ellen. 
 
 638. Storied pane. Window panes upon which scenes were 
 painted which told stories of past deeds. "... storied win- 
 dows richly dight. " — II Penseroso, 159. 
 
 665. The imprisoned huntsman is Malcolm Graeme. 
 
 668. Thrall. Slavery. 
 
 677-678. Ring, sing. Infinitives modifying "wont." 
 
 691. It. Refers to "tear." See 442. 
 
 707. Prime. The first twelfth of the time between sunrise 
 and sunset. Early morning. 
 
 712. Stayed. Supported. 
 
 726. Presence. Presence-chamber. 
 
 740. Snowdoun's Knight. This discovery will probably re- 
 mind the reader of the beautiful Arabian tale of U Bondocani. 
 Yet the incident is not borrowed from that elegant story, but 
 from Scottish tradition. James V, of whom we are treating, 
 was a monarch whose good and benevolent intentions often 
 rendered his romantic freaks venial, if not respectable, since, 
 from his anxious attention to the interests of the lower and 
 most oppressed class of his subjects, he was, as we have seen, 
 popularly termed the King of the Commons. For the purpose 
 of seeing that justice was regularly administered, and fre- 
 quently for the less justifiable motive of gallantry, he used to 
 traverse the vicinage of his several palaces in various disguises. 
 The two excellent comic songs entitled "The Gaberlunzie 
 Man" and "We'll gae nae mair a roving" are said to have 
 been founded upon the success of his adventures when travel- 
 ing in the disguise of a beggar. The latter is perhaps the 
 best comic ballad in any language. — Scott. 
 
 741. As wreath of snow. This is called the most beautiful 
 simile in the poem. 
 
 782. Proselyte. Convert. 
 
 784. Speed. Good issue. 
 
 789. Snowdoun. See Canto I, 591. 
 
 802. Talisman. Charm. Look up the etymology of this 
 word. 
 
 813. Grace. Pardon. 
 
 829. The Graeme. Jeffrey says: "Malcolm Graeme has too 
 insignificant a part assigned him, considering the favor in 
 which he is held both by Ellen and the author; and in bring- 
 ing out the shadowed and imperfect character of Roderick 
 
204 NOTES 
 
 Dhu, as a contrast to the purer virtue of his rival, Mr. Scott 
 seems to have fallen into the common error of making him 
 more interesting than him whose virtues he was intended to 
 set off, and converted the villain of the piece in some measure 
 into its hero. A modern poet, however, may perhaps be par- 
 doned for an error of which Milton himself is thought not to 
 have kept clear, and for which there seems so natural a cause 
 in the difference between poetical and amiable characters. ' 
 
 830-837. Note the suspense in these lines. 
 
 842. Harp of the North. Compare the opening stanzas of the 
 poem and note the contrasts in setting. 
 
 846-847. Fountain. Breeze. Indirect objects of * 'lending.' 
 
 862. Seraph. Angel. A Hebrew word. 
 
PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY 
 
 Achray, ak-ra'. 
 Albany, a)'-bany. 
 Alloa, al'-lo-a. 
 Alpine, al-pin. 
 Ascabart, as'-ca-bart. 
 Balquidder, bal-quid'-er. 
 Bannochar, ban'-no-kar. 
 Beal'maha, beal-ma-ha'. 
 Beala-nam-bo, beal-a-nam-bo'. 
 Beltane, bel'-tane_. 
 Benledi, ben-le-di. 
 Ben Lomond, ben-lo'-mond. 
 Ben Shie, ben-she'. _ 
 Benvenue, ben-ve-nu'. 
 Benvoirlich, ben-vor'-lich. 
 Blantyre, blan-tire'. 
 Bochastle, bo-chas'-le. 
 Bothwell, both-well. 
 Bracklin, brak'-lin._ 
 Braes of Doune, braz of doon. 
 Breadalbane, bred-al'-bane. 
 Brianchoil, brI-an-coiP. 
 Caledon, caP-e-don. 
 Cambusmore, cam-bus-more'. 
 Carbonie, car-bo'-ni. 
 Coilantogle, coil-an-to'gle. 
 Coir-nan-Uriskin, c6r-nan-u'- 
 
 ris-kin. 
 coronach, c6r'-o-nak. 
 correi (corri, corrie), c6r'-i. 
 Devan, de'-van. 
 DeVaux, de-voo'. 
 Dhu, doo. 
 Doine, doin. 
 
 L'oune, down, sometimes doon. 
 Duchray, du-kra'. 
 Duncraggan, dun-crag'-an. 
 Dunfermline, diin-fer'-lin. 
 Earn, ern. 
 Ferragus, fer'-a-gus (fer- as 
 
 in ferry) . 
 Gallangad, gal'-an-gad. 
 
 Glenfinlas, glen-fin'-las. 
 
 Glen Fruin, glen frii'-in. 
 
 Glengyle, glen glle'. 
 
 Glen Luss, glen-loos'. 
 
 Graeme, grame. 
 
 Holyrood, ho'-ly-rood (or hol'- 
 
 y-rood). 
 Hyndford, hind'-ford. 
 Inch-Cailliach, inch-kal'-yak. 
 Katrine, kat'-rin. 
 Kier, keer. 
 
 Kilmarnock, kil-mar'-nok. 
 Levenglen, lev'-en-glen. 
 Lochard, lok-ard'. 
 Lomond, lo'-mond. 
 Lubnaig, lub-nag'. 
 Lufra, m'-fra. 
 Malise, mal'-is. 
 Maronnan, ma-ron'-an. 
 Meggat, meg'-at. 
 Menteith, men-teeth'. 
 Modan, mo'-dan. 
 Moray, mur-ray. 
 Ochtertyre, 6k-ter-tire'. 
 orisons, 6r'-i-zons. 
 pibroch, pi'-brock. 
 plaid, plad, here ; usually plad 
 Ross-dhu, ros-doo'. 
 Scathelocke, scath^-e-16k. 
 scaur, scar. 
 Serle, serl. 
 
 Strathspey, strath-spa'. 
 Stumah, stu'-mah. 
 Taghairm, tag'-erm. 
 Teith, teeth. 
 Teviot, tev'-i-ot. 
 Torry, tor'-ri. 
 Trosachs, tros'-aks. 
 Tullibardine, tul-i-bar'-deen. 
 Uam-Var, u-a-var'. 
 Vennachar, ven'-a-kar. 
 winded, wind'-ed. (page 28) 
 
EXCELSIOR LITERATURE SERIES— Continued 
 
 Hiawatha. No. 27. H. W. Longfellow. 
 
 With introduction, notes and vocabulary. 212 pages .30 
 
 Idylls of the King. No. 31. Alfred Tennyson. 
 
 (The Coming of Arthur, Gareth and Lynette, Lancelot and 
 Elaine, The Passing of Arthur.) Edited by Cyrus Lauron 
 Hooper. Thomas C. Blaisdell, Ph.D., LL.D., Supervising Editor. 
 Biographical sketch, introduction, notes and questions for 
 study, critical comments and pronouncing vocabulary. 160 
 pages 24 
 
 Lady of the Lake, The. No. 85. Sir Walter Scott. 
 
 Contains map, biographical sketch, the reign and character 
 of James V from "Tales of a Grandfather," pronouncing vo- 
 cabulary and comprehensive notes by B. A. MacLeod. 203 
 pages .30 
 
 Lincoln-Donglas Debates. No. 63. 
 
 This volume gives practically entire the principal addresses 
 from these famous debates. Edited, with introduction and 
 notes, by Edwin Erie Sparks, Ph.D., LL.D., President Pennsyl- 
 vania State College. This is a valuable book for school use, 
 and for students of history. 160 pages 24 
 
 Literature of the Bible. No. 37. Matthias R. Heilig, A.M. 
 
 This is a scholarly, familiar and reverential treatment of the 
 Bible, purely from a literary viewpoint. Numerous extracts 
 from the Bible text are used as illustrations. Instructive and 
 interesting. 72 pages. ., ., 15 
 
 Man Without a Country, The. No. 65. Edward Everett Hale. 
 With biographical sketch, historical introduction and explana- 
 tory notes by Horace G. Brown, Teacher of History and Social 
 Science, State Normal School, Worcester, Mass. 56 pages. .15 
 
 Message to Garcia, A, and Other Inspirational Stories. No. 61. 
 Edited, with introduction and notes, by Edward A. Parker, 
 Ph.B. 64 pages 15 
 
 Milton's Minor Poems. No. 29. 
 
 (L'Allegro, II Penseroso, Comus, Lycidas.) Edited by Cyrus 
 Lauron Hooper, Thomas C. Blaisdell, Ph. D., LL.D., Supervising 
 Editor. Biographical sketch and introduction; notes and ques- 
 tions; critical comments; pronouncing vocabulary. 84 pages. 
 ~ 18 
 
 Foe's Tales. No. 59. Selected. 
 
 With introduction and notes by Edward A. Parker, Ph.B. 
 The selections include Ligeia, The Gold Bug, The Fall of the 
 House of Usher, The Mask of the Red Death, The Purloined 
 Letter, Eleonora, The Assignation, and A Descent into the 
 Maelstrom. 176 pages 24 
 
 Silas Mamer. No. 33. George Eliot. 
 
 Biographical sketch, notes, and questions for study on each 
 chapter; critical comments and bibliography. The most com- 
 plete edition published for class study. Edited by Hiram R. 
 Wilson, State Normal College, Athens, Ohio. Thomas C. Blais- 
 dell, Ph.D., LL.D., Supervising Editor. 240 pages .30 
 
EXCELSIOR LITERATURE SERIES— Continued 
 
 Sketch Book, The. No. 39. Washington Irving. Selected. 
 
 With introduction and notes by Edward A. Parker, Ph.B. 
 Contains most of the essays used in school work, including 
 Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. 216 
 pages ^ — - 30 
 
 Sohrab and Rustnm. No. 15. Matthew Arnold. 
 
 Biographical sketch, introduction and notes by Laura Dun- 
 bar Hagarty. Also contains The Forsaken Merman, Rugby 
 Chapel, Self-Dependence and others. 48 pages 15 
 
 Some Water Birds. No. 25. Inez N. McFee. 
 
 Descriptions and stories concerning the Divers, Swimmers 
 and Waders, written in attractive style and giving real in- 
 formation as to their appearance and habits. 64 pages ^15 
 
 Treasure Island. No. 69. Robert Louis Stevenson. 
 
 This edition of this famous story of adventure has been pre- 
 pared especially for school use. It has biographical introduc- 
 tion, explanatory notes, questions for study and suggested 
 composition subjects by Florence R. Signor. Illustrations 
 from photoplay of "Treasure Island;" also portrait of author 
 and map. 232 pages 30 
 
 Vision of Sir Laonfal, The. No. 5. James Russell Lowell. 
 
 Biographical sketch, notes and questions for study. 36 
 pages „ 15 
 
 Wordsworth's Poems. No. 13. Selected. 
 
 Edited, with biographical sketch and notes for study, by 
 Laura Dunbar Hagarty. The selections include To a Skylark, 
 To a Cuckoo, The Daffodils, The Solitary Reaper, To the Daisy, 
 The Pet Lamb, Intimations of Immortality, Lucy Gray, A True 
 Woman, Tintern Abbey and others. 48 pages 15 
 
 SHAKESPEARE 
 
 As Yon Like It. No. 47. 
 
 With introduction, notes and questions by Thomas C. Blais- 
 dell, Ph.D., LL.D., Dean of the School of the Liberal Arts, 
 Pennsylvania State College, and Ernest C. Noyes, MjV., Assist- 
 ant Superintendent of Schools, Allegheny County, Pa. 140 
 pages 24 
 
 Hamlet. No. 49. 
 
 With introduction, notes and questions by Thomas C. Blais- 
 dell, Ph.D., LL.D., and Alice Louise Marsh, Department of Eng- 
 lish, Eastern High School, Detroit, Mich. 212 pages 24 
 
 Julias Caesar. No. 41. 
 
 Introduction, notes and questions by Thomas C. Blaisdell, 
 Ph.D., LL.D. 144 pages 24 
 
 Macbeth. No. 43. 
 
 Introductions, notes and questions by Thomas C. Blaisdell, 
 Ph.D., LL.D. 144 pages .24 
 
 Merchant of Venice, The. No. 45. 
 
 Introduction, notes and questions by Thomas C. Blaisdell, 
 Ph.D., LL.D. 144 pages .24 
 
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