tliKtilT LIBRARY UNtVCRSITV OP CAltrOftNtA ^ h fV*>^^^ Mqw^ RuTHVEN's Revenge Other Metrical Tales. BY LOCHNAGAR, ^^q^a^ Maclachlan and Stewart. 1862. lOAN STACK Edinlmrgh : Printed by Neill and Company. /A ii R % Contents. Page RuTHVENS Revenge . . . ^ The Pirate, ..... 26 Strathaven Castle, . . 39 Massacre OF EiGG, 54 248 Ruthvens Revenge. Y lofty crags which ftem the tide That rolls to Scotia's weftern fide : Crags which conceal the dreary cave Where oft the noble and the brave. By every hope difown'd. As war protra6ted fed diftrefs. And left no fhadow of fuccefs. Secure ^fylum found. Here, too, fi:ill fertile in her fiore Of themes, traditionary lore Speaks of a beaming fpectred light. Which floods the difmal cell by night Tells that the Demon of the Storm Sometimes difplays his awful form -, Ruthver^s Revenge. Charging the elements to rife. And battle with the fea and ikies. II. Nor this alone : of raptured love. In female grace difplay'd. Through hoflile ages flie hath llrove To fpeak of Gayford's maid. Here virtue lent her every charm Which can the female pallions warm ; In air and manner dignified. She her companions far outvied : How mufical her mellow voice. That deep impreffion made On the glad obje6l of her choice. As he his amours paid ! Beauty her imprefs fure might trace Upon her well-proportion' d face : Expreffive were her azure eyes. And foft the fmile that from her fell : Nobly her forehead feem'd to rife Told where intelligence did dwell : Still gently o'er her lovely neck The auburn hair in ringlets lay. O ! where the youtli, fond reader fay, Who would not fight for Mary's fake ! Ruthven^s Revenge, III. She was an only daughter, and Her charms were prized throughout the land. Though of a noble family fprung. In whofe veins ilow'd the Norman blood A race by ancient poets sung. By conquering William's fide they flood. Who has not heard Montgomery's name ? Still Wales and Ayr refound his fame. Her branch had felt Hern fortune's rage. And loft its wide-ftretch'd heritage A minor fragment now remain' d To her of all her fatliers gain'd. One grateful parent was no more. He fell at BothwelFs dreadful fight ; The fecond Charles' arms he bore. And died in gallant Monmouth's fight. In Gayford's cottage on the bafe Of that rude crag where Aufter plays. In cherifh'd folitude ftill ftay'd The mother of the beauteous maid. IV. There rolls a clear but noify rill. Which Gayford's northern fide adorns ; Ruthven^s Revenge, It takes its courfe from yonder hill. And by the tower of Craighall turns. The angler, at approach of noon. Here lonely may be feen -, And often has the horn'd moon 'Held Mary on tlie green. In flowing robe flie walk'd alone From Gayford to the Angler's Stone. But hark ! a light Hep greets the ear, Fair Mary knows its found : Her darling William doth appear. And to her arms dotli bound ! What higher joy can heav'n above On human kind beflow. Than lend its fmile in blufhing love. Which Hills the jeer of woe ! V. The handfome form of William Graham Scarce twenty winters' fnows had feen 5 Vigorous was his hardy frame. Striking his hazel eyeballs' gleam ! Pure was his love-entranced heart, Vermilion was his laughing cheek ! Here alfo Knowledge feem'd to flart. And William for her model feek ! Ruthven^s Revenge, He, as a thinker, in the fhade Cafl many of maturer years 3 Moral Philofophy, 'tis faid, A favourite ftudy he had made 3 Loved he tlie grave and learned feers. Oft on the page of hillory The noble youth had cafl his eye -, Admired he each bold Spartan lire Admired he the Athenian fage ! O'erjoy'd to mark the Roman fire. And Hannibal's vindictive rage 3 Or Marcus Brutus raife the knife That fiiatch'd the imperial defpot's Hfe. And, like each patriot Scottifli fon. The name of Wallace Itirr'd his blood 5 He heard how Stirling bridge was won. And England's warriors fwell'd the flood. But chief admired the glorious field Where Scotland faw her fortunes turn Saw England's hundred thoufand yield At the immortal Bannockburn ! Still, William oft on flate affairs His prized, his leifsure moments fpent, Mufing, as o'er the plains he went. How Alfred father' d England's cares. Conquering the mighty Danes that braved the land ; Ruthven*s Revenge. Maintaining jullice with an able hand ! He loved the principle the Charter gave. And forth as freedom's champion Hood ; Yet many of the points he w^ould. On gen'rous thought and reafon, waive. Science was tlien in infancy. The rapturous fwell of poefy Recall' d his love of other days : Himfelf a poet was. And in foul-flirring magic lays Upheld the glorious caufe Of liberty of confcience and Religious freedom in the land ! VI. Such is our hero : fuch tlie fon And heir of valiant Henry Graham, The knight whofe prowefs great him won In Flemilh fight a deathlefs name ! Supported he Blake's mighty wars. And fpoke indignant of the fears The fire of furious Holland gave. When dark deflru6lion fwept the wave. Though of a branch of famed Montrofe, In youth he Cromwell's caufe upheld ; An en' my was to Claverhoufe Ruthven^s Revenge. Rejoiced he o'er the gory field That laid the victor-hero dead (Ah ! then the hopes of Stuart fled ! ) Craighall was his, whofe feudal fway Three hundred vafTals did obey. VII. " But, William," fmiling, Mary faid. As on his breafl her head fhe laid, ^^ What forrows prey upon thy mind ? Shall galling recoUedions dare To type upon thy forehead care- Alas ! in thee a vidim find ? " " My father, ah ! " was the reply Was follow' d fwiftly by a figh j His throbbing bofom fcarce could tell The fource from which thefe forrows fell. "Enough," confufed, his Mary faid " Enough, too well the reft I know -, The unfeeling wretch fome fcheme hath laid Wretch ! caufe of fair Montgomery's woe : Alas, alas ! thy father hears This plot for our deflrudion laid, I guefs3" and here the falling tears A while her fad narration flay'd. " Alas that ere my charms begat. Ruthven^s Revenge, Ruthven, in thee a fuitor keen ; From the beginning well you knew 1 ne'er could give my love to you. All tliy falfe ways did Mary fpurn. That her intentions thou mightll learn Since tliis negle6t, knave, thou haft fet On dire deftru6tion : have I been. Have I, and muft I muft I yet Bend low to thy relentlels fpleen ?" VIII. She faid j and in a fwoon ilie fell While refting on her William's breaft. And while on her fharp anguilli ftole. Array' d witli fell defpondency. He ftrove to foothe her agony. And fet her wayward fears to reft : Her wonted fpirits 'gan to rife Her rapid fancy gleam' d again 5 Catching a glance of William's eyes. She rofe revigor'd from the pain An hour flafti'd by : the echo yet Of gentle whifpers might be caught Embraces with embraces met. With cheerful Heaven's applaufes fraught- Laugh quickly met with amorous fmile. Ruthven^s Revenge. And time feem'd ihort the happy while Lips met with hps a parting fign ! Our hero's anxious father waits The arrival of his worthy fon. Who ftill with Gay ford's Mary prates : "When Night has hufh'd the twihght's reign. And fpread her ftillnefs o*er the plain. By Craighall's woody knoll shall I To-morrow wait for thee : O that the bleffed hour fped nigh ! O fad how fad it is to leave The one to whom my heart doth cleave ! But it muft be : my father's found Already rings his hall around That mighty found for me ! " IX. The lovers part : our hero takes The antique road to green Craighall -, On either fide the giant brakes High overlook the heavy wall. Here oft hath antiquarian ftrove To point the dark, the facred grove. Where Druids kept the fpoils of war. Here, glancing o'er the lofty trees, A tower' d cairn the flranger fees. lO Ruthven^s Revenge. Where oft the infants' rending cries Were heard at Druids' facrifice : The tranfmigration of the foul To bright or gloomy regions far. The fathers taught with fome regard. Their feeble voice the Britons heard The infamy on fceptic pafl. The fneers at every doubter caft. Awhile fuperior reafon flole. Now onward, and he gains tlie well Where fairy elves, 'tis faid. Met with a modefl, beauteous belle. Come by the eaflern glade. They carried her to Fairyland, Its pleafant fights to view ; Admired fhe Queen of Elfins' wand : Again fhe came to earth transform' d. And many a gallant fquire deform' d She once as fuitor knew ! And now a rivulet he gains That tells its tragic tale -, Here lufly Robert of the Mains In duel boldly fell And here the Wizard's ruffling oak Climbs o'er the bofom of a rock. Ruthvens Revenge. II X. Ah ! how uncouth our hero's mood. While pacing through the lonely wood That by the maniion grew. In fober, deep foliloquy. The pad he did review. And fancied dark futurity. '' What monfter lies are often form'd To feoff at fallen greatnefs ! Ah ! How oft is cruel deed perform' d. And yet th' offender braves the law ! Oh ! that I faw this daftard bleed. And pay the forfeit of his deed ? That julHce would his name difgrace. And flamp with infamy his race That race ignoble, prone to crime. That thrice diihonour'd hath our time ! XI. " Full oft hath dang'rous Ruthven told (That man fo oft to perjury fold ! ) My father lies of Mary's worth A fairer gem ne'er deck'd the north ! He, prone fuch flories to fuflain. Frowns bitterly upon his fon J 2 Ruthveri^s Revenge, Yet all thefe frowns on me are vain ! He from the firft difdain'd this maid, Becaufe her fire gave Stuart aid Before his crown he won. In pomp and wealth my father rolls, In Spanifh and in Fleming fpoils ; And overlooks tlie fading name Of once renown' d Montgomery : And yet, how true this very fame Prefents the higheft charm to me ! Mean is the man who dares to fmile. While frowning fate triumphs the while : Expand thy weapons, jealousy. That worth and gentlenefs would ftain. For manhood doth tliem now difdain. Ruthven, if yet within my reach You erejiiould chance toftray, Direful the leffon I will teach Thee, coward, of thy way ! Fatlier, I nobly thee forgive ; Yet pity thou art led With faithful William thus to ftrive. And accept Ruthven's aid. Tlie time fhall come when thou Ihalt fee. And pity, ah ! my wrong 3 For gen'rous thou haft been to me. Ruthven^s Revenge. 1 3: Except in this alone. And oh ! my Mary, I rejoice To think thy wonted fpirits rose. Even when fail'd my faltering voice To warn thee of approaching woes. O ! may my prefence ere infpire Thy pure, thy rapturous heart with joy -, And never fure fhall forrow dire Thy fofter feelings e'er annoy." XII. Young Graham hath gain'd the lofty hall : In front a maffive pillar flione ; And topp'd upon that column tall, A hero's image rofe from ftone. That hero was the poet-king, "Who, when in Englifh donjon bound. Of Joan Beaufort's charms did fing. And fweet the captive monarch's found. An ancient fpear may here be feen -, A weighty lance hangs on the wall. That had at Harlaw's battle been 3 Here, too, a maffive fhield is fliown 5 And here a trumpet, at whofe call The ready valTals' fleps were known. The pictures cheer the gazer's eye 3 14 Ruthven^s Revenge, Nor lels the trophied flatuary : Of Venice polifhed marble, here Ten mighty warriors' busts appear ! XIII. * Ruthven, if yet within my reach You ereJJiould chance tojiray, Direful the leffon I will teach Thee, coward, of thy way /" Such accents from fierce Ruthven broke. Who fhelter'd by a Ihaggy oak ; Relllels was his flender form 3 Subdued he feem'd by gathering rage 3 Madden' d his brain beneath the ftorm Of growing fpleen he fought to wage On William Graham : he call'd Hell's aid. And loud a dreadful oath he made ! Then flared around 3 treach'rous his eye Hollow' d his pale, death-fpeaking cheek 5 Low was his forehead 3 and his cry Rough in extreme ; his body weak. Though built on ample limbs 3 his talk Was all of felf : the country knew His a6tions, and difdain'd them too ! He refled in anxiety. While mufing pafT'd our hero by 3 Ruthven^s Revenge. 15 And as he lay the oak beneath. Eager he caught each palling breath 5 And as he heard his uncoutli name, Flafh'd from his eye the ireful flame. '^ Revenge on me !" he groaning cried, Turning his refllefs form afide. And ftill more angry turn'd his cry. '' Thanks for your boldnefs : I fhall try The iiTue of a future day. And thus the challenge fhall repay ! ' Revenge on me /' that thought is vain ! I've the advantage odds are mine ; Nor, crefted youth, Ihall I refrain To try thy father weak in time That he my ftory lifts is plain ! Graham, I have injured thee before. And Ruthven vengeance feeks once more ! Then fpeed thee, pioneer of forrow ! O ! hafte thee, over- welcome morrow ! Then ihall the furies of my foul Vent all my paffion at tliy knoll, Craighall ! That ruler of his heart, Mary Montgomery, mine fhould be -, And fubtle was the unworthy art Made her eftrange her love from me. 'Tis this that makes me ever fad 1 6 Rtithven*s Revenge, And lefs hatli driven another mad : 'Tis this that robs me of my reft. Was ever mortal fo oppreft ? Depend^ a day of reck'ning's near. When gilded juftice fhall appear. hafte thee, time ! . to-morrow come ! 1 long to fee what may be done." Thus faid, he took the rugged road : A lonely houfe appear d in fight Defigning Ruthven's lone abode. How picturefque in moonlight night ! 'Twas heathery roof d : the fwelling rains Which deluge the adjacent plains Befpoke deftru6lion : fuch a fcene Is feldom fancied in a dream. XIV. On Ocean's front tlie purple ray Of dawn foretells approaching day : Still higher rides the folar beam. Drinking the dewdrop from the fields 3 And now each airy minftrel yields Libation of untutor'd fong. Heard all the dells and crags among. And here the peafant may be feen Watching his herd upon the plain 5 Ruthven^s Revenge, 1 7 Heard is the pointed fickle' s noife. Falls to the ground the yellow grain. Many the other welcome joys That morning's radiant blufh imparts -, Vig'rous from fleep Creation Harts. XV. How beautiful the garden's bloom, Rounding the lofty maniion s fide : The tulip and the lily's plume Welcome the rofe's ruddy pride j Lordly the venerable oaks That overlook the circled lakes, Where oft the oarfman's fplafhing ftrokes The foft repofe of evening breaks. Still farther, by the avenue. Here may the veering optics view A pleafant, bubbling fountain play j Behold a miniature cafcade. Which art for ornament hath made. Yonder an artificial den Attra6ts the wondering ftranger's ken ; And there arife the ruins grey Of Abbey, where mafs oft was faid. And pray'rs for Craighall's heroes made. Here oft the aged and the poor 1 8 Ruthven*s Revenge. Rejoiced at monkifh charity ; And here the ever open door A refuge to the wanderer gave, To bleeding knight and warrior brave ! Here too, mayhap, our annals lay. When ignorance unbluftiing reign' d. And credulity its hold maintained ! XVI. Away a hunting party rode From Craighall to the diftant moor Away by Ruthven's lone abode Went Henry and his comrades four. He watch' d the brave knight palling by (For William was not there). And bitter, galling was the cry That ftung the father's ear ! Immediately his choler rofe. And inftantly he fwore. That ne'er a fon, nor one of his. Should fpeak Montgomery more ! '' What !" as he foam'd, " my darhng boy Become the mate of fuch a toy ! The heir of all my lands, fhall he Be knit and kneel to poverty ! O that my high ambition ftirr'd Ruthven^s Revenge, 1 9 His brealt, and he had never err'd I Perhaps a channel I may find T' oppofe the current of his mind. I, who have chmb'd the topmaft high When tempells wild diflurb'd the Iky- I, who beheld the raving breeze Raife every turmoil on the feas I who, adventurous, kept the right Of powerful Blake in defp'rate fight I, favour' d by nobility And all the friends of liberty, Survey the actions of my fon,. And wonder at his heart thus won ! This night my feelings I'll explode Witnefs my oath. Almighty God ! XVII. He paufed -, but heavier anger came On the enraged Sir Henry Graham. As when intoxication fills The muddy brain, anon it reels -, Such alpe6t the old feaman wore. From all the floods of grief he bore ! The fun his weftern courfe hath made. For daylight now begins to fade Fades in the twilight's borrow' d hue. 20 Ruthvefi^s Revenge. And finks in the no6turnal blue. The fport is o'er 3 the hunters' tread On Craighall's avenues are heard : Known is the clamour in the court The clamorous boaft of endless fport. But ah ! the fea-knight's meafured tone Nor boaft had either liftener known ; Still kept his mind this deep dismay Thoughts of his fon on's Ipirits prey. XVIII. To Gayford turn. . The mother broke An hour of lilence ; thus fhe fpoke : '' O Mary dear, laft night I dream' d. And ftrange indeed the vilion feem'd 3 Such horrors never crolT'd my brain Since Both well faw thy father llain ! Thy fatlier ah ! that gentle friend That model of a feeling mind ! No, lince I my dear hufband loft. Like fcenes my fancy hath not croff'd : And ihall I all the forms name ? No 5 better I conceal the fame. Suffice, my daughter, they forbode And Ihadow ills that we muft bear. Oh ! ever Sorrow's dreary load Ruthven^s Revenge, 21 C milling our houle, feems to appear ! Then, Mary, ftay thee for the night, I fear to lend thee from my light. Stay, daughter, flay a mother's pray'r^ Perchance a faithful mother's tear. Shall keep my cherifh'd daughter here !" XIX. '' Ceafe, mother, with thy terrors ftill Above them all is Mary's will. Such might the unletter'd villain fway The villain born but to obey , But ne'er fliall education give To augur' d tales attention Nay ! Enough they in the fhadow live Enough they vanifh in the day. For fuch, O mother, iliall I ftay. While William waits me to receive ? Already he is on his way Already, mother, it is eve. " Vain, daughter, all thy reafoning yet. Can what is rooted in the mind By the fharp iling of furrowing fate- Fate form'd too well fuch thoughts to bind- Be thus, my daughter, torn afunder. Even although tales of wonder ? 22 Ruthven^s Revenge, Say not I try thy loves to fever -, Far from my warmefl wifh O never ! Admired the youth -, his equal none. Yet pray, remember what I faid, Mayhap, before to-morrow come. My old, my weather-worn eyes Shall anguifh vent by many lighs : Remember this, beloved maid ! XX. Here now with true parental love The fofter paffions nobly flrove : " I gave my word 3 that word, I trow. Seems to me folemn as a vow."' Then went flie from the cottage lide. And lliarply gain'd the try sting mount 5 Here Mary, with becoming pride, Rufh'd to her William's arms as wont. A gloom acrofs his mind doth ride. Which borrow' d franknefs llrives to hide- Ah vain ! " Fly, Mary ! let us fly. The truth no longer I'll conceal : Dillrefling was my father's cry. It did his anger ftern reveal ; He rudely to my fludy came Two hours ago downcall I left 3 Ruthven^s Revenge. 2^ His threat' ning words I cannot name. Indeed he feem'd of fenfe bereft. XXI. Now, bent on wrong within the wood. The diaboHc Rutliven flood ! A frenzy feized his frantic brain. And poignant furely was the pain ! Woe to the man who boldly flies Within his reach the intruder dies ! And to himfelf, in angry mood. He fpoke of vengeance and of blood ! " Now fliall Refentment fpread its thorns. And, hydra-like, difplay its forms 3 And now fliall Vengeance triumph here. And glory that my foe is near ! Shall injured Love her wrongs difplay. And o'er her trophy fmile flie may ; Keen burns in me undying rage O ! that I could him now engage ! Montgomery, what was love before Now flames in me as deadly hate 5 Depend that I fliall clear the fcore. And rob thee of thy profler'd mate ! " 24 Ruthven^s Revenge. XXII. Fail'd he in iearch of youthful Graham, And nearer to the manfion came ; Rulh'd from the hall an aged man. Who palT'd in anxious hafte the lawn Prepared the defperate Ruthven now To execute his bloody plan. And thus fulfil his demon vow ; Nor could his eye diftinguifh who Towards the weft fo quickly drew Perhaps the darknefs of the night Excufed the fiery Ruthven' s fight. He thought that William here fhould pals. Prepared his firelock ready now, alas ! He aim'd a fure, a deadly wound. Stretch 'd Henry Graham upon the ground. He cried for help that help was near. For William and the guefis appear ! They heard the noife : dread Ruthven fled, And foon his diftant hamlet made Boafting that William Graham had met An awful and unlook'd for fate. Sir Henry heard his murderer named. The fame who had his fon defamed : "William," the dying feaman cried, Ruthven^s Revenge, 25 And, as the gen'rous youth he eyed '' Forgive, forgive/' he mutter' d low. The blood flill gufhing from his heart- '^ Forgive," again he faid^ and lo ! In this lall fit did life depart. XXIII. Scarce need we tell that juftice fought. And to its bar fierce Ruthven brought : A murderer's forfeit foon he paid Was forth unto the fcaflbld led ! The country gloried in his fall. His hated race was fcorn'd by all 3 Nor need we fay that William made A wife of Gayford's blooming maid ! The Pirate. EN weaiy years have roll'd away Since red Culloden's dreadful day : The gallant Cavalier* furvives. And flill at old Auchiries lives. Stript of his family title, he Lives lonely in obfcurity. His lands have to a flranger gone. Unto the vafTalage unknovv^n j Vain all the fearches for him made. And all the offers for his head ! A dreary cell, fast by the wave,t Awhile the warrior refuge gave ; * Lord Forbes of Pitfligo. t Cowftiaven, in the parifh oi Aberdour, Aberdeen (hi re. 'The Pirate. 27 But now his manly ftrength is gone^ But not the name his prowefs won ! Ere Charles brave his standard raifed. And fiery crofs through Badenoch blazed ; Secluded from the bufy world. The foil a happy peafant turn'd Retainer of Pitiligo was. Who favour' d much the Stuart caufe. He rofe with morning to his toil. And wealth him favour' d for a while j His labour o'er, he loved to tell What in his early days befell : Deep verfed tlie peafant feemed to be In Forbes genealogy ! The flory of his fathers, too. Each vifitant's attention drew. Sometimes, in ruftic meafure flrong. Was heard an ancient rural fong ; The weather was a favourite theme. And flocks and harvefls he had feen. The general topics of the times. He at the smithy learn' d betimes; In his unlearn' d companions' eyes His firm opinions feem'd as wife. How like a vaffal he obey'd The Pirate, All the demands his Baron made ! At parifli church on Sunday he Appeared with all his family ^ A frugal and a virtuous wife Cheerful made his ruflic life. A gallant fon and blooming daughter, Made him a truly happy father. Of Helen much he loved to boaft, Already was her name a toaft 3 Many the fuitors that did come Unto the jovial harvest-home. The wily matron mother's art Seems to have fway'd the daughter's heart. Young Allan Forbes, the miUer's fon. Had oft to Ritchie's cottage come ; He fpent his winter evenings there. Courting the young, the charming fair. The focial glals was handed round. And Forbes was a votary found. Ritchie was affable and free. And kept his own distillery 5 The many arts the excife tried. The cunning farmer all defied ! In Helen's breafl the flame of love. Delight for flrapping Allan wove ! The Pirate, 20 The youthful pair tryfls often fet. And near the fhore the lovers met. Along the fandy beach they roved. For Allan early ocean loved Admired the brave and gallant men Who venturous plough' d the troubled main- Columbus' life had thus infpired. And all his youthful ardour fired : The ftory of bold Gama, too. The penetrating Forbes knew j And from great Cabot he had learn 'd How wealth and honour might be earn'd. A pleafant pi6hire this, till war Did all thefe early pleafures mar. With grief llamp'd on his open face. The youth his Helen did embrace ; The tears ftood watery in his eyes. At length they melted into cries Simply he told that he mull go. And face the Hanoverian foe ^ His Baron at Edina was. There he fupported Charles' caufe 3 " I glory, Helen, at the sound. In battle-field is honour found 3 And yet I mourn I this muft tell. 30 The Pirate. And bid thee, loved one, fad farewell !" Pale now the charming maid appears. Her beauteous cheeks are wet with tears Enough ftern manhood this to bend. And make the female heart his friend ! A flow reply the maiden made : She told her Hal wart brother had Been alfo fummon'd. Much fhe fear'd That he, a brother much endear' d. From his fuperior boldnefs might Fall in the expected bloody fight. She fear'd her Allan's fafety too Pain'd much her heart that word, ^^ adieu 3' He prefT'd her ruby lips her hand He circled with a filver band ; Twice fevenfparkling cairngorms. The filver bracelet's fide adorns ! Pledging to meet again, they fever Would fortune blefs the loved and lover The youth at Prestonpans fought well, As Scotland's fiirring annals tell ; In England was his bravery known. And gallant he at Falkirk fiione ! 'Twas here his Helen's brother met A worthy Scottifli soldier's fate. The Pirate. ^I The princely Charles' active eye Beheld the valiant peasant die The prince of active Forbes heard, And named him of his body-guard. Dreadful Culloden has been fought. And Allan Forbes a refuge fought. Still fwell'd his heart with Highland pride, Difgrace the youth could not abide ^ He fwore he ne'er return would home Till fame or fortune he had won ! The greatest hazard he would try. For nought could daunt his bravery. From fearch of piercing Cumberland He with a small but faithful band Escaped : they venturous fought the fea. And there difplay'd their gallantry. Ten times the circling earth had run Around that central orb the fun. The braveft of Pitfligo's men Had in this bloody war been flain. The land of mirth and pleafure now Nought but adverlity could fhew. The peafant's ftamp of wretchednefs 32 The Pirate. Befpoke a growing wildernefs. Deep melancholy Ritchie fway'd, Damp'd was the mother and the maid- That ftalwart youth, his father's pride And mother's hope, for ever fled ! And, with a feeling heart, he grieves The lofs of many relatives. Deep the laments for Allan made. The gallant youth tliey fancied dead " What caufe have we to ftruggle here Sever' d from all that makes life dear ? '* The deep defponding Ritchie faid : His fpoufe's tears the fadnefs fed " One by one my friends have gone 3 Unfriended, I am left alone ! Our mighty lord no more retains An inch of all his native plains. He was a landlord true and kind. And dignified his noble mind ! How different his fucceffors : they Seem Mammon only to obey. And let us, ere our all be gone. And ere our fading flrength is done. O'er wide Atlantic feek a home. There is my elder brother known There prifline pleafures may awake^ The Pirate, 33 And happy yet an old man make ^ There may our virtuous daughter gain The handof Ibme kind, gen'rous fwain. In this event, would forrow ceafe Would forrow find its vent in peace. Your motherly advice I alk. To aid me in this weighty task." The frugal fpoufe then made replv : " Not that 1 have no tender tie Wifh I to leave the Scottifh foil. And bid farewell to Britain's ifle. But that I fee approaching fall Poverty's degrading blast : An increased rent we cannot pay. Nor tyrant landlord ihall obey 3 Then let us from such vortex fleer. While yet our funds can keep us clear. Your brother's flation is advanced. His wealth and greatnefs much enhanced I think, with justice, we may leave. Nor at our quick departure grieve." The daughter next gave her confent Well was her jufl opinion meant : She fancied that her Allan yet Might on Virginian foil be met. c 34 The Pirate. Many the offers fhe had fpurn'd. For sure her truell, earheft love yet burn d j Deep rooted in her bofom, ihe Could not conceal its ardency. Already hath the veffel fail'd. For favouring winds the while prevail d. Twice twenty emigrants ihe bore. Who look'd for rich Virginia's fliore. Gently the wind begins to rife. When, lo ! a barque the captain eyes : She nears, alas ! a pirate tliis ! " A pirate, feamen, makes for us ! Spread, failors, fpread thy every fail Stretch all thy canvafs to the gale ! - There yet is hope, our fhip is fleet. And may the pirate's aim defeat." Immediately this toil is o'er. The veffel feuds tlie winds before 5 The emigrants, witli tremor fraught. Already fancied they were caught That they 'd be made the pirate's ilaves. Or meet with death in ocean's waves. All thoughts of future wealth have fled. Of cherish' d life all are afraid ! Old Ritchie's and his daughter's yells %he Pirate. 35" The terrors of each mind betells ; The captain faw their fpirits fade. And thus a fhort addrefs he made : '' Difpel thy fears, for never yet So fleet a vefTel have I met As that which thee conveys full oft Have I Algerian corfair left 5 Or, if the worll muft fhortly come. Let every man to weapon run. For all have fomething now to lofe j To yield, I know, no man will choofe. What are thefe pirates ? They are men. In this you equal are to them 5 Ours the defence, and boldly, too. We'll fhow the mettle of the crew !" All terrors now began to fly, Hope brighten' d up each fading eye ; Already fome began to boaft Of how they would maintain their pofl. Aloft his eyes the captain rears. For too much fail his velTel bears. Alas ! now one top-gallant mast bends It breaks, and in the brine defcends 3 The topfail, too, is borne away. It alfo greets the dafliing fpray. 36 The Pirate, Wonted bravery forfakes The crew 3 on them the pirate makes. Two hundred yards hath he to run. Another treafure may be won ! " Yield ! " the gallant rover cried To this the captain ne'er replied. Gently the wind begins to fade Still on the Ihip the corsair made. Increased the mafler pirate's ire. He on tlie fhip begins to fire -, He gains her fide this doth afibrd His brother pirates time to board. He alfo leaps into the fiiip, Alks boldly where the treafiires fleep. The captain this difdain'd to tell. And in the defp'rate ftruggle fell. With dirks the failors vengeance fought- With knives the emigrants now fought. The pirates 'gan to firip the dead. And every fearch for plunder made. The females they difdain'd to flay. But tore their jewels bright away. The mafter pirate boldly fought The treafures Helen fair had got 5 He feized her firmly by the hand Call'd loudly to his men to ftand ! The Pirate. 37 All of a fudden he did Hart Tender the thoughts that pierced her heart : The bracelet which^ ten years before, He Helen gave, the maid ftill wore ! The fofter paffions now awoke. And filence thus the pirate broke : Helen, entranced, full wond'rous stared. And fancied fhe her Allan heard ! '^ Thrice charming Helen ! ah ! that 1 Am father of this butchery ! Long years of fad defpondency Have made me relifh piracy : Wilt thou my feelings now forgive. And, long as Allan Forbes lliall Hve, You find lliall him an alter 'd man A faithful, true companion. Here on this bloody deck you fee Many who fought for Charles with me. The bravest from Pitfligo are. All famed in 'Forty-iive's' dread war. My love is pure as heaven yet. And Helen's like I never met; Let memory of the pall depart. And take me, Helen, to thy heart." Cheer' d and downcaft was fhe by turns. 38 The Pirate. For gatherings love and forrow burns ! The father and the mother knew The event, and near the pirate drew. Both were incHned to overlook The pall : Allan his courfe forfook ! A vow to this efFed he made. And generoiity difplay'd ! He went and told each bold compeer 3 Advifed the end of this career ! To this they nobly all agreed, And of their many crimes were freed. The emigrants the oblivion gave. Now all admired the pirates brave ; In this the failors alio joined True friendihip hath both crews combined. The pirate treafures were convey' d, And fafely in this vefTel laid 3 The pirate Ihip they allow' d to ride Without a helmfman on the tide ! The crews and emigrants foon found A home on rich Virginia's ground. Strathaven Cajile. ^ HE Ihowfalls of winter had mantled the ground. And fwell'd into torrents Pomillon's dark bed 5 At diftance is heard the loud Kype's brawhng found. As over the cafcade its waters are led j Roufed is the wild Aven, fo claffic in fong, So varied in themes all exciting of old j Now iTiorn of tlieir herbage the trees that along Its lofty banks frown on the precipice bold ; And, lo ! in the diftance, gleams Loudoun's round hill. And plays at its bafe the Irvine's ftretch'd rill. II. Here the eagles of Rome were outfpread to the fkies. When the laurel' d Agricola fwept our loved Ifle : 40 Strathavefi Ca/lle, Now gory the braveft of Caledon lies. For the fair fun of fortune has left them the while ! Here the Knights of tlie Temple, from Afia returned, The champions who figured in Turkifh crufade, While the flrength and the pride of the Ottoman burn'd; In the caufe of the crofs and religion they bled, And the temple of Judah, now faded, maintain'd, Untenured the lordQiip of Darvel obtain'd. III. Here Wallace the mighty met Scotland's proud foes ; With his fmall faithful body the Englilh he foil'd ; For feemly gigantic his prowefs arofe ! See there, to his mem'ry, a cairn is piled. Here Pembroke met Bruce with the rude mountaineers ; The valley the hoft of great Edward beheld. How deadly the pierce of the fharp Scottifh fpears. For Robert triumphant rides firft on the field. Here the rude oaks of Caledon fhelter'd her deer. And fi:ill on the marlhes their huge trunks appear. IV. Here, elated with vi6tory, fierce Balfour high flood, Deem'd Covenant's hero and Prelbyter's friend ; And Hill here the offspring of gentlefl blood On each anniverfary devotions forth fend Strathaven Cajlle. 4 1 To the great God of battles, who favour' d the caufe For which our loved fathers in myriads fell. On the traveller's keen eye an obelilk draws. Which fimply records on its lide the war tale. In priftine limplicity the peafant ftill dwells, And boafls of his Scotland, her moors and her hills. V. ' Turn now to Pomillon, on whofe weftern edge The huge Gothic pile of Strathaven is feen ^ But the full weight of years and the elements' rage Have changed to a fragment what fortrefs had been. 'Twas Murdoch the Regent that reared the walls. And doughty black Douglas held here princely fway. The vaflals of Clydefdale awoke at his call. And follow' d the high Earl to battle or fray. Ah ! woe to the foe who beheld his advance. For fubjeftion or ruin gleam'd bright on his lance ! VI. When the Douglas rebellion was crulh'd by his fire. When attainted his titles and wide-circled fields. And extinguifh'd the fpark of his anceflors' fire How oft unto juftice ambition thus yields ! To Stewart the rich lordlhip of Aven was given. With its cafiie, fo oft by the valiant afiail'd. i42 ^Strathaven Caftle. The valiant lb oft from its ample front driven 3 By its fide each retainer his rude hamlet held. Adivity triumphs 3 tlie fhuttle and loom. And high found of commerce, betoken the town. VII. The fair Margaret Stewart in a room lonely fat. When enter' d her uncle, great Avendale's lord : High ihone his red count' nance with bright hope elate 3 Sufpenfe for the while feem'd to hang on his word. " What ! once cherifli'd Margaret," he nervoufly faid j '' Wilt thou yet refufe the bold Baron of Clyde ? Lord Netlian, who long to me vilits hath made : He is gen'rous and brave ; his dominions are wide 3 His vaflals are many all valiant in fight : This, Margaret, he offers he'll wed thee to-night." VIII. "' What ! wed me to-night ! this is furely a dream. What ! wed me to-night ! to the Baron I hate ! No ! never, my uncle ! this madnefs doth feem. For never fhall I with that rude warrior mate. Full oft hath he tried my foft pafhons to fway ; His conduct's repulfive indeed to my heart. Well knows he my mind : then, idea, away 3 Let tlie thought of fuch union for ever depart, Strathaven Cajlle, 43 For true is the flight my foft paffions now take To another, my uncle, my amours I make." IX. **^ Another, my niece ! O avaunt fuch a thought ! For to-night the great Baron of Nethan comes here. Rejoice, O my Margaret, he falls to thy lot. Proceed to thy chamber, and gaily appear In robes of the brighteft that Scotland can Ihow ; And the lands of Drumclog I fhall give as thy dower. Already the ladies alTemble 5 and lo ! Great Nethan comes quickly. O bleired the hour When the Abbot of Paifley fhall ftand forth in pride. And hail thee, fweet Margaret, as Lord Nethan' s bride!" X. " Never, never, alas ! I have fworn it O never ! My heart is another's, and no longer my own. My uncle, 't were vain me from Walter to fever ; More courteous and kind tlian he never was known." Away went the Baron in forrowful mood 5 The flings that him tortured no pen can exprefs ; Suffice that his brow told a gathering of blood. And forrow and anger feem'd llamp'd on his face. '' Another ! how vain ! fhall he fland in the path A vafTal of mine when my word brings him death ?" 44 Strathaven Cajlle, XI. " What though my fquire, Walter Cochrane, is bold, And forth on the red field triumphant did ride. When the death -Ipeaking weapons were vig'roufly roU'd, And thoufands rejoiced in tlie downfall of Boyd j Or when civil war dark deftru6lion had fpread, And the blood of the nobleft lay fwimming around 5 Or when Scotland's high monarch fummon'd my aid, Firfl he through the moors to Linlithgow did bound : Of all my great valT'lage, he's greateft by far The gentlefl in peace, and the braveft in war 1 XII. " But my word to Lord Nethan th' a6t juflifies, For the heart and the thoughts of the vaflal are mine; Nor the wailing of women, nor all his loud cries. Can leflen the deed that muft fhortly be done 5 For ne'er Ihall the blood of Aven's chiefs proud In the veins of a vafTal contaminate run ! Never yet unto meannels a Stewart hath bow'd. And nought but the nobleft a Stewart hath won A Stewart now fits upon Fergus' high throne. And we of a branch of this family are come." Strathaven Cajlle. 45 XIII. Away went the Baron 3 a villain obtain' d. Inured to fell hardfhips, at death feem'd to fmilej The name of a murderer his deeds him obtain' d j Long'd he for the blood of young Walter the while ; The Baron's flill whifper high tranfport him gave. And the words of reward founded well in his ear. Sought he for colleague a like daftard knave 5 And now the dark demons as loitering appear The gallant Squire, thoughtlefs, flill paced the hall floor, When heavy the fteps that he heard at the door. XIV. E-ufh'd now to the hall the wild dealers in blood, Whofe looks fan6tion'd fome defp'rate a6l of revenge. As caught by furprife the brave Walter now flood, Sufpicious, alas ! of fome heart-rending change. They bore him away to a dark, frowning cell 3 Ah ! vain was the flruggle for liberty tried. Here the captive doth pine, and defpondency dwell. And here are the words of confefTor denied 5 When the weapons of death the brave Cochrane here eyed. Oft, oft for his Margaret he bitterly figh'd. 46 Strathaven Caftle. XV. " Tyrannic, the Baron, o'erlooking my worth. Who hired thefe aflaffins to th' a6t that iliall ftain (For the world and freedom Ihall herald it forth) And with infamy brand tlie Lord Avendale's name. Not even the fierce favage of African wild. Nor unbridled Tartar of ravaging horde Of great Tamerlane, who fair Afia defpoil'd. Could thus my fidelity unexampled reward ! Can this be the fumma this the price of my faith A cruel, ignominious, and degrading death ! X'VI. " Unmerited death ! and denied e'en the fight Of th' accufer whofe name I fo boldly maintain d ; For him I have conquer' d and flain many wight, In fierce Scottilh war and in Border fray famed ; Of the ads unapprifed for which I mufi: die. My dear blooming Margaret! how blefled the found ! For one lone embrace, and one only, I figh 3 For thee, oh my eyeballs are turn'd around 5 But turn'd all in vain 5 that our love mufi expire Ere it has expanded its pure virgin fire ! Strathaven Ca/lle. 47 XVII. "Can this be for love, for thou firfl loved me : If so, unto death I would willingly bend. Could I think, my dear Margaret, it Ihelter would thee. My head O ! for thee 1 had quickly extend ! I woiild willingly clofe the affairs of this life. And long for the future of good and of blifs. Oh ! happy, when Death fets his feal on the llrife. And clofes mortality, woe, and diftrefs ! We meet fhall again after few fleeting years. When the bright joys of heaven fhall have dried all thy tears ! XVIII. A huge fpear is raifed, 'tis all rufly with gore The dreadful affaflins feem'd to fmile at the fight : Marble the hue that young Walter now wore. While feemly gigantic he fummon'd his might. The name of the murderer is call'd in the hall. And the found of the Baron has reach' d his sharp ear. Prepared the dark villain to anfwer the call. He hands to his colleague the knife and the fpear. Who flruck the young Cochrane his vigorous arm Defended his breafl, and repulfed the alarm ! 48 Strathaven Calile. XIX. The Ipear Walter feized from the wavering hand Of the defp'rate afTaffin, and him ftretch'd at his foot j And now, as avenger, our hero doth fland His once threat' ning en' my is iilent and mute. Such deeds of defpair due defpatch doth require The heart of the murd'rer is fever' d in two : Our hero, triumphant, beholds him expire. Then quick as the wing'd flieet of lightning he flew. And with one well laid on Vulcanian ftroke. The bars of the old grated window he broke ! XX. He look'd o'er the wall, and prepared for the leap, Pomillon was noify, and favour d his caufe: But what though the mound was wild, rocky, and fteep. He ne'er for a moment of fuch thought could paufe. He leapt, and in fafety the grafs gain'd below. The evening now told his approach on the Ikies, And tlie breezes of Boreas ftill hoarfely do blow : The rain falls in torrents the melted fnow hies To a channel : gay the affemblage that comes How Italwart the knights, bright their daughters and sons! Strathaven Cajlle 49 XXI. Lord Nethan arrived, and he walk'd near the cell So lately the fcene of this favage affray ! When the dallard who left on the noble lord fell All of a fudden interrupted his way ! They knew not each other, for Darknefs had fpread His covering of fable within the rude walls. Ah ! little dreamt Crawford his colleague lay dead, Now, alas ! on the corpfe of that colleague he falls ! He feized the Lord Nethan, enraged, by the throat, As the fpear by the fide of fierce Jackfon he fought! XXH. Fair Margaret, of young Walter's fafety afraid. Now hies to her chamber all lone in diflrefs How rending the cries that the fweet female mads, For her tenderefl ties fhe attempts to confefs ! She dreaded her uncle her Walter had found That he in the donjon lay fetter d and bound. 50 Strathaven Cajile. XXIII. " To fee him were heaven ! to arrange for our flight For to him may all fecrets of Margaret be told ! Chill and unpleafant is the dark frofty night. That in camp pains the foldier, fo fearlefs and bold. How welcome to him is die gay glance of morn Such unto me is the fight of my Walter ! Since we parted full many the pains I have borne. With the fortitude yes of a High Steward's daughter. O give me again the blell object I love, That I with my Walter by Aven may rove ! XXIV. '^ Again, if that can be but hoped oh ! again To think, my dear Walter, of cold feparation ! Down, down with the thought, for its import is vain. And pregnant to me with molt poignant vexation. If my fierce uncle's ire can have robb'd thee of life. Sure thou with the feraphs art joyful in heaven ! No more curfed earth Ihall behold me in ftrife. Since th empower tliee to follow, my Walter, is given. But, oh ! if in donjon thou, loved one, ihould pine, Deprefling the thoughts that mull ever be mine. Strathaven Cajile. 5 1 XXV. *^ But I'll folve the doubt in a minute's fhort Ipace, I '11 forward and eye the dark den's awful mouth. And fee if ray lover I yet may embrace. Or meet with lights horrid, unwelcome, uncouth." Thus mufed the bright gem of the wild Aven vale. When a found, lo ! like Walter's, caught her fharp ear 3 That found was a lover's a lover's fad wail 3 'Twas the voice that the lady fo oft loved to hear ! She turn'd of a fudden look'd over the fteep And there faw her Walter for her he did weep ! , XXVI. The blood feem'd to gufh from his arm and cheek ^ He tower' d his bright eyes, and his Margaret beheld He rofe : ah ! his limbs and his body were weak. But the bright flufh of joy o'er his fair features roll'd. The lady, full joyful, now leapt in his arms No feat, fure, too great for defpair or for love ! Her boldnefs the heart of the gallant fquire warms. To open her mind to her lover fhe flrove She fpake, and her words were in favour of flight 3 Their caufe was fupported by darknefs of night ! 52 Strathaven Caftle, XXVII. With every luxury the tables were fpread The attendants were many, and rare to behold ; At Strathaven before fuch difplay ne'er was made, The nobles were many, and valiant, and bold They came from the Clyde, from the Nethan, and Ayr j And many the knights that in armour bright fhone And many the ladies, all courteous and fair To match blooming Margaret there ne'er yet was one ! Full long look'd the party for bridegroom and bride, And loud for his niece the Lord Avendale cried. XXVIII. His echoes were vain, for his niece was not there , Now crimfon the imprint of rage that he wore. And where is Lord Nethan, the bridegroom ? oh ! where Was like difappointment ere witneiT'd before ! Away to the donjon Lord Avendale ran Diflrefling the fcene that now fteals on his eye 3 For Nethan lies here all fickly and wan. And the meffenger pale feems as hovering nigh ! The blood-rufly weapon Lord Avendale found. And the murd'rous vafTal foon died of the wound. Strathaven Cajlle, 53 XXIX. Three years has the mighty Lord Avendale changed At the Abbey of Paifley he penance hath paid ; He moum'd for the lady he lately eftranged. Now many the friends that his clemency made Was loved by the great and the noble around His vafTals long gloried to echo his praife ; The Church, in Lord Avendale, patron now found. And long to his mem'ry the monks fhouts did raife. Thus cruelty mirror' d and heralded forth. Is often fubverted to kindnefs and worth I XXX. From the depth of the wound, and the forrows that prey'd On his mind, the rejected Lord Nethan foon died. While Cochrane and Margaret to France were convey' d. And there by a father of Rouen were tied. Rode Walter as knight with the famous French iire. And the Spaniard and German oft fhrunk from his fword. Oh ! oft has the minftrel, on heart-melting lyre, The young fquire of Aven and Margaret adored ! Many the Cochranes on Fame's roll that ftand. And Hill their defcendants are great in that land ! Majfacre of Eigg. [The following ballad is founded on a well-known hiftorical faft.] EVERY chieftain of the Ifles Trembles at the princely name Of Aliftair, the great M'Leod, Who nobly doth our homage claim ! Thus cried a bold and forward crew. Faffing rocky Eigg's rude coafl 3 The fails are flapping in the wind. And on the waves the boat is tofl"d. A broken galley beats the furge. And human cries diflurb the fcene : Maffacre of Eigg. 55 "Methinks/' the watchful helmfman fpake, " Famihar, fure, that voice did feem. '*^ Familiar, yes ! " they lower'd the fails. The weather-beaten boatmen row'd : And to that galley chain d they found Three followers of the flern M*Leod. " M*Leod ! that infult on our name ! Revenge ! revenge ! " the failors cry : " The authors of this bloody work By fome ignoble death ihall die. " But whence the caufe ?" the boatman alks- " What forced the cowards to this deed ? How fweet is vengeance on a foe ! We love to fee our foemen bleed." Lies form'd but to conceal the truth. The fierce, inhuman captives framed 5 The horrors of the pi6lure, fure. Are too degrading to be named ! The captives inllant refuge found : " Our valiant chief ihall learn this tale," 56 Majfacre of Eigg, Was echo'd by the incenfed crew That for Dunvegan's tower fet fail. Clanranald's Ifles they quickly clear. And the bleak weftern lliore of Skye ; And, paffing through the Tollart's fwell. The ancient Daniih tower draws nigh. Dunvegan's huge romantic pile. The work of Scandinavian hands. Was rear'd when Eric braved the world. And fought the Pict and Saxon bands. Here Ihone in arms the brave M'Leod, Attended by his faithful bard Whofe fongs in honour of the clan So oft its warlike members heard. Full oft the piper's martial notes Ring in the patriarchal hall -, The fquire and gillie here attend. And lift the mountain chieftain's call. Unmatched for hofpitality Is he, fprung from great Rory More 5 Majfacre of Eigg. 57 Now round he hands the mighty cup That Somerled had quafF'd of yore. The captives drown the notes of joy. How melancholy their complaint ! The lifl'ning father of the clan Thus gave his growing paffion vent : '' Go, flaughter now the mountain goat. And burn the crofs of hazel-wood Extinguifli then the rifing flame. In the vi6tim's reeking blood. *' Send forth this fignal of alarm. To roufe the warlike men of Skye -, For by the fword of Hern M^Leod Clanranald's favage tribe fhall die !" An hundred hardy Celts appear' d Dunvegan's ample front before ; Rejoiced each plaided warrior, Brandifhing his dark claymore. " Go, man the boats," the chieftain faid, " And I the noble pomp fhall fwell {' 58 Majfacre of Eigg. Ten monftrous galleys cut the tide. And for Eigg s fated ifland fail. Fated, alas ! the Iflefmen learn The approach of their terrific foe " O how fliall we tliis force refift ? Unaided, how repel the blow ? " Our daughters ravifh'd in our fight By tliis fierce avenging race 3 'Twas ours, alas ! to witnefs, too. Augmented fcenes of deep difgrace. " O let us to the cavern fly. And there evade fi:ern Creloch's wrath, For fure that haughty Gael has fix'd On fome unwelcome game of death." The counfell'd natives fwiftly rulh'd Unto the vaft, the ample cave 3 Another rough and hollow' d rock Three aged warriors refuge gave. M*Leod arrived : defcending fnows Mantled Scoor Rigg's lofty brow Majfacre of Eigg. 5p Increafed the fury of that chief. In abfence of his timid foe. Thrice paced his men the unhappy Ille The muddy huts afcend in flames 3 The work of plunder is complete. But llaughter Hill the chieftain aims. Two days he fearch'd for Francis Cave Two days he fearch'd, but all in vain ! Prepared the morning of the third To feek Dunvegan's tower again. Uneafy in the dreary den The iflanders fent forth a fpy. And from a galley's deck his form Caught a fharp feaman's glancing eye. Fruitlefs tlie attempts M 'Donald made. His treach'rous footprints to conceal. Ah, fatal ! for the trodden fnow Doth the vail cavern's front reveal. Rejoiced M'Leod : at the den's mouth He alk'd the dallards who had chain d 6o JVlaJfacre of Eigg. And fent his followers to the fea, If fuch within its bounds remain'd ? Proud of their hold, the anfwer " No" Was fyllabled by every tongue " We are the injured," from the cave, Loud as McDonald s war cry rung. Glowing with hate the chieftain fpoke " Divert the filvery ftream which flows ^Y the cave's moutli, that I may lave On this proud race relentlefs woes." 'Tis done : bared is the heathery I lie Of heath to minifter revenge Choked the den's mouth now lit the fire, And fmoke doth tlirough the cavern range. Still burns the proud avenger's fire The Iflefmen's dying agonies High flowing pleafure did afford To their attefled enemies. Alas ! that hiflory fhould record This fhocking, darTc, barbarian tale That fuch atrocity fhould lower Our eflimation of the Gael ! i^