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 presented to the 
 
 UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
 SAN DIEGO 
 
 by 
 
 'AM 

 
 p./? 

 
 ^iW UaJiJL^ ScoVC
 
 TO THE MOST NOBLE 
 JOHN JAMES 
 
 MARQUIS OF ABERCORN. 
 
 ETC. ETC. ETC. 
 
 THIS POEM IS INSCRIBED 
 
 BY 
 
 THE AUTHOR.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Introduction 7 
 
 The Lady of the Lake. 
 
 canto i. the chase 2 1 
 
 II. THE ISLAND 6o 
 
 III. THE GATHERING I04 
 
 IV. THE PROPHECY 1 4^ 
 
 V. THE COMBAT lS8 
 
 vi. the guard-room 235 
 
 Appendix ^79
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 TO 
 
 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 Edition 1830. 
 
 After the success of " Marmion," I felt inclined to 
 exclaim with Ulysses in the " Odyssey " — 
 
 Oiiog /iih' dr) nedXog d&uTog iKieieleajat,- 
 Nvf (xui£ anonui' fxllov. Odys. X 5> 6. 
 
 "One venturous game my hand has won to-day — 
 Another, gallants, yet remains to play." 
 
 The ancient manners, the habits and costumes of the 
 aboriginal race by whom the Highlands of Scotland 
 were inhabited, had always appeared to me peculiarly 
 adapted to poetry. The change in their manners, too, 
 had taken place almost within my own time, or at least 
 I had learned many particulars concerning the ancient 
 state of the Highlands from the old men of the last 
 generation. I had always thought the old Scottish 
 Gael highly adapted for poetical composition. The 
 feuds and political dissensions, which half a century 
 earlier would have rendered the richer and wealthier 
 part of the kingdom indisposed to countenance a poem, 
 the scene of which was laid in the Highlands, were now 
 sunk in the generous compassion which the English, 
 more than any other nation, feel for the misfortunes of
 
 INTRODUCTIOX. 
 
 an honorable foe. The Poems of Ossian had, by their 
 popularity, sufficiently shown that if writings on High- 
 land subjects were qualified to interest the reader, mere 
 national prejudices were in the present day very unlikely 
 to interfere with their success. 
 
 I had also read a great deal, seen much, and heard 
 more of that romantic country, where I was in the habit 
 of spending some time every autumn ; and the scenery 
 of Loch Katrine was connected with the recollection of 
 many a dear friend and merry expedition of former days. 
 This poem, the action of which lay among scenes so 
 beautiful, and so deeply imprinted on my recollection, 
 was a labor of love ; and it was no less so to recall the 
 manners aiul incidents introduced. The frequent cus- 
 tom of James IV., and particularly of James V., to walk 
 through their kingdom in disguise, afforded me the hint 
 of an incident, which never fails to l)e interesting if 
 managed with the slightest address or dexterity. 
 
 I may ikav confess, however, that the employment, 
 though attended with great pleasure, was not without 
 its doubts and anxieties. A lady, to whom I was nearly 
 related, and with wliom I lived, during her whole life, 
 on the most brotherly terms of affection, was residing 
 with me at the time when the work was in ])rogress, and 
 used to ask me what I could possibly do to rise so early 
 in the morning (that hapjiening to be the most conve- 
 nient time to me for composition). At last I told her 
 the subject of my meditations ; and I can never forget 
 the anxiety and affection expressed in her rei)Iy. " I Jo
 
 IN TROD UCnON. 
 
 not be so rash," she said, "my dearest cousin.* You 
 are already popular — more so, perhaps, than you yourself 
 will believe, or than even I, or other partial friends, can 
 fairly allow to your merit. You stand high — do not 
 rashly attempt to climb higher, and incur the risk of a 
 fall ; for, depend upon it, a favorite will not be permitted 
 even to stumble with impunity." I replied to this 
 affectionate expostulation in the words of Montrose — 
 
 "He either fears his fate too much, 
 Or his deserts are small, 
 Who dares not put it to the touch 
 To gain or lose it all." 
 
 " If I fail," I said, for the dialogue- is strong in my 
 recollection, " it is a sign that I ought never to have 
 succeeded, and I will write prose for life : you shall see 
 no change in my temper, nor will I eat a single meal the 
 worse. But if I succeed, — 
 
 " Up with the bonnie blue bonnet, 
 
 The dirk, and the feather, and a' ! " 
 
 Afterwards I showed my affectionate and anxious 
 critic the first canto of the poem, which reconciled her 
 to my imprudence. Nevertheless, although I answered 
 thus confidently, with the obstinacy often said to be 
 
 *The lady with whom Sir Walter Scott held this conversation, 
 was, no doubt, his aunt, Miss Christian Rutherford; there was no 
 other female relation dead when this Introduction was written, whom 
 I can suppose him to have consulted on literary questions. Lady 
 Capulet, on seeing the corpse of Tybalt, exclaims — 
 
 " Tybalt, my cousin ! oh my brother's cliild ! " — Ep.
 
 I O I A TROD UCTION. 
 
 proper to tliosc who bear my surname, I acknowlcdj^c 
 that my confidence was considerably shaken by the 
 warning of her excellent taste and unbiassed friendship. 
 Nor was I much comforted by her retractation of the 
 unfavorable judgment, when I recollected how likely a 
 natural partiality was to effect that change of opinion. 
 In such cases, affection rises like a light on the canvas, 
 improves any favorable tints which it formerly exhibited, 
 and throws its defects into the shade. 
 
 I remember that about the same time a friend started 
 in to " heeze up my hope," like the "sportsman with 
 his cutty-gun," in the old song. He was bred a farmer, 
 but a man of powerful understanding, natural good taste, 
 and warm poetical feeling, perfectly comjietent to sup- 
 ply the wants of an imi)erfect or irregular education, 
 lie was a passionate admirer of field-sj)orts, which wc 
 often pursued together. 
 
 As this friend hajipencd to dine with meat Ashcsteil 
 onv (lav, I took the opportunity of reading to him the 
 first canto of "The Lady of the Lake," in order to ascer- 
 tain the effect the poem was likely to jiroduce upon a 
 person who was but loo favorable a rejiresentative of 
 readers at large. It is, of course, to be supposed, that I 
 determined rather to guide my o])inion by what my 
 friend might appear to feel than by what he might think 
 fit to say. His rece]->tion of my recitation, or prelection, 
 was rather singular. 1 Ir placed his hand across his 
 brow, and listened witli great attention through the 
 whole account of the stag-hunt, till the dogs threw them-
 
 INTRODUCTION. 1 1 
 
 selves into the lake to follow their master, who embarks 
 with Ellen Douglas. He then started up with a sudden 
 exclamation, struck his hand on the table, and declared, 
 in a voice of censure calculated for the occasion, that 
 the dogs must have been totally ruined by being per- 
 mitted to take the water after such a severe chase. I 
 own I was much encouraged by the species of reverie 
 which had possessed so zealous a follower of the sports 
 of the ancient Nimrod, who had been completely sur- 
 prised out of all doubts of the reality of the tale. An- 
 other of his remarks gave me less pleasure. He detected 
 the identity of the King with the wandering knight, 
 Fitz-James, when he winds his bugle to summon his 
 attendants. He was probably thinking of the lively, but 
 somewhat licentious, old ballad, in which the denouement 
 of a royal intrigue takes place as follows: — 
 
 " He took a bugle frae his side, 
 He blew both loud and shrill, 
 Aiid four-and-twenty belted knights 
 Came skipping ower the hill ; 
 Then he took out a little knife, 
 Let a' his duddies fa', 
 And he was the brawest gentleman 
 That was amang them a'. 
 
 And we'll go no more a-roving," (S:c. 
 
 This discovery, as Mr. Pepys says of the rent in his 
 camlet cloak, was but a trifle, yet it troubled me ; and I 
 was at a good deal of pains to efface any marks by which 
 I thought my secret could be traced before the conclu- 
 sion, when I relied on it with the same hope of produc-
 
 12 IXTRODUCTIO.W 
 
 ing effect, with which tlie Irish post-boy is said to 
 reserve a "trot for the avenue." 
 
 I took uncommon pains to verify the accuracy of the 
 local circumstances of this story. I recollect, in particu- 
 lar, that to ascertain whether I was tellini;- a probable 
 tale, I went into Perthshire, to see whether King James 
 could actually have ridden from the banks of Loch Ven- 
 nachar to Stirling Castle within the time supposed in 
 the Poem, and had the pleasure to satisfy myself that it 
 was quite practicable. 
 
 After a considerable delay, "The Lady of the Lake" 
 appeared in June, 1810 ; and its success was certainly so 
 extraordinary as to induce me for the moment to con- 
 clude that I had at last fixed a nail in the proverbially 
 inconstant wheel of 1^'ortune, whose stability in behalf 
 of an individual wlio had so boldly courted hcrfaxorfor 
 three successive times had not as yet been shaken. I 
 had attained, perhaps, that degree of public reputation 
 at which |)rudence, or certainly timidit)', wouM have 
 made a halt, and discontinued efforts by which I was far 
 more likely to diminish my fame tlian to increase it. 
 liut as the celebrated Jolm Wilkes is said to have ex- 
 plained to his late Majesty, that he himself, amid his full 
 tide of pojnilarity, was never a Wilkite, so I can, with 
 honest truth, exculpate myself from having been at any 
 time a {partisan of my own poetry, even when it was in 
 the highest fashion with the million. It must not be 
 supposed, that I was either so ungrateful, or so super- 
 abundantly candid, as to despi.se or scorn the \alue of
 
 INTRODUCTION. 1 3 
 
 those whose voice had elevated me so much higher than 
 my own opinion told me I deserved. I felt, on the con- 
 trary, the more grateful to the public, as receiving that 
 from partiality to me, which I could not have claimed 
 from merit ; and I endeavored to deserve the partiality, 
 by continuing such exertions as I was capable of for 
 their 2C usement. 
 
 ^ may be that I did not, in this continued course of 
 scribbling, consult either the interest of the public or 
 my own. But the former had effectual means of 
 defending themselves, and could, by their coldness, 
 sufficiently check any approach to intrusion ; and for 
 myself, I had now for several years dedicated my hours 
 so much to literary labor, that I should have felt diffi- 
 culty in employing myself otherwise ; and so, like Dog- 
 berry, I generously bestowed all my tediousness on the 
 public, comforting myself with the reflection, that if 
 posterity should think me undeserving of the favor with 
 which I was regarded by my contemporaries, "they 
 could but say I Jiad "Ocio. crown," and had enjoyed for a 
 time that popularity which is so much coveted. 
 
 I conceived, however, that I held the distinguished 
 situation I had obtained, however unworthily, rather like 
 the champion of pugilism,* on the condition of being 
 always ready to show proofs of my skill, than in the 
 
 *"In twice five years the 'greatest living poet,' 
 Like to the champion in the fisty ring, 
 Is called on to support his claim, or show it, 
 Although 'tis an imaginary thing," etc. 
 
 Doji Juan, canto .xi. st. 55.
 
 14 /.\/A\)JWTr/Lh\'. 
 
 manner ol the cliani|)ton of chivalry, who porfonns his 
 tiutics only on raic ami solemn occasions. I was in any 
 case conscious that I could not lon^c hold a situation 
 which the caprice, rather than the judi;ment, of the 
 public, had bestowed upon me, and preferred bein^ 
 deprived of my i^recedence by some more worthy ri\al, 
 to sinkiuLj into contempt for my indolence, and losing 
 my reputation 1)\' what Scottish lawyers call the ;/ri,'v/- 
 iivc pirscription. Accordingly, those who choose to 
 look at the Introduction to Rokeby, in the present 
 edition, will be able to trace the steps by which I decline 
 as a poet to figure as a novelist ; as the ballad says, 
 Queen lileanor sunk at ChariuLC-Cross to rise again at 
 Oueenhithe. 
 
 It only remains for me to say, that, during my short 
 pre-eminence (jf ])oj)ularity, I faithfully f)bserved the 
 rules of moderation which I had resoUed to follow 
 before I began my course as a man of letters. If a man 
 is determined to make a noise in the world, he is as sure 
 to encounter abuse and ridicule, as he who gallo])s 
 furiously through a village must reckon on being followed 
 jjy the curs in full cry. I-'xperienced persons know, that 
 in stretching to flog the latter, the rider is very apt to 
 catch a bad fall ; nor is an attempt to chastise a malignant 
 critic attendetl with less danger to the author. On this 
 principle, I let parody, burlescpie, and squibs find their 
 own level ; and while the latter hissed most fiercely, I 
 was cautious never to catch them up, as sclu)ol-boys do, 
 to throw them back against the naughty boy who fired
 
 INTRODUCTION. 1 5 
 
 them off, wisely remembering that they are, in such 
 cases, apt to explode in the handling. Let me add, that 
 my reign* (since Byron has so called it) was marked by 
 some instances of good-nature as well as patience. I 
 never refused a literary person of merit such services in 
 smoothing his way to the public as were in my power ; 
 and I had the advantage, rather an uncommon one with 
 our irritable race, to enjoy general favor, without incur- 
 ring permanent ill-will, so far as is known to me, among 
 
 any of my contemporaries. 
 
 W. S. 
 
 Abbotsb'ord, April (1830). 
 
 *"Sir Walter reign'd before," etc. 
 
 Don Jiia/i, canto xi. st. 57,
 
 THE 
 
 LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 A POEM 
 IN SIX CANTOS.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Scene of the following Poem is laid chiefly in 
 the vicinity of Loch Katrine, in the Western Highlands 
 of Perthshire. The time of action includes six days, 
 and the transactions of each day occupy a Canto.* 
 
 * " Never, we think, has the analogy between poetry and painting 
 been more strikingly exemplified than in the writings of Mr. Scott. 
 lie sees everything with a painter's eye. Whatever he represents has 
 a character of individuality, and is drawn with an accuracy and minute- 
 ness of discrimination which we are not accustomed to expect from 
 verbal description. Much of this, no doubt, is the result of genius ; 
 for there is a quick and comprehensive power of discernment, an inten- 
 sity and keenness of observation, an almost intuitive glance which 
 nature alone can give, and by means of which her favorites are enabled 
 to discover characteristic differences where the eye of dulness sees 
 nothing but uniformity ; but something also must be referred to disci- 
 pline and exercise. The liveliest fancy can only call forth those images 
 which are already stored uj) in the memory ; and all that invention can 
 do is to unite these into new combinations, which must appear confused 
 and ill-defined, if the impressions originally received by the senses were 
 deficient in strength and distinctness. It is because Mr. Scott usually 
 delineates those objects with which he is perfectly familiar that his 
 touch is so easy, correct, and animated. The rocks, the ravines, and 
 the torrents, which he exhibits, are not the imj^erfect sketches of a 
 hurried traveller, but the finished studies of a resident artist, deliber- 
 ately drawn from different points of view; each has its true shape 
 and position; it is a portrait; it has its name by which the spectator 
 is invited to examine the exactness of the resemblance. The figures 
 which are combined with the landscape are painted with the same 
 fidelity. Like those of Salvator Rosa, they are perfectly appropriate 
 to the spot on which they stand. The boldness of feature, the light- 
 ness and compactness of form, the wildncss of air, and the careless
 
 ?0 ARGUMIXT. 
 
 t-asf of attiludc of tlicsc momilaint-Li s, arc as roi)_t;ciiial to tlicir native 
 llighlaiuls as tlic biicli ami llic pine wliich darken their gkiis, tlic sedge 
 which fringes their lakes, or the heath which waves over their moors." 
 — Quarterly A\-7'hio, May, iSlo. 
 
 " It is honorable to Mr. Scott's genius that he has been able to inter- 
 est the jjublic so deeply with this third presentment of the same chiv- 
 alrous scenes; but we cannot helj) thinking that both liis glorv and our 
 gratification would have been greater if he had chaiigcil liis hand moic 
 coni])lctely, and actually given us a true Celtic story, with all its drapery 
 and accompaniments in a corresponding style of decoration. Such a 
 subject, we arc jjcrsuadcd, has very great capabilities, and only wants to 
 be introduced to jjublic notice by such a hand as Mr. Scott's to make a 
 still more powerful impression than he has already effected 1)y the 
 resurrection of the tales of romance. There are few i)ersons, we believe, 
 of any degree of jjoetical susceptibility, who have wandered among the 
 secluded valleys of the Highlands, and contemplated the singular peo 
 ple by whom they are still tenanted — with their love of music and of 
 song — their hardy and irregular life, so unlike the unvarying toils of 
 the Sa.xon mechanic — their devotion to their chiefs — their wild and 
 lofty traditions — their national enthusiasm — the melancholy grandeur 
 of the scenes they inhabit — and the multiplied superstitions which still 
 linger among them — without feeling that there is no existing people so 
 well ada])ted for the purjioses of poetry, or so capabh- of furnishing the 
 occasions of new and striking inventions. 
 
 " We are persuaded that if Mr. Scott's powerful and creative genius 
 were to be turned in good earnest to such a subject, something might lie 
 l)r<iduce(l still more impressive and original than even this age has yet 
 witnessed." — Jkikki-.v, /u/i>il'iiri;fi AW/t-io, No. xvi., for 1810.
 
 THE 
 
 LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 CANTO FIRST. 
 
 THE CHASE. 
 
 Harp of the North ! that mouldering long hast hung 
 
 On the witch-elm that shades Saint Fillan's spring. 
 And down the fitful breeze thy numbers flung,' 
 
 Till envious ivy did around thee cling, 
 Muffling with verdant ringlet every string, — 
 
 O 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, 
 
 Was thy voice mute amid the festal crowd, 
 
 When lay of hojDcless love, or glory won. 
 Aroused the fearful, or subdued the proud. 
 
 A t each according pause, was heard aloud ^ 
 
 ' MS- : "And o// the litful breeze thj numbers flung, 
 Till envious ivv, with lier verdant ring, 
 Mantled and muffled each melodious string, — ■ 
 OU7z'ir(/ Harp, still must thine accents sleep?" 
 
 * MS. : " At each according pause thou spokest aloud 
 Thine ardent sympathy."
 
 TJfK LADY OF 77/ /f LAKE. ICanto l 
 
 Tliiiie ardent symphony sublime and high ! 
 Fair dames and crested chiefs attention bow'd 
 
 r^or still the burden of thy minstrelsy 
 Was Knighthood's dauntless deed, and Beauty's match 
 less eye. 
 
 O wake once more ! how rude soe'er the hand 
 
 That ventures o'er thy magic maze to stray ; 
 O wake once more ! though scarce my skill command 
 
 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 tlii'ob higher at its sway, 
 
 The wizard note has not been touch'd in vain. 
 Then silent be no more ! I'^nchantress, wake again ! 
 
 T. 
 
 The stag at eve had drunk liis fill. 
 Where danced the moon on INIonan's rill, 
 y^nd deep his mi(hiight lair had made 
 In lone Cilenartney's hazel shade; 
 liut, wjien the sun his beacon red 
 Had kindletl on Ikiivoirlich's head, 
 The (leei)-moulh'd bloodhound's heavy bay 
 Resounded up the rocky way,' 
 
 ' MS. : "The Moudhoiiml's iiolc^ nf !i('a\_v bass, 
 Kcsoiiiulcii hoarsely up llie pass."
 
 Canto I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 23 
 
 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 antler'd monarch of the waste 
 
 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, 
 
 Toss'd his beam'd frontlet to the sky; 
 
 A moment gazed adown the dale, 
 
 A moment snuff'd the tainted gale, 
 
 A moment listen'd to the cry, 
 
 That thicken'd as the chase drew nigh; 
 
 Then, as the headmost foes appear' d, 
 
 With one brave bound the copse he clear'd, 
 
 And, stretching forward free and far, 
 
 Sought the wild heaths of Uam-Var.' 
 
 ' Ua-var, as the name is pronounced, or more properly Uaii^k' 
 mot% is a mountain to the northeast of the village of Callender 
 irj Menteith, deriving its name, which signifies 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 latter 
 times it was the refuge of robbers and banditti, who have been only 
 extirpated within these forty or fifty j-ears. 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. It may have been originally designed as a toil for deer, 
 who might get in from the outside, but would find it difficult to 
 return. This opinion nrcvails among the old sportsmen and deei^ 
 stalkers in tlie neighborhood.
 
 THE L.U))' OF THE LAKE. fCANTo \ 
 
 III. 
 
 Ycll'd on the view the openinj^ pack ; 
 Rock, glen, and cavern, paid them back ; 
 To many a mingled sound at once 
 The awaken'd mountain gave response, 
 A hundred dogs bay'd deep and strong, 
 Clattcr'd a hundred steeds along, 
 Their peal the merry horns rung out, 
 A hundred voices join'd 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 cowerM 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 
 Return'd from cavern, cliff, and linn, 
 And silence settled, wide and still, 
 On the lone wood and mighty hUl. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Less loud the sounds of sylvan war 
 Disturb'd the heights of Uam-Var, 
 
 ' ncnvoirlich, a mountain romproliondid in tin: clii-.tt-r of 
 Ihi,' Grampians, at tlu- li.ad of the valli-v of liic C;anv. a river wliirh 
 sprin-jsfrom its base. It risi-s loan ili-v.ilion oniini- tlimisaiul tlireo 
 iuindrcd and thirty Icct abuvc the level of the sea.
 
 Canto I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 25 
 
 And roused the cavern, where, 'tis told, 
 A giant made his den of old ; 
 For ere that steep ascent was won, 
 High in his pathway hung the sun, 
 And many a gallant, stayed perforce, 
 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. 
 
 V. 
 
 The noble stag was pausing now. 
 Upon the mountain's southern brow. 
 Where broad extended, far beneath, 
 The varied realms of fair Menteith, 
 With anxious eye he wander'd o'er 
 Mountain and meadow, moss and moor. 
 And ponder' d refuge from his toil, 
 By far Lochard ' or Aberfoyle. 
 
 ' "About a mile to the westward of the inn of Aberfoj'Ie, 
 Lochard opens to the view. A few hundred yards to the east of it, 
 the Avendow, which had just issued from tlie lake, tumbles its 
 waters over a rugged precipice of more than thirty feet in height, 
 •forming, in the rainy season, several very magnificent cataracts. 
 
 "The first opening of the lower lake, from the east, is uncom- 
 nonly picturesque. Directing the eye nearly westward, Benlomond 
 raises its pyramidal mass in the background. In nearer prospect, 
 you have gentle eminences, covered with oak and birch to the very 
 summit; the bare rock sometimes peeping through amongst the 
 clumps. Immediately under the eye. tlie lower lake, stretching out 
 from narrow beginnings to a breadth of about half a mile, is seen in
 
 26 THE LAD)' ('/•" J'JIi: I..\Ki:. [cant.. I, 
 
 But nearer was tlie copscwood gray, 
 That waved and wept on Loch- Aeh ray, 
 And mingled with the pine-trees blue 
 (^n the bokl cliffs of 15envenue. 
 Fresh vigor with the hope return'd,' 
 With flying foot the heath he spurn'd, 
 
 full prospect. Un the rii^lit, the banks are skirted with extensive oak 
 woods, which cover the mountain more tlian half way up. 
 
 "Advancing to the westward, the view of the lake is lost for ahout 
 a mile. The upper lake, which is by far the most extensive, is sepa- 
 rated from the lower by a stream of about two hundred yards in length. 
 The most advantageous view of the upper lake presents itself from 
 a rising ground near its lower e.xtrennty, where a footpath strikes off 
 to the south, in the wood that overhangs this connecting stream. 
 Looking westward, Kenlomond is seen in the background, rising, at 
 the distance of six miles, in the form of a regular cone, its sides jire- 
 senting a gentle slope to the northwest and southeast. On tlie right is 
 the lofty momitain of IJenoghric, running west towards the deep vale 
 in which I.ochon lies concealed from the eye. In the foreground, 
 I.ochard stretches out to the west in fairest prospect; its length three 
 miles, and its breadth a mile and a half. On the right it is skirted with 
 woods ; the northern and western extremity of the lake is diversified 
 with meadows, and cornfields, and farm-houses. On the left, few marks 
 of cultivation are to be seen. 
 
 " Farther on, the traveller passes along the verge of tlie lake under 
 a ledge of rock, from thirty to fifty feet high ; and, standing immedi- 
 ately under this rock, towards its western extremity, he has a double 
 echo of uncommon distinctness. Upon i)ron'ouncing, with a firm voice, 
 a line of ten syllables, it is returned, first from the opposite side of the 
 lake; and when that is finislicd, it is repeated with c(|ual distinctness 
 from the wood on the cast. The day must be perfectly calm, and the 
 lake as smooth as glass, for otherwise no hinnan voice can be returned 
 from a distance «)f at least a quarter of a mile." — CiKAIIAM's Sketches 
 of Pert/is/iire, 2d edit. ji. 1S2, etc. 
 
 ' M.S. : " Fresh vigor with the t'it'iit;/il ntnin'd. 
 With living //<>./ the healh h< <-i.Mi!rd."
 
 Canto I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 27 
 
 Held westward with unwearied race, 
 And left behind the panting chase. 
 
 VI. 
 
 'Twcre long to tell what steeds gave o'er, 
 As swept the hunt through Cambus-more ; ^ 
 What reins were tighten'd in despair, 
 When rose Benledi's ridge in air ; 
 Who flagged upon Bochastle's heath, 
 Who shunn'd 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. 
 That reached the lake of Vennachar;* 
 And when the Brigg of Turk was won,^ 
 The headmost horseman rode alone. 
 
 1 Catiiluis-inore, within about two miles of Callender, on the wooded 
 banks of the Keltic, a tributary of the Teith, is the seat of a family 
 of the name of Buchanan, whom the poet frequently visited in his 
 younger days. 
 
 - Benledi is a magnificent mountain, three thousand and nine feet 
 in height, which bounds the horizon on the northwest from Callender. 
 The name, according to Celtic etymologists, signifies the jMoimlain 
 of God. 
 
 2 Two mountain streams — the one flowing from I.och Voil, by the 
 pass of Leny; the other from Loch-Katrine, by I.och Achray and 
 Loch Vennachar, unite at Callender: and the river thus formed thence- 
 forth takes the name of Teith. ■ Hence the designation of the territory 
 of Menteith. 
 
 •* " Loch Vennachar, a beautiful expanse of water, of about five miles 
 in length, by a mile and a half in breadth." — Graham. 
 
 5"Al50ut a mile above Loch Vennachar, the approach (from the 
 east), to the Bri^',i,' or Bn't/Qg of Turk (the scene of the death of a wild- 
 boar famous in Celtic tradition), leads to the summit of an eminence,
 
 28 Tin-: i.ADv OF Tin: lake. [canto i. 
 
 vir. 
 
 Alone, but with unbatcd zeal, 
 That ht)rscman i)liccl the se()ur<,^e aiul steel; 
 I-'oi" jaded now, and spent with toil, 
 I'Lniboss'd with foam, antl dark with soil, 
 While every gasp with sobs he drew, 
 The laboring; stagstrain'd full in view. 
 Two dogs of black Saint Hubert's breed, 
 Unniatch'd for courage, breath, and speed,' 
 
 eminence, where tlicre hurst'' upon the lr:ivcllor"s eve a sudden and 
 wide prospect of the wiiuiiiit^s of tlie ri\er tliat issues from Locli 
 Aiiiray, witii that sweet hike itself in front; tiie-.i(entiv rollirm river 
 pursues its serpentine course throuj^h an extensive meadow; at the 
 west end of the lake on the side of Al)erfov!e is situated the deiii^ht- 
 ful farm of Acliray, the level Jiehi, a denomination justly due to it, 
 when considered in contrast with the rugged rocks and mountains 
 which surround it. From this eminence are to he seen also, on the 
 right hand, the entrance to Glenfinlas, and in the ilistance Hen- 
 venue." — (JK.MIA.M. 
 
 ' "The houniis which we call Saint lluhert's hounds are com- 
 monly all biacke. yet, neuertheless, the race is so mingled at these 
 days, that we find them of all colours. These are the hounds which 
 the abbots of St. Hubert haue always kept some of their race or kind 
 in honour or remembrance of the saint, which was ;i hunter with 
 S. Eustace. Whrreujion we may conceiue that (by the grace f)f (iod) 
 all good huntsmen shall follow them into paraiiise. To return vnto 
 mv former purpovf. this kinil of dogges hath bene dispersed through 
 the counties of llinault. Loryne. Flanders, and Rurgoyne. They 
 are mightv of body, neuertheless (heir legges are low and short, 
 likewise thev are not swift, although they be very good of sent, 
 hunting chaccs which are farrc straggled, fearing neither water nor 
 rr.ld. ;ind doe more coiiet the chaccs that sim-ll. as foxes, bore, and 
 such like, than other, becausi- tln-y find themselves neither of swifl- 
 ncsK nor rnurage to hunt ami kill the cIkucs thai are lighter and 
 swifter, 'ihe bloodhounds <if this c<ilour pioue good, especially'
 
 Canto I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 20 
 
 Fast on his flying traces came, 
 
 And all but won that desperate game ; 
 
 For, scarce a spear's length from his haunch 
 
 Vindictive toil'd the bloodhounds stanch ; 
 
 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. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 The Hunter mark'd that mountain high. 
 The lone lake's western boundary, 
 And deem'd the stag must turn to bay, 
 Where that huge rampart barr'd the way ; 
 Already glorying in the prize. 
 Measured his antlers with his eyes ; 
 For the death-wound and death-halloo, 
 Muster'd his breath, his whinyard drew; — ' 
 
 those that are cole blacke, but I made no great account to breed on 
 them, or to keepe the kind, and yet I found a book which a hunter 
 did dedicate to a prince of Lorayne, which seemed to !oue Inmting 
 much, wherein was a blason which the same hunter gaue to his 
 bloodhound, called Souyllard, which was white: — 
 
 " My name came first fmm holy Hubert's race, 
 Souyllard my sire, a hound of sm2:ular grace." 
 
 Whereupon we may presume that some of the kind proue white 
 sometimes, but they are not of the kind of the Greffiers or Bouxes, 
 which we haue at these davs." — The noble art of Veuerie or Htint- 
 f'liff, tnaislated and collected for the Use of all N'obiemen and 
 Gentlemen. Lond. 1611, 4to, p. 15. 
 
 ' When the stag turned to bay, the ancient hunter had the 
 perilous task of going in upon and killing or disabling the desperate
 
 Till: L.\n\ Ol- THE LAKE. [Canto 1. 
 
 Ikit tluiiulcriuL; as became prcparctl, 
 With ready arm aiul weapon baretl, 
 The wily quarry shunn'd the shock, 
 And turn'd him from the opposing- rock ; 
 Then, dashin<; down a darksome <;len, 
 Soon lost to hound and hunter's ken, 
 
 animal. At certain times of tlie year tliis was licld particularly 
 daniierous, a wouiui received from a stag's horn beini;: then deemed 
 poisonous, and more dangerous than one from the tusk of a hoar, as 
 the old rhyme testifies : — 
 
 " If tliou be liiirt with liart, it brin^js thoc to thy bier, 
 Hut barber's hand will boar's hurt heal, therefore thou necd'st not fiar." 
 
 At all times, liowever, the task was dangerous, and to he adventured 
 upon wisely and warily, either by getting behind the stag wliile he 
 was gazing on the hounds, or by watelung an opportunity to gallop 
 roundly in upon him, and kill him with the sword. See many direc- 
 tions to this purpose in the Bookc of Hunting, chap. 41. Wilson, 
 the liistorian, has recorded a most providential escape which befell 
 him in this iuizardous sport, while a youth and fcjlWnver of tiie Karl 
 of l^s^ex. 
 
 " Sir I'eter Lee. of Lime, in Cheshire, inviteti my lord one smn- 
 mcr to hunt the stagg. .\nd having a great stagg in chase, and many 
 gentlemen in the pursuit, the stagg took soyle. And divers, whereof 
 1 was one, alighted, and stood with swords drawne, to have a cut at 
 him, at iiis coming out of the water. The staggs there being 
 wonderful Iv fierce and dangerous, made us youths more eager to be 
 at him. IJut he escaped us all. And it was my misfortune to be 
 hindered of my coming nere him. the way being sliperie, by a falle; 
 which gave occa-ion to some, who did not know mee, to speak as if 
 I had falne for feare. Which being told mee, I left the stagg. and 
 followed the gentleman who [first] spake it. l?ut I found him of 
 that cold temper, that it seems his words made an escape from him; 
 as bv his denial and repentance it appeareii. I'.ut this made mee 
 more violent in the pursuit of the stagg. to recover my reputation. 
 And I happeni'd to be the only horseman in, when the tiogs sett him 
 up at bay. and approaching near him on horsebacke, he broke 
 through the dogs, and run at mee, and tore my horse's side wit\i his
 
 Canto I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 3 1 
 
 111 the deep Trosachs' ' wildest nook 
 
 His solitary refuge took. 
 
 There, while close coiich'd, the thicket shed 
 
 Cold dews and wild-flowers on his head, 
 
 He heard the baffled dogs in vain 
 
 Rave through the hollow pass amain, 
 
 Chiding the rocks that yell'd 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. 
 The impatient rider strove in vain 
 To rouse him with the spur and rein, 
 For the good steed, his labors o'er^ 
 Stretch'd his stiff limbs, to rise no more ; 
 Then, touch'd with pity and remorse, 
 He sorrow'd o'er the expiring horse. 
 " I little thought, when first thy rein 
 I slack'd upon the banks of Seine, 
 That Highland eagle e'er should feed 
 On tny fleet limbs, my matchless steed ! 
 
 homes close by my thigh. Then I quitted my horse, and grew more 
 cunning (for the dogs had sette him up again), stealing behind him 
 with my sword, and cut his hamstrings ; and then got upon his back, 
 and cut his throate : which, as I was doing, the company came in, 
 and blamed my rashness for running such a hazard." — Peck's 
 Desiderata Cuj-iosa, ii. 464. 
 
 ' "The term Trosachs signifies the rough or bristled territory.'' 
 — Graham.
 
 32 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto L 
 
 Woe worth the ehase, woe worth the ilay, 
 That costs tliy life, my j^allant j,ray ! " 
 
 X. 
 
 Then throii<;h the dell his horn resounds, 
 From vain ]nirsuit to call the hounds. 
 Back limp'd, with slow and crippled pace, 
 The sulky leaders of the chase ; 
 Close to their master's side they prcss'd, 
 With drooping^ tail, and humbled crest ; 
 But still the din<;le's hollow throat 
 Prolong'd the swelling bugle-note. 
 The owlets started from their dream, 
 The eagles answerVl with tluir scream, 
 Round and around the sounds were cast, 
 Till echo seem'd an answering blast ; 
 And on the Hunter hied his way,' 
 To join some comrades of the day ; 
 Yet often paused, so strange the road. 
 So wondrous were the scenes it show'd. 
 
 XI. 
 The western waves of ebbing day 
 Roll'd o'er the glen their level way; 
 l^ach inujile jK-ak, each flinty spire. 
 Was bathed in floods of living fire, 
 l^ut not a setting beam could glow 
 Within the dark ravines below, 
 
 ' MS. ■ " Ami on the hiiiiliT liioti his pace. 
 
 To ;;/'•<•/ some comrades of tlic chasr.'"
 
 Canto I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. H 
 
 Where twined the path in shadow hid, 
 
 Round many a rocky pyramid. 
 
 Shooting abruptly from the dell 
 
 Its thunder-splinter'd pinnacle ; 
 
 Round many an insulated mass, 
 
 The native bulwarks of the pass,' 
 
 Husfe as the tower which builders vain 
 
 Presumptuous piled on Shinar's plain/ 
 
 The rocky summits, split and rent, 
 
 Form'd turret, dome, or battlement. 
 
 Or seem'd fantastically set 
 
 With cupola or minaret. 
 
 Wild crests as pagod ever deck'd, 
 
 Or mosque of Eastern architect. 
 
 Nor were these earth-born castles bare,' 
 
 Nor lack'd they many a banner fair ; 
 
 For, from their shiver'd brows displayed. 
 
 Far, o'er the unfat'nomable glade. 
 
 All twinkling with the dewdrops sheen,'* 
 
 The brier-rose fell in streamers green, 
 
 And creeping shrubs, of thousand dyes. 
 
 Waved in the west-wind's summer sighs. 
 
 XII. 
 
 Boon nature scatter'd free and wild, 
 
 Each plant or flower, the mountain's child. 
 
 ' MS. : " The mimic castles of the pass." 
 
 "^ The Tower of Babel. — Genesis, xi. 1-9. 
 
 ^ MS. : " Nor were these mighty bulwarks bare." 
 
 * MS- : " Bright glistening with the dewdrops sheen."
 
 34 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto I. 
 
 Jlcrc eglantine embalm'tl the air, 
 
 Hawthorn and hazel mingled there ; 
 
 The primrose pale and violet flower, 
 
 Found in each clift a narrow bower ; 
 
 Fox-glove and night-shade, side by side, 
 
 Emblems of punishment and pride, 
 
 Group'd their dark hues with every stain 
 
 The weather-beaten crags retain. 
 
 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 ; 
 
 And, higher yet. the pine-tree hung 
 
 His shatter'd trunk, and frequent flung,' 
 
 Where seem'd the cliffs to meet on high. 
 
 His boughs athwart the narrow'd sky. 
 
 Highest of all, where white peaks glanced, 
 
 Where glist'ning 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. 
 
 MS. : " Ilis scallird trunk, and frequent flun?. 
 
 Wlicrc sccm'ci the clilTs to meet on lii'.;h, 
 His rus^i^fd arms athwart the sky. 
 Ilifjhest of all. where white peaks glanced. 
 Where /t''///X7///^'' streamers waved and ilaneed."
 
 Canto I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 35 
 
 XIII. 
 
 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, 
 But broadei' when again appearing, 
 Tall rocks and tufted knolls their face 
 Could on the dark-blue mirror trace ; 
 ■And farther as the Hunter stray'd, 
 Still broader s^v^eep its channels made. 
 The shaggy mounds no longer stood, 
 Emerging from entangled wood,^ 
 But, wave-encircled, seem'd to float, 
 Like castle girdled with its moat ; 
 Yet broader floods extending still 
 Divide them from their parent hill, 
 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, 
 Unless he climb, with footing nice, 
 A far projecting precipice.^ 
 
 ' MS. : "Affording scarce such breadth of flood, 
 
 As served to float the wild-duck's brood." 
 ^ MS. : " Emerging drj'-shod from the \i'ood." 
 •^ Until the present road was made through the romantic pass
 
 36 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto [. 
 
 The broom's toui;h roots his kicltlcr made, 
 
 The hazel saplings lent tlicir aid ; 
 
 And thus an airy point lie won, 
 
 Where, gleaming with the setting sun, 
 
 One burnish'd sheet of living gold, 
 
 Loch Katrine lay beneath him roll'd,' 
 
 In all her length far winding lay. 
 
 With promontory, creek, and Ixiy, 
 
 And islands that, empurpled bright, 
 
 Floated amid the livelier light. 
 
 And mountains, that like giants stand, 
 
 To sentinel enchanted land. 
 
 High on tb.e south, huge Ik-nvenuc^ 
 
 Down on the lake in masses threw 
 
 Crags, knolls, antl mounds, confusedly hurl'd, 
 
 The fragments of an earlier world ; 
 
 A wildering forest feather'd o'er 
 
 His ruin'd sides and summit hoar,^ 
 
 which I liavc prcsuniptuoiisly attempted to (Jcscril)c in llic preceding 
 etanzns, there was no mode of issuing out of the defile called the 
 Trosaclis excepting by a sort ol" ladder, composed of the branches 
 antl roots of trees. 
 
 ' Loch-Ketturin is the Celtic pronunciation. In his Notes toThc 
 Fair Maiil of Perth, the author has sij^nified his belief that the lake 
 was named after the Catfcrins, or wild robbers, who haunted its 
 shores. 
 
 ' nenvenur — is literally the little mountain — i. c, as contrasted 
 with Benledi and Henlomond. 
 
 ■' MS.: " His ruined sides and frd^inrii/s hoar 
 While on the north to middle air."
 
 Canto I.] THE LADV OF THE LAKE. 37 
 
 While on the north, through middle air, 
 Ben-an ' heaved high his foreheaa bare.^ 
 
 XV. 
 
 From the steep promontory gazed ^ 
 
 The stranger, raptured and amazed. 
 
 And, "What a scene were here," he cried, 
 
 " 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 ; 
 
 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 
 
 Her forehead in the silver wave, 
 
 1 According to Graham, Ben-an, or Bennan, is a mere diminutive 
 oi Ben — Mountain. 
 
 ^ Perhaps the art of landscape-painting in poetry has never been 
 displayed in higher perfection than in these stanzas, to which rigid 
 criticism might j^ossibly object that the picture is somewhat too 
 minute, and that the contemplation of it detains the traveller some- 
 what too long from the main purpose of his pilgrimage, but which 
 it would be an act of the greatest injustice to break into fragments, 
 and present by piecemeal. Not so the magnificent scene which 
 bursts upon the bewildered hunter as he emerges at length fi-om the 
 dell, and commands at one view the beautiful expanse of Loch Kat- 
 rine." — Critical Rcvie-.v, August, 1820. 
 
 ' MS. : " From the high promontory gazed 
 
 The stranger, awc-stritck and amazed-"
 
 3« THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto L 
 
 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, 
 A sainted hermit from his cell, 
 To drop a bead with every knell — 
 And bugle, lute, and bell, and all. 
 Should each bewilder' d stranger call 
 To friendly feast and lighted hall.' 
 
 XVI. 
 
 " Blithe were it then to wander here ! 
 Wwl 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, 
 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, 
 Were but to-morrow's merriment : 
 But hosts may in these wilds al^ound, 
 Such as arc better missed than found ; 
 To meet with Highland {blunderers here, 
 \\'ere worse than loss of steed or deer. — ^ 
 
 ' MS.: "To hospitahk- feast and hall." 
 
 • MS. : " A)i(l liolloxv triitik of sotiiv nld tree, 
 Afv chtiinbrr for thr i/i'i^^/if ttiiisl tv." 
 
 •* Tlip clans who inhahilrd the- idinantic rcyions in the nci{;h- 
 borhofjcl of I.och K.-ilrim*. win-, even nntil a lalc period, much ad- 
 dicted to predatory excursions upon their Lowland neii;hhors. " In
 
 Canto I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 39 
 
 I am alone ; — my bugle-strain 
 May call some straggler of the train, 
 Or, fall the worst that may betide, 
 Ere now this falchion has been tried." 
 
 XVIL 
 
 But scarce again his horn he wound,' 
 When lo ! forth starting at the sound, 
 From underneath an aged oak. 
 That slanted from the islet rock, 
 A damsel guider of its way, 
 A little skiff shot to the bay,^ 
 
 former times, those parts of this district, which are situated beyond 
 the Grampian range, were rendered almost inaccessible by strong 
 barriers of rocks, and mountains, and lakes. It was a border 
 country, and though on the very verge of the low country, it was 
 almost totally sequestered from the world, and, as it were, insulated 
 with respect to society. 'Tis well known that in the Highlands it 
 was, in former times, accounted not only lawful, but honorable, 
 among hostile tribes, to commit depredations on one another; and 
 these habits of the age were perhaps strengthened in this district by 
 the circumstances which have been mentioned. It bordered on a 
 country, the inhabitants of which, while they were richer, were less 
 v/arlike than they, and widely differenced by language and manners." 
 — Graham's Sketches of Sceiio-y in Perthshire., Edin.- iSo6, p. 97. 
 The reader will therefore be pleased to remember, that the scene of 
 this poemi is laid in a time, — 
 
 " Wheo tooming faulds, or sweeping of a glen, 
 Had still been held the deed of gallant men." 
 
 * MS. : " The bugle shrill again he wound, 
 
 And lo ! forth starting at the sound." 
 
 ''■ MS. : " A little skiff" shot to the bay. 
 
 The Hunter left his airy stand. 
 And when the boat had touch'd the sand, 
 Conceal'd he stood amid the brake. 
 To view this Lady of the Lake."
 
 40 THE LADY OF THE Elk'E. [Canto L 
 
 That round the promontory steep 
 
 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. 
 
 The boat had touch 'd this silver strand, 
 
 Just as the Hunter left his stand, 
 
 And stood conceal'd amid the brake, 
 
 To view this Lady of the Lake. 
 
 The maiden paused, as if again 
 
 She thought to catch the distant strain. 
 
 With head up-raised, and look intent, 
 
 And eye and ear attentive bent. 
 
 And locks flung back, and lips apart. 
 
 Like monument of Grecian art. 
 
 In listening mood, she seem'd to stand 
 
 The guardian Naiad of the strand. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 And ne'er did Grecian chisel trace ' 
 
 A Nymj)h, a Naiad, or a Grace, 
 
 Of finer form, or lovelier face ! 
 
 What though the sun with ardent frown, 
 
 Had .slightly tinged her cheek with brown, — 
 
 The sportive toil, which, short and light, 
 
 Mad dyed her glowing hue so bright, 
 
 * MS. • '• .'\ finer form, .i fairer face, 
 
 Had never marble Nvmpli or Grace, 
 That boablb tlic Grecian chisel's trace.'
 
 Canto I.] 2^ HE LADY OF THE LAKE. 4 1 
 
 Served too in hastier swell to show 
 Short glimpses of a breast of snow : 
 What though no rule of courtly grace 
 To measured mood had train'd her pace, — 
 A foot more light, a step more true, 
 Ne'er from the heath-flower dash'd the dew ; 
 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 clear, 
 The list'ner held his breath to hear ! 
 
 XIX. 
 
 A Chieftain's daughter seem'd the maid; 
 Her satin snood,^ her silken plaid, 
 Her golden brooch, such birth betray'd. 
 And seldom was a snood amid 
 Such wild luxuriant ringlets hid, 
 Whose glossy black to shame might brin^ 
 The plumage of the raven's wing ; 
 And seldom o'er a breast so fair. 
 Mantled a plaid with modest care, 
 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 : 
 
 1 MS. : " The accents of a straiiger tongue." 
 See Note -posi on Canto III. stanzr. 5.
 
 42 THE L.IDV OF THE LAKE. LCanto I 
 
 Not Katrine, in her mirror blue, 
 
 Gives back the shaggy banks more true, 
 
 Than every free-born glance confess'd 
 
 The guileless movements of her breast ; 
 
 Whether joy danced in her dark eye, 
 
 Or woe or pity claim'd a sigh, 
 
 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 unreveal'd, 
 
 W^ith maiden pride the maid conccal'd, 
 
 Yet not less purely felt the flame ; — 
 
 O need I tell that passion's name ! 
 
 XX. 
 
 Impatient of the silent horn. 
 
 Now on the gale her voice was borne : — 
 
 " I'\ather!" she cried ; the rocks around 
 
 Loved to prolong the gentle sound. 
 
 A while she paused, no answer came, — ' 
 
 " Malcolm, was thine the blast ?" the name 
 
 Less resolutely utter'd fell, 
 
 ' MS. : " A spncc she paused . no answer came. — 
 ' Alpine, was thine the hlast?' the name 
 Less resohitelv utter'd fell. 
 The echoes could not catch the swell. 
 ' Nor foe nor friend.' the strantjcr said, 
 Advancini; from the hazel shade. 
 Tlir sftir/li'i/ tiiniil. will) haslv oar, 
 Push'J 'ler lii^ht slialloj) from the shore "
 
 CANTO I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 43 
 
 The echoes could not catch the swell. 
 "A stranger I," the Huntsman said, 
 Advancing from the hazel shade. 
 The maid, alarmed, with hasty oar 
 Pushed her light Lihallop from the shore, 
 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 flutter'd and amazed. 
 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 press'd its signet sage. 
 Yet had not quench'd 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. 
 Of hasty love, or headlong ire. 
 His limbs were cast in manly mould, 
 For hardy sports or contest bold ; 
 And though in peaceful garb array'd. 
 And weaponless, except his blade, 
 
 ^ MS. : " So o'er the lake the swan would spring. 
 Then turn to prune its ruiHed wing."
 
 44 THE LADY OF THE LAKE [Canto l 
 
 Mis stately mien as well implied 
 
 A high-born heart, a martial pride, 
 
 As if a Baron's crest he wore, 
 
 And sheathed in armor tiode the shore, 
 
 Slighting the petty neetl he show'd 
 
 He told of his benighted road ; 
 
 His ready speech flovv'd fair and free, 
 
 In phrase of gentlest courtesy ; 
 
 Yet seem'd that tone, and gesture bland. 
 
 Less used to sue than to command. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 A while the maid the stranger eyed, 
 And, reassured, at length replied, 
 That Highland halls were open still' 
 To wilder'd wanderers of the hill. 
 " Nor think you unexpected come 
 To yon lone isle, or desert home ; 
 Before the heath had lost the dew. 
 This morn, a couch was pull'd for you ; 
 On yonder mountain's purple head 
 Have ptarmigan and heath-cock bled. 
 And our liroad lu-ts have swept the mere. 
 To furnish forth your evening cheer." 
 "Now, by the rood, my lovely maid, 
 Vour courtesy has crr'd," he said ; 
 " No right have I to claim, misi^laced, 
 The welcome of exjiectcd guest. 
 
 * MS. : '• //< /• /itlhcrs' liall v.as open stiif."
 
 Canto I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 45 
 
 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, 
 Till on this lake's romantic strand,' 
 I found a fay in fairy land ! " 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 *' I well believe," the maid replied. 
 
 As her light skiff approached the side, — 
 
 " I well believe that ne'er before 
 
 Your foot has trod Loch Katrine's shore ; 
 
 But yet, as far as yesternight. 
 
 Old Allan-Bane foretold your plight, — 
 
 A gray-hair'd sire, whose eye intent 
 
 Was on the vision'd future bent.^ 
 
 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 tassell'd horn so gayly gilt. 
 
 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 ; 
 
 But light I held his prophecy, 
 
 1 MS. : "Till on the lake's cncliatiting strand." 
 
 2 MS. • " /s often on the future bent." 
 
 See Appendix, Note A.
 
 4^) THE LAPV OF 11 [E LAKE. [Canto i. 
 
 And ilccm'd it was my fiithcr's horn, 
 Whoso echoes o'er the lake were l^orne." 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 The stranger smiled : " Since to your home 
 
 A destined errant-knight I come, 
 
 Announced by i)rophet sooth and old, 
 
 Doom'd, 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 
 
 Your fairy frigate o'er the tide." 
 
 The maid, with smile supprcss'd and sly, 
 
 The toil unwonted saw liiin try ; 
 
 For seldom sure, if e'er before. 
 
 His noble hand had grasp'd an oar; 
 
 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 j^assage ply. 
 
 Nor frec|uent docs the l^right oar break 
 
 The dark'ning mirror of the lake, 
 
 Until the rocky isle they reach, 
 
 And moor their shallop on the beach. 
 
 XXV. 
 The stranger view'd the shore around ; 
 'T was all so close with copsewood bound 
 
 * MS. : " V'/iis !^rn/li- li:in(I li.ml urasji'd :in f)ar; 
 
 Yc», witli main strciiglli ///<• oars lie drew.''
 
 Canto 1.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 47 
 
 Nor track nor pathway might declare 
 That human foot frequented there, 
 Until the mountain-maiden show'd 
 A clambering unsuspected road, 
 That winded through the tangled screen, 
 And open'd on a narrow green, 
 Where weeping birch and willow round 
 With their long fibres swept the ground. 
 Here, for retreat in dangerous hour. 
 Some chief had framed a rustic bower.' 
 
 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. 
 
 ' The Celtic chieftains, whose lives were continually exposed to 
 peril, had usually in the most retired spot of their domains, some 
 place of retreat for the hour of necessity, which, as circumstances 
 would admit, was a tower, a cavern, or a rustic hut, in a strong and 
 secluded situation. One of these last gave refuge to the unfortunate 
 Charles Edward, in his perilous wanderings after the battle of 
 Culloden. 
 
 " It was situated in the face of a very rough, high, and rocky 
 mountain, called Letternilichk, still a part of Benalder, full of g*eat 
 stones and crevices, and some scattered wood interspersed. The 
 habitation called the Cage, in the face of that mountain, was within 
 a small thick bush of wood. There were first some rows of trees 
 laid down, in order to level the floor for a habitation; and as the 
 place was steep, this raised the lower side to an equal height with 
 the other; and these trees, in the way of joists or planks, were 
 levelled with earth and gravel. There were betwixt the trees grow- 
 ing naturally on their own roots, some stakes fixed in the earth
 
 48 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto 1. 
 
 l.opp'il of I heir boughs, thci'" hoar trunks bared. 
 
 And by the hatchet rudely squared, 
 
 To give the walls their destined height, 
 
 The sturdy oak and ash unite ; 
 
 While moss and clay and leav^cs combined 
 
 To fence each crevice from the wind. 
 
 The lighter pine-trees, overhead. 
 
 Their slender length for rafters spread, 
 
 And wither'd heath and rushes dry 
 
 Supplied a russet canopy. 
 
 Due westward, fronting to the green, 
 
 A rural portico was seen. 
 
 Aloft on native pillars borne. 
 
 Of mountain fir with bark unshorn. 
 
 Where ICllen's hand had taught to twine 
 
 The ivy and Ida:an vine, 
 
 The clematis, the favor'd flower 
 
 Which boasts the name of virgin-bower, 
 
 And every hardy plant could bear 
 
 Loch Katrine's keen and searching air. 
 
 •& 
 
 which, with the trees, were interwoven with ropes, made rf hc.ith 
 and l)iri:h twii^s, up to the top of the Cat,'c, it beini; of a round f>r 
 ratiier oval shape; and the whole tliatched and covered over witii 
 foj;. The whole fabric hunjj, as it were, bv a lari^e tree, which 
 reclined from the one end. all alon<j the roof, to the other, and 
 which f^avc it the name of the Caf,'e ; and by chance there happened 
 to be two stones at a small distance from one another, in the side 
 next the precipice, rcsemblinjj the pillars of a cliimney, where the 
 fire was |ilaced. The smoke had its vent out here, all aloni; the fall 
 of liie rock, which was so much of the same colour that one could 
 discover no diflVrence in the clearest day." — IIumk's History oj the 
 Rebellion. Lond., iSoJ. 4to. p. 3S1.
 
 Canto I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 49 
 
 An instant in this porch she stayed, 
 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." 
 
 He cross'd the threshold — and a clang: 
 
 Of angry steel that instant rang. 
 
 To his bold brow his spirit rush'd, 
 
 But soon for vain alarm he blush'd, 
 
 When on the floor he sav/ display'd, 
 
 Cause of the din, a naked blade 
 
 Dropp'd from the sheath, that careless flung 
 
 Upon a stag's huge antlers swung ; 
 
 For all around the walls to grace. 
 
 Hung trophies of the fight or chase ; 
 
 A target there, a bugle here, 
 
 A battle-axe, a hunting spear, 
 
 And broadswords, bows, and arrows store 
 
 With the tusk'd trophies of the boar. 
 
 Here grins the wolf as when he died ' 
 
 And there the wild-cat's brindled hide 
 
 The frontlet of the elk adorns, 
 
 Or mantles o'er the bison's horns ; 
 
 1 
 
 MS. : " Here grins the wolf as when he died, 
 
 There hung the wild-cat's brindled hide, 
 Above the elk's branch'd brow and skull. 
 And frontlet of the forest bull."
 
 50 THE I.ADV OF TllF. LAKE. fCANTo l 
 
 Pennons and flags defaced and stai n'd 
 That blackening streaks of blood retain'd 
 And deer-skins, dappled, dun, and white, 
 With otter's furs and seal's unite. 
 In rude and uncouth tapestry all, 
 To garnish forth the sylvan hall. 
 
 XXVIII. 
 The wandering stranger round him gazed, 
 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 sway'd, 
 " I never knew but one," he said, 
 "Whose stalwart arm might brook to wield 
 A blade like this in battle-field." 
 She sigh'd, then srniled. and took the word ; 
 " ^'ou sec'xnc guardian champion's swortl ; 
 As light it trembles in his hand, 
 As in my grasp a hazel wand ; 
 My sire's tall form might grace the part 
 Of Ferragus, or Ascabart ;' 
 But in the absent giant's hold 
 Arc women nou-, and menials old." 
 
 XXIX. 
 The mistress of the mansion came, 
 Mature of age, a graceful dame ; 
 
 * See Appcnilix, Note V>.
 
 Canto i.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 5 1 
 
 Whose easy step ilikI stately port 
 
 Had well become a princely court, 
 
 To whom, though more than kindred knew. 
 
 Young Ellen gave a mother's due.' 
 
 Meet welcome to her guest she made, 
 
 And every courteous rite was paid. 
 
 That hospitality could claim, 
 
 Though all unask'd his birth and name,^ 
 
 Such then the reverence of a guest. 
 
 That fellest foe might join the feast. 
 
 And from his deadliest foeman's door 
 
 Unquestion'd turn, the banquet o'er. 
 
 At length his rank the stranger names, 
 
 " 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 fall'n in such turmoil. 
 
 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. 
 
 1 MS. : "To whom, though more remote her claim 
 
 Young Ellen gave a mother's name." 
 
 2 The Highlanders, who carried hospitality to a punctilious 
 excess, are said to have considered it churlish to ask a stranger his 
 name or lineage before he had taken refreshment. Feuds were 
 so frequent among them, that a contrary rule would in many cases 
 have produced the discovery of some circumstance, which might have 
 excluded the guest from tlie benefit of the assistance he stood in 
 
 need of.
 
 52 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. ICant-> F. 
 
 Oulslripp'il his C()iiikuIcs, niiss'd llic deer, 
 Lost his good steed, and wandcr'd here." 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Fain would the Kni;;lU in turn rccinirc 
 The name and state ot J-Jlen's sire, 
 Well sliow'd the elder lady's mien,' 
 That courts and cities she had s.een ; 
 Ellen, though more her looks display'u^ 
 The simple grace of sylvan maitl, 
 In speech and gesture, form and face, 
 Show'd she was come of gentle race. 
 " 'Twerc strange in ruder rank to fin<l 
 Such looks, such manners, and such mind. 
 Each hint the Knight of Snowdoun gave, 
 Dame Margaret heard with silence grave ; 
 Ur I'^llen, innocently gay, 
 Turn'd all inciuiry light away: — 
 " Weird women we ! by tlale and down 
 We dwell, afar from tower and town. 
 Wc stem the flood, we ride the blast, 
 On wandering knights our si)ell3 wc cast; 
 
 ' MS. : " Well slinw'd tlie irif)tlK'r's o.ns\- mien." 
 '' MS. : " EMon, tlioiii^li more lur looks hi I ray li 
 
 The simple luarf of in on 11/ a in m.iitl. 
 
 In speecii .nnd Efcstiirc. form and •^racc, 
 
 Sliow'tl .she wa.s come of j^entle race; 
 
 Twas strange, in birth so niilc. to find 
 
 Such faccy such manners, and snch mind. 
 
 Kach anxious hint the slrain^rr yave. 
 
 The niit//irr heard with silence j;rave."
 
 Canto l.J THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 53 
 
 While viewless minstrels touch the string, 
 'Tis thus our charmed rhymes we sing," 
 She sung, and still a harp unseen 
 Fill'd up the symphony between." 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 " Soldier, rest ! thy warfare o'er. 
 
 Sleep the sleep that knows no breaking ; 
 Dream of battled fields no more. 
 Days of danger, nights of waking. 
 
 1 *' Thej," meaning the Highlanders, " delight much in music, but 
 chiefly in harps and clairschoes of their own fashion. The strings of 
 the clairschoes are made of brass wire, and the strings of the harps 
 of sinews; which strings they strike either with their najles, grow- 
 ing long, or else with an instrument appointed for that use. They 
 take pleasure to decke their harps and clairschoes with silver and 
 precious stones ; the poor ones that cannot attajne hereunto, decke 
 them with christall. Thej sing verses prettily compound, contayn- 
 ing (for the most part) prayses of valiant men. There is not almost 
 any other argument, whereof their rhymes intreat. They speak 
 the ancient French language altered a little."* " The harp and the 
 clairschoes are now only heard in the Highlands in ancient song. 
 At what period these instruments ceased to be used is not on record ; 
 and tradition is*silent on this head. But, as Irish harpers occasion- 
 ally visited the Highlands and Western Isles until lately, the harp 
 niiglit have been extant so late as the middle of the present century. 
 Thus far we know, that from remote times down to the present, 
 harpers were received as Avelcome guests, particularly in the High- 
 lands of Scotland ; and so late as the latter end of the sixteenth cen- 
 tury, as appears by the above quotation, the harp was in common 
 use among the natives of the Western Isles. How it happened that 
 the noisy and unharmonious bagpipe banished the soft and expressive 
 
 * Vide "Certayne MaUcrs conccrningthe Kealnm of Scotland, etc., as they were 
 Anno Domini 1597. Lond., 1603," \^°'
 
 54 THE I.APY OF THE LAKE. [Canto I. 
 
 In our isle's enchanted hall, 
 
 Hands unseen thy couch are strewinj^, 
 Fairy strains of music fall, 
 
 Every sense in slumber dewing. 
 Soldier, rest ! thy warfare o'er, 
 Dream ot fighting fields no more ; 
 Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking, 
 Morn of toil, nor night of waking. 
 
 " No rude sound shall reach thine ear,' 
 
 Armor's clang, or war-steed chami)ing, 
 Trump nor pibroch summon here 
 
 Mustering clan, or squadron trami)ing. 
 Yet the lark's shrill fife may come 
 
 At the tlaybreak 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, 
 
 hail) T.'c caii.iol say; but certain it is, tiiat llic ba.tipipe is now the 
 only instriiinL-nt that olitains universally in tin; Ili.^'iilancl liistricts." 
 — C AMi-UKt.i.'s y<>iirniv tlnoui^h Xortli Ihitutii. Lonci.. iSoS, 4to, 
 
 I- «7.v 
 
 Mr. Giinn. of Eclinhuri^h, has lately puhiislud a curiou-. Essay 
 upon the Harp and Harp Music of the llii,'hlancis of Siotlaiul 
 'I'liat the instrument was once in common use there is most certain. 
 Cleland numbers an acquaintance with it amonj; the few accomplish- 
 ments which his satire allows to the Hii^hlanilers : — 
 
 " In iiotliinK tlicy'rc arcountcil sliiirp, 
 lixccpt ill b:n;|)i|>c nr in harp." 
 
 ' Mb.: '' jVooti of /iiiii<rrr, nij^ht of wakinj^. 
 
 No rude sound bhall rout^f thine ear."
 
 Canto I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 55 
 
 Here's no war-steed's neigh and champing, 
 Shouting clans, or squadrons stamping." 
 
 XXXII. 
 She paused — then, bhishing, led the lay ' 
 To grace the stranger of the day. 
 Her mellow notes awhile prolong 
 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,* 
 Dream not, with the rising sun. 
 
 Bugles here shall sound reveille. 
 Sleep ! the deer is in his den ; 
 
 Sleep ! thy hounds are by thee lying ; 
 Sleep ! nor dream in yonder glen, 
 
 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." 
 
 1 MS. : " She paused — hut xvakcd again the lay." 
 
 2 MS. : " Slumber sweet our spells shall deal ye, 
 
 X - IT- 11 f avail ye, 
 
 Let our slumbrous spells^ , .\ „ 
 
 I beguile ye.
 
 56 ■HIE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto L 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 The hall was clear'd — the Stranraer's bed 
 
 Was there of mountain heather spread, 
 
 Where oft a hundred guests had lain, 
 
 And dream'd their forest sports again.' 
 
 But vainly did the heath-flower shed 
 
 Its moorland fragrance round his head ; 
 
 Not Ellen's spell had lull'd to rest 
 
 The fever of his troubled breast. 
 
 In broken dreams the image rose 
 
 Of varied perils, pains, and woes : 
 
 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 
 
 Chase that worst phantom of the night! — 
 
 Again return'd the scenes of youth, 
 
 Of confident undoubting truth ; 
 
 Again his soul he interchanged 
 
 With friends whose hearts were long estranged 
 
 They come, in dim ])rocession led, 
 
 The cold, the faithless, and the dead ; 
 
 As warm each hand, each brow as gay. 
 
 As if they parted yesterday. . 
 
 An-I doubt distracts him at the view, 
 
 O were his senses false or true ! 
 
 ' MS. : "And (.laamd tlicir moimluin chase again."
 
 Canto I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 57 
 
 Dream'd he of death, or broken vow, 
 Or is it all a vision now ! ' 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 At length, with Ellen in a grove 
 
 He seem'd to walk, and speak of love ; 
 
 She listen'd with a flush 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, 
 
 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. — 
 
 1 << 
 
 Ye guardian spirits, to whom man is dear, 
 
 From these foul demons shield the midnisrht eloom- 
 Angels of fancy and of love, be near. 
 
 And o'er the blank of sleep diffuse a bloom. 
 Evoke the sacred shades of Greece and Rome, 
 
 And let them virtue with a look impart; 
 But chief, awhile, O! lend us from the tomb 
 
 Those long-lost friends for whom in love we smart, 
 And fill with pious awe and jov-mixt woe the heart. 
 
 'Or are vou sportive.' — bid the morn of vouth 
 
 Rise to new liglit, and beam afresh the days 
 Of innocence, smiplicity, and truth; 
 
 To cares estranged, and manhood's thorny ways. 
 What transport, to retrace our boyish plays, 
 
 Our easy bliss, when each thing joy supplied; 
 The woods, the mountains, and the warbhng maze 
 
 Of the wild brooks.?"— Castle of Indolo/ce, Canto I.
 
 58 THE LAP)' OF rm-: lake. [^anto I. 
 
 He woke, and, pantinj]^ with affright, 
 
 Rccall'd the xision of the niirht.' 
 
 The hearth's decaying brands were red, 
 
 Antl '-leej) and dusky histre shed, 
 
 Half showing, half concealing, all v 
 
 The uncouth trophies of the hall. 
 
 Mid those the stranger fix'd his eye. 
 
 Where that huge falchion hung on high, 
 
 And thoughts on thoughts, a countless throng, 
 
 Rush'd, chasing countless thoughts along. 
 
 Until, the giddy whirl to cure, 
 
 lie rose, and sought the moonshine pure. 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 The wild-rose, eglantine, and broom, 
 Wasted around their rich perfume : ^ 
 The birch-trees wept in fragrant balm, 
 The aspens slept beneath the calm ; 
 
 ' " Such a stranijc and romantic dream as \\y\\ be naturally ex- 
 pected tf) tlow from tlie extraordinary events of tlie past clay. It 
 miglit, perliajis, he cjuotcd as one of Mr. Scott's most successful 
 efforts in descriptive poetry. Some few lines of il are indeed un- 
 rivalled for delicacy ami melancholy tenderness." — Critical lic- 
 Z'icv.'. 
 
 •1 xft! 1. i.i • 1 f the bosom f)f the Like, 
 
 ■« Mb. : " rlav d on ■ , 
 
 t Lorh Katrme s still expanse; 
 
 The birch, the wild-rose, and the broom, 
 
 Wasted around their rich perfume. . . . 
 
 The birch-trees wept in balmy dew; 
 
 The aspen slept on Henvenue; 
 
 Wilt! Wire the heart whose passions' power 
 
 Defied the inlluencc of the hour."
 
 Canto I.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 59 
 
 The silver light, with quivering glance, 
 
 Play'd on the water's still expanse, — 
 
 Wild were the heart whose passions' sway 
 
 Could rage beneath the sober ray ! 
 
 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 exil'd race ? 
 
 Can I not mountain-maiden spy, 
 
 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 fever'd dream. 
 
 But still the Douglas is the them.e ? 
 
 I'll dream no more — by manly mind 
 
 Not even in sleep is will resign'd. 
 
 My midnight orisons said o'er, 
 
 I'll turn to rest, and dream no more." 
 
 His midnight orisons he told, 
 
 A prayer with every bead of gold. 
 
 Consigned to heaven his cares and woeS; 
 
 And sunk in undisturb'd repose ; 
 
 Until the heath-cock shrilly crew, 
 
 And morning dawn'd on Benvenue.
 
 CANTO SECOND. 
 
 THE ISLAND. 
 
 1. 
 
 At morn the black-cock trims his jetty wing, 
 
 "I'is 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, 
 
 Wafting the stranger on his way again. 
 Morn's genial influence roused a minstrel gray, 
 
 And sweetly o'er the lake was heard thy stram, 
 iMix'd with the sounding harp, O white-hair'd Allan- 
 Bane ! ' 
 
 ' That Ilit^hland chieftains, to a late period, retained in their ser- 
 vuc llic liard. as a faniilv ofllcor, admits of very easy jiroof. The 
 author of the Letters from ti>e Norlli of Scotland, an olllcer of en- 
 gineers, quartered at Inverness about 17 jo. who certainly cannot lie 
 deemed a tavorahle witness, gives the followiui^ account of the ofllce. 
 ami of a bard whom he heard exercise his talent of recitation : " Tiie 
 bard is skilled in the genealogy of all the Highland families, some 
 times preceptor to the young laird, celebrates in Irish verse tlie 
 original of the tribe, the famous warlike actions of the successive 
 heads, and sings his own lyricks as an opiate to the chief, when in- 
 disposed for sleep: but poets arc not equally esteemed and honored 
 in all countries. I hapjiened to hi' a witness of the dishonor done 
 to the inuse, at the house of one of the chiefs, where two of these 
 bards were set at a grjod distance, at tlie lower end of a long table, 
 with a parcel of Highlanders of no extraordinary appearance, over a 
 60
 
 Canto II. J THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 6l 
 
 II. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Not faster yonder rowers' might 
 
 Flings from their oars the spray, 
 Not faster yonder rippling bright 
 That tracts the shallop's course in light, 
 
 Melts in the lake away, 
 Than man from memory erase 
 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 battle Ime, 
 Good hawk and hound for sylvan sport, 
 Where beauty sees the brave resort,' 
 
 The honor'd meed be thine ! 
 
 cup of ale. Poor inspiration ! They were not asked to drink a glass 
 of wine at our table, though the whole company consisted only of 
 the great man. one of his near relations, and myself. After some 
 little time, the chief ordered one of them to sing me a Highland 
 song. The bard i-eadily obeyed, and with a hoarse voice, and in a 
 tune of few various notes, began, as I was told, one of his own 
 lyricks : and when he had proceeded to the fourth or fifth stanza, I 
 perceived, by the names of several persons, glens, and mountains, 
 which I had known or heard of before, that it was an account of some 
 clan battle. But in his going on, the chief (who piques himself 
 upon his school-learning), at some particular passage, bid hiro 
 cease, and cried out, 'there's nothing like that in Virgil or Homer.' 
 I bowed and told him 1 believed so. This vou may believe was very 
 edifying and delightful." — Lcf/crs. u. 167. 
 
 ' MS. -■ "At tourneys where the brave resort."
 
 62 THE LADY OF 7*1 IE LAKE. [Canto W 
 
 True l)c tliy swoicl, tli)' friend .sincere^ 
 Thy lady constant, kind, and dear, 
 And lost in love and friendshiii's smile 
 Be memory of the lonely isle, 
 
 III. 
 
 SONG CONTINUED, 
 
 " But if beneath yon southern sky 
 A plaided stranger roam, 
 Whose droopinf]^ crest and stifled sigh, 
 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 ere while, 
 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 
 
 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." 
 
 IV. 
 As died the .sounds upon the tide. 
 The shallop reach'd the mainland side.
 
 CANTO II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 63 
 
 And ere his onward way he took, 
 
 The stranger cast a lingering look, 
 
 Where easily his eye might reach 
 
 The Harper on the islet beach, 
 
 Reclined against a blighted tree, 
 
 As wasted, grey, and worn as he. 
 
 To minstrel meditation given, 
 
 His reverend brow was raised to heaven. 
 
 As from the rising sun to claim 
 
 A sparkle of inspiring flame. 
 
 His hand reclined upon the wire, 
 
 Seem'd watching the awakening fire ; 
 
 So still he sate, as those who wait 
 
 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. 
 
 V. 
 
 Upon a rock with lichens wild. 
 Beside him Ellen sate and smiled, — 
 Smiled she to see the stately drake 
 Lead forth his fleet upon the lake, 
 While her vexed spaniel, from the beach. 
 Bay'd at the prize beyond his reach .'' 
 Yet tell me, then, the maid who knows, 
 Why deepcn'd on her cheek the rose .^
 
 64 THE L.inv OF rin: lake. \_^\^xu\\. 
 
 Forgive, forgive, I'Mdelity ! 
 Perchance the iiiaiden smiled to see 
 Yon parting Hngerer wave adieu. 
 And stop and turn to wave anew ; 
 And, lovely ladies, ere your ire 
 Conclemn-the heroine of my lyre, 
 Show me the fair would scorn to sjiy. 
 And prize such conquest of her eye ! 
 
 VT. 
 
 While yet he loiter'd on the spot, 
 It scem'd as Mllen mark'd him not; 
 But when he turn'd liim to the glade, 
 One courteous parting sign she made. 
 And after, oft the knight would say, 
 That rot when \sx\7jii of festal day 
 Was dealt him by the brightest fair, 
 Who e'er wore jewel in her hair, 
 So highly did his bosom swell. 
 As at that simple mute farewell. 
 Now with a trusty mountain-guide, 
 And his dark stag-hounds by his side, 
 lie parts — the maid unconscious still, 
 Watch'd him wind slowly round the hill 
 lUit when his stately form was hid. 
 The rruardian in her bosom chid — 
 "Thy Malcolm! vain and selfish maid!" 
 'Twas thus ujibraiding conscience said,—
 
 Canto U.J J^HE LADY OF THE LAKE. 6$ 
 
 " Not so had Malcolm idly hung 
 
 On the smooth phrase of southern tongue ; 
 
 Not so had Malcolm strain'd his eye, 
 
 Another step than thine to spy.' 
 
 Wake Allan-Bane," aloud she cried, 
 
 To the old Minstrel by her side, — 
 
 " Arouse thee from thy moody dream ! 
 
 I'll give thy harp heroic theme, 
 
 And warm thee with a noble name ; 
 
 Pour forth the glory of the Graeme ! "^ 
 
 Scarce from her lips the word had rush'd. 
 
 When deep the conscious maiden blush'd : 
 
 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, 
 
 ' IViB. : " The loveliest Lowland fair to spy." 
 
 2 The ancient and powerful family of Graham (v/hich, for metri- 
 cal reasons, is here spelt after the Scottish pronunciation) held ex- 
 tensive possessions in the counties of Dumbarton and Stirling. 
 Few families can boast of more historical renown, having claim to 
 three of the most remarkable characters in the Scottish annals. Sir 
 John the Grreme, the faithful and undaunted partaker of the labors 
 and patriotic warfare of Wallace, fell in the unfortunate field of Fal- 
 kirk, in 129S. The celebrated Marquis of Montrose, in whom De 
 Retz saw realized his abstract idea of the heroes of antiquity, was 
 the second of these worthies. And, notwithstanding the severity of 
 his temper, and the rigor witli which he executed the oppressive 
 mandates of the princes whom he served, I do not hesitate to name 
 as a third, John GraMue, of Claverhouse, Viscount of Dundee, whose 
 heroic death, in the arms of victory, may be allowed to cancel the
 
 66 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canh. II. 
 
 And Ihi ice llieir hii^^h heroic pride 
 
 111 melancholy nuumurs died. 
 
 "Vainly thou hid'st, C) noble maid," 
 
 Clasping; his withcr'd hands, he said, 
 
 "X^ainly thou bid'st nic wake the strain, 
 
 Though all uinvont to bid in vain. 
 
 Alas ! than mine a mightier hand 
 
 Has tuned my harp, my striuij^s has spanu'd ! 
 
 I touch the cords of joy, but low 
 
 And mournful answer notes of woe ; 
 
 And the proud march, which victors tread, 
 
 Sinks in the wailing for the dead. 
 
 O well for me, if mine alone 
 
 That dirge's deep prophetic tone! 
 
 If, as my tuneful fathers said, 
 
 This harji, which erst Saint Moilan sway'd,' 
 
 Can thus its master's fate foretell, 
 
 Then welcome be the minstrel's knell! 
 
 memory of liis cruelty to tlie non-conformists, durinij tlic ryijns of 
 Charles II. and James II. 
 
 ' I am not pn-parecl to show tli.il Saint Modan \va-~ a iierformer 
 on tlic harp. It was, however, no unsaiiUly aceomiiiisiinient : for 
 Saint Dnnstan certainly did play upon that instrument, which, re- 
 taininij, as was natural, a portion of the sanctity attached to its mas- 
 ter's character, announced future events hy its spontaneous sound. 
 " But laborinjj once in these mechanic arts for a de\out mat rone 
 ihat had sett him on work, his violl. that huntj by him on the wall, 
 of its own accord, without anie man's helpe. distinctly sounded this 
 anthime: (utiidriil in cwlis atiinuv sanc/oriiiii ijiii C/irisfi vcs/ii;iii 
 siinf srrtiff : r/ (/nitt pro riiif: diNorr aaniruinvm siimii fiit/rriin/, itiro 
 emu C /irisfo i^aiii/i iif trtrriiinn. Whereat all the companii- bein;.; 
 much astonished, turned their eyes from beholdini^ him working, to 
 look on that strange accident. . . . Not long after, manie of the
 
 Canto II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE, 67 
 
 VIII. 
 
 " But ah ! clear lady, thus it sigh'd 
 
 The eve tliy saluted mother died ; 
 
 And such the sounds which, while T strove 
 
 To wake a lay of war or love, 
 
 Came marring all the festal mirth. 
 
 Appalling me who gave them birth, 
 
 court that hitherunto had borne a kind of favned friendship towards 
 him, began now greatly to envie at his progresse and rising in 
 goodnes, using manie crooked, backbiting nieanes to diffanie liis 
 vertues with the black maskes of hvpocrisie. And the better to 
 authorize their calumnie, they brought in this that happened in the 
 violl, affirming it to have been done bv art magick. What moi"e.' 
 this wicked rumour increased dajly, till the king and others of the 
 nobilitie taking hould thereof, Dunstan grew odious in their sight. 
 Therefore he resolued to leaue the court, and goe to Elphegus, sur- 
 named the Bauld, then bishop of Winchester, who was his cozen. 
 Which his enemies understanding, they layd wayt for him in the 
 way, and hauing throwne him oft" his horse, beate him. and dragged 
 him in the durt in the most miserable manner, meaning to have 
 slaine him, had not a companie of mastiue dogges, that came un- 
 lookt uppon them, defended and redeemed him from their crueltie. 
 When with sorrow he was ashamed to see dogges more humane than 
 they. And giuing thankes to Almightie God, he sensibly again per- 
 ceiued that the tunes of his violl had giuen him a warning of future 
 accidents." — /'Yott'c;' of the Lives of the 7nost reiioxvned Saincts of 
 England, Scotland, and Ireland, by the R. Father Hiercme 
 Porter. Doway, 1632, 4to, tome i. p. 43S. 
 
 The same supernatural circumstance is alluded to by the anonj- 
 nnous author of " Grim, the Collier of Croydon." 
 {Dunstaii's harp sounds on the ryn//.") 
 
 " Forest. Hark, hark, my lords, the holy abbott's harp 
 Sounds by itself so hanging on the wall ! 
 
 " Dunstan. Unhallow'd man, that scorn'st the sacred rede, 
 Hark, how the testimony of my trutli 
 Sounds heavenly music with an angel's hand, 
 To testify' Dunstan's integrity, 
 \nd prove thy active boast of no effect."
 
 68 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto ll 
 
 And, disobedient to my call, 
 
 Wail'd loud through Jiothwell's baniici'd hall, 
 
 Ere Douglasses, to ruin driven, ' 
 
 Were exiled from their native heaven. 
 
 Oh ! if yet worse mishap and woe, 
 
 My master's house must undergo, 
 
 ' Tlie downfall of the Doiigla.s!M;s of the house of Angus, during 
 the reign of James V., is the event alluded to in the text. The Eari 
 of Angus, it will be remembered, had married liie queen dowager, 
 and availed himself of the right which he thus acquired, as well as 
 of his extensive power, to retain the king in a sort ol' tutelage, which 
 approached very near to captivity. Several open attempts were made 
 to rescue James from this thraldom, with which he was well knf)wn 
 to be deeply disgusted; but the valor of the Douglasses, and their 
 allies, gave them the victory in every conflict. At length the king, 
 wliile residing at Falkland, contrived to escape by night out of his 
 own court and palace, and rode full speed to Stirling Castle, where 
 the governor, who was of the opposite faction, joyfully received him. 
 Being thus at liberty, James speedily summoned arouml him such 
 peers as he knew to be most inimical to the domination of Angus, 
 and laid his complaint before them, says I'itscotlie, " with great 
 lamentations: showing to them how he was holden in subjection, 
 thir years bvgonc, by the Earl of Angus, and his kin and frienils, 
 who oppressed the whole country, and spoiled it, luuler the pretence 
 of justice and his authority; and had slain many of his lieges, kins- 
 men, and friends, because they would have had it mended at tiicir 
 hands, and put him at liberty, as he ought to have been at the 
 counsel of his whole lords, and not have been subjected and cor- 
 rected with no particular men, by the rest of his nobles: Tiierefore. 
 said he, I desire, my lords, that I may be satisfied of the said earl, 
 his kin, and friends; for I avow, that Scotland sh:ill not hold us 
 both, while [/. r. till] I be revenged on him and his. 
 
 "The Loids hearing the king's complaint and lanicnlation, :iTi(i 
 also the great rage, fury, and malice, that he bore towanl liie Earl 
 of Angus, his kin and friends, they concluded all, and thought it 
 best that he should be sinnmoned to underlay the law: if he foniid 
 no caution, nor yet compear himself, that he shoulil be put to tiie 
 horn, with all his kin and friends, so many as were contained in the
 
 Cantu il.J THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 69 
 
 Or aught but wca] 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, 
 Fraught with unutterable woe, 
 Then shiver'd shall thy fragments lie, 
 Thy master cast him down and die !" 
 
 IX. 
 
 Soothing she answer'd him, " Assuage, 
 
 Mine honor'd friend, the fears of age ; . 
 
 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, 
 
 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 lest us here. 
 
 My sire, in native virtue great. 
 
 Resigning lordship, lands, and state, 
 
 letters. And farther, the lords ordained, by advice of his majesty, 
 that his brother and friends should be summoned to find caution to 
 underlay the law within a certain day, or else be put to the horn- 
 But the earl appeared not, nor none for him : and so he was put to 
 the horn, with all his kin and friends : so many as were contained 
 in tlie summons, that compeared not, were banished, and holden 
 traitors to the kin"."
 
 /O THE LADY Of THE LAKE. LCanto IL 
 
 Not then to fortune more resiirn'd 
 
 Than yonder oak might L;ive the wind ; 
 
 Tb.e graeeful foliage storms- may reave, 
 
 The noble stem they cannot grieve. 
 
 For me," — she stoop'd, and, looking round, 
 
 Pluck'd a blue hare-bell from the ground, — 
 
 " For me, whose memory scarce conveys 
 
 An image of more splendid days, 
 
 This little flower that loves the lea, 
 
 May well my sim])le uiiiblem be ; 
 
 It drinks heaven's due as blithe as rose ' 
 
 That in the king's own garden grows ; 
 
 And when I place it in my hair, 
 
 Allan, a bard is bound to swear 
 
 IK- ne'er saw coronet so fair." 
 
 Then jjlayfully the chajjlet wild 
 
 She wreath'd in In-r dark locks, .-ind smiled. 
 
 X. 
 
 Iler smile, her speech, with winning sway. 
 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 
 Thrill'd to a tear, then thus replied : 
 " Loveliest and best ! thou little know'st 
 The rank, the honors, thou hast lost ! 
 
 M.S. : •• No blither ilow-drop rliccrs the rose."
 
 Canto II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 7^ 
 
 O might I live to see thee grace, 
 In Scotland's court, thy birth-right place. 
 To see my favorite's step advance,' 
 The lightest in the courtly dance, 
 The cause of every gallant's sigh. 
 And leading star of every eye, 
 And theme of every minstrel's art. 
 The Lady of the Bleeding Heart ! " ^ 
 
 XI. 
 
 " Fair dreams are these," the maiden cried, 
 (Light was her accent, yet she sighed ;) 
 " Yet is this mossy rock to me 
 Worth splendid chair and canopy ; ^ 
 Nor would my footsteps 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." 
 
 * This couplet is not in the MS. 
 
 2 The well-known cognizance of the Douglas family 
 ^ MS. : "This mossy rock, my friend, to me 
 Is worth gay chair and canopy."
 
 72 THE LADY OF THE LAKE [Canto II. 
 
 XII. 
 
 The ancient bard her glee repress'd : 
 " 111 hast thou chosen theme for jest ! 
 For who, throuf,di all this western wild, 
 Named Black Sir Roderick e'er, and smiled ! 
 In Iloly-kood a knight he slew ; ' 
 I saw, when back the dirk he drew, 
 Courtiers give place before the stride 
 Of the undaunted homicide ;^ 
 And since, though outlaw'd, hath his hand, 
 Full sternly kept his mountain land. 
 Who else dare give — ah ! woe the day,^ 
 That I such hated truth should say — 
 The Douglas, like a stricken deer, 
 Disown'd by every noble peer,^ 
 Even the rude refuge we have here ? 
 
 * See Appendix, Note C 
 
 ^ MS. : "Courtiers yave place with heartless stride 
 Of the retiriii;^ iKjiniciile." 
 
 • MS. : " Who else dared own the kindred ciaini 
 
 That bound him to thy mother's name.'' 
 
 Who else dared t^ive," etc. 
 ♦ The exiled state of this powerful rare is not i\;i-.;irateil in fliis 
 and subsequent passa,i,'es. 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 usually been in similar cases, 
 their nearest friends, even in the most remote parts of Scotland, 
 durst not entertain them, unless under the strictest and closest 
 disguise. James Douglas, son of the banished Earl of Angus, after- 
 wards well known by the title of FCarl of Morton. Imkod. during the 
 exile of his family, in the north of Scotland, under the assumed 
 name of James Innes. otherwise yanns tin- (•rirz'c (/. r., Reve or
 
 Canto II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 73 
 
 Alas, this wild marauding Chief 
 
 Alone might hazard our relief, 
 
 And now thy maiden charms exjoand, 
 
 Looks for his guerdon in thy hand ; 
 
 Full soon may dispensation sought. 
 
 To back his suit from Rome be brouR-ht. 
 
 Then, though an exile on the hill, 
 
 Thy father, as the Douglas, still 
 
 Be held in reverence and fear ; 
 
 And though to Roderick thou'rt so dear, 
 
 That thou mightst guide with silken thread, 
 
 Slave of thy will, this chieftain dread ; 
 
 Yet, O loved maid, thy mirth refrain ! 
 
 Thy hand is on a lion's mane." — 
 
 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, 
 Since first an orphan in the wild 
 She sorrow'd o'er her sister's child ; 
 
 Bailiff). "And as he bore the name," says Godscroft, " so did he 
 also execute the office of a grieve or overseer of the lands and rents, 
 the corn and cattle of him with whom he lived." From the habits 
 of frugality and observation wliich he acquired in his humble situa- 
 tion, the historian traces that intimate acquaintance with popular 
 character, which enabled him to rise so high in the state, and that 
 honorable economy by which he repaired and established the 
 shattered estates of Angus and ISIorton. — History of the House of 
 Douglas, Edinburgh. 1743, vol. ii. p. 160.
 
 74 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 
 
 To her bra\e chieftain son, from ire 
 Of Scotland's kin<^- who shroiuls my sire. 
 A deeper, hoHcr debt is owed ; 
 And, could I pay it with my blood, 
 Allan ! Sir Roderick should command 
 My blood, my life, — but not my hantl. 
 Rather will Kllen Douglas dwell 
 A votaress in Maronnan's cell ; ' 
 Rather through realms beyond the sea, 
 Seeking the world's cold charity, 
 Where ne'er was sj)()ke a Scottish word, 
 And ne'er the name of Douglas heard. 
 An outcast pilgrim will she rove. 
 Than wed the man she cannot love.* 
 
 XIV. 
 
 "Thou shakest, good friend, tiiy tresses gray — 
 That i)leading look, what can it .say 
 Uut what I own.' — I grant him brave, 
 lUit wild as lirncklinn's thundering wave;^ 
 
 1 The parish of Kilniamnoik. at tlic eastern cxtrcinitv of Locli- 
 Loniond. derives its naine from a cell or ehapel, dedicated to Saint 
 Maronoch, or Marnoch, or Maronnan, abont whose sanctity verv 
 little is now renieinbered. There is a fountain devoted to hini in 
 the same parish; but its virtues, like the merits of its patron, have 
 fallen into oblivion. 
 
 '^ "Ellen is most exquisitelv drawn, and could not have been 
 improved bv contrast. She is iieautiful. frank. aHectionale. rational, 
 and pl.nvful. combininj^ the innocence of a child with the elevated 
 sentiments and courai^e of a heroine." — .K^iiaihrly l\,vi>v. 
 
 ' This is a beautifid cascatle niade bv a nir)nntain stream called 
 the KeMi'. at a jilace called the Hridi^'c of Ilracklinn. about a mile
 
 CANTO II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 75 
 
 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 O ! that very blade of steel 
 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, 
 Where once some pleasant hamlet stood, 
 A mass of ashes slaked with blood. 
 The hand that for my father fought, 
 I honor, as his daughter ought ; • 
 But can I clasp it reeking red. 
 From peasants slaughter'd in l.heir 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. 
 While yet a child, — and children know. 
 Instinctive taught, the friend and foe, — 
 I shudder' d at his brow of gloom, 
 His shadowy plaid, and sable plume! 
 
 from the village of Callendar in Menteith. Above a chasm, where 
 the brook precipitates itself from a height of at least fifty feet, there 
 is thrown, for the convenience of the neighborhood, a rustic foot- 
 bridge, of about three feet in breadth, and without ledges, which 
 is scarcely to be crossed by a stranger without awe and appre- 
 hension.
 
 76 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto 11. 
 
 A maiden <;nj\vn, I ill coiiUl bear 
 
 Mis 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. 
 
 To change such odious theme were best, — 
 
 What think'st thou of our stranger guest ? " 
 
 XV. 
 
 "What think I oi him .' — woe the while 
 That brought such wanderer to our isle! 
 Thy father's battle-brand, of yore 
 Vox 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 footstep of a secret foc^" 
 
 ' Arcliibalil, tlic lliiicl Earl of Doiiijla';, wns fio unfortunate in aU 
 his enterprises, tliat he .laiuircil the epithet of Tine-max, because 
 lie tiinil, or lost, his followers in every battle which he fought, lie 
 was vanfiuishcd. as every reader must remember, in the bloody 
 battle of Ilomildon-hill, near Wnoler, where he himself lost an eye, 
 and was made prisoner by Hotspur. lie was no less unfortunate 
 when allied with Percy, beins wounded and taken at the battle of 
 Shrewsbury. He was: so unsuccessful in an attempt to hesieijc 
 Roxbur<,'h Castle, that it was called the Foul Raid, or disjEfracefuI 
 expedition. His ill fortune left him indeed at the battle of Rcaui^d, 
 in F" ranee; but it was only to return with double emphasis at the 
 subsequent action of Vernoil. the last and most unlucky of his 
 encounters, in which he fell, with the flower of the Scottish chivalry. 
 then servinj^ as auxiliarie- ■" I'l. u .-. and about two thousand com- 
 mon poldiers. A. 1). 1424. 
 
 ^ See Apjiendix, Note D.
 
 Canto II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. TJ 
 
 If courtly spy hath harbor'd here, 
 
 What may wc for the Douglas fear ? 
 
 What for this island, deem'd of old 
 
 Clan-Alpine's last and surest hold ? 
 
 If neither spy nor foe, I pray 
 
 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 Grasme ; 
 
 Still, though thy sire the peace renew'd. 
 
 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, 
 
 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." 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Far up the lengthen'd lake were spied 
 Four darkening specks upon the tide. 
 That, slow enlarging on the view. 
 Four mann'd and masted barges grew, 
 
 ' "The moving picture — the effect of the sounds — and the wild 
 character and strong peculiar nationality of the wliole procession, 
 are given with inimitable spirit and power of expression." — -Jeffrey 
 
 2 Cotton-grass.
 
 7S THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 
 
 Ami, hcarinL; (lnwnvvards from Glcnijylc, 
 
 Stc'or'tl full upon the lonely isle ; 
 
 The i)oint of Brianchoil they pass'd, 
 
 And, to tlic windward as they cast, 
 
 Afjjainst tlie sun they gave to shine 
 
 The l)old Sir Roderick's banner'd i'ine. 
 
 Nearer and nearer as they bear, 
 
 Spear, pikes, and axes flash in air. 
 
 Now mi<:jht you see the tartans brave, 
 
 And plaids and pluma-e dance and wave : 
 
 Now see the bonnets sink and rise, 
 
 As his tout;h 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 
 
 From their loud chanters ' down, and sweep 
 
 The furrow'd bo.som of the deej), 
 
 As, rushing through the lake amain. 
 
 They plied the ancient Highland strain. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 lu'cr, as on they bore, more loud 
 And louder rung the pibroch |)roud. 
 'At first the sound, by distance tame, 
 Mellow'd along the waters came, 
 And, lingering long by cape and bay 
 VVail'd every harsher not(> away;
 
 Canto II.] l^HE LADY OF THE LAKE. 79 
 
 Then, l)ursting" bolder on the ear, 
 
 The clan's shrill Gathering they could hear ; 
 
 Those thrilling sounds, that call the mig'Tt 
 
 Of old Clan-Alpine to the fight/ 
 
 Thick beat the rapid notes, as when 
 
 The mustering hundreds shake the glen, 
 
 And hurrying- at the signal dread. 
 
 The batter'd earth returns then- tread. 
 
 Then prelude light, of livelier tone, 
 
 Express'd their merry marching on, 
 
 Ere peal of closing battle rose. 
 
 With mingled outcry, shrieks, and blows : 
 
 A mimic din of stroke and ward. 
 
 As broadsword upon target jarr'd ; 
 
 And groaning pause, ere yet again, 
 
 Condenged, the battle yell'd amain ; 
 
 The rapid charge, the rallying shoui, 
 
 Retreat borne headlong into rout, 
 
 And bursts of triumph, to declare 
 
 Clan-Alpine's conquest — all were theic. 
 
 ^ The connoisseurs in pipe-music affect to discover in a well- 
 composed pibroch, the imitative sounds of march, conflict, fight, 
 pursuit and' all the "current of a heady fight." To this opinion 
 Dr. Beattie has given his suffrage, in the following elegant passage : 
 "■ K pibroch is a species of tune, peculiar, I think, to the Highlands 
 and Western Isles of Scotland. It is performed on a bigpipe, and 
 differs totally from all other music. Its rythm is so irregular, and 
 its notes, especially in the quick movement, so mixed and huddled 
 together that a stranger finds it impossible to reconcile his ear to it, 
 so as to perceive its modulation. Some of these pibrochs, being 
 intended to represent a battle, begin with a grave motion resembling 
 a march; then gradually quicken into the onset; run off with noisy
 
 So THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 
 
 Xiir ciulcd thus ihc slrain ; Init slow 
 Sunk in a nioan prulong'd and low, 
 And changed the conciuering clarion swell, 
 For wild lament o'er those that fell. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 The war-pipes ceased ; but lake and hill 
 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. 
 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, 
 " Roderick Vich Alpine, ho ! iro ! " 
 /^nd iiear, and nearer as they row'd, 
 Distinct the martial ditty llow'd. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 nO.AT .SONG. 
 
 Hail to the Chief who in triumph advances! 
 Ilonor'd and bless'd be the ever-green Pine 
 
 ."onfiision. aiul tiiihuliiu lapiuiiv. i'> inniaic tlic tondict ami pursuit. ; 
 then swell intf) a few lloiiii-.iics of Iriuinphant joy; anil perhaps 
 close witli tlie wild ami low wailiiif^s of a funeral procession." — 
 Essay on Laiii^hlcr ami Ludicrous Composiliou, eliaji. iii. I^ote.
 
 Canto II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 8l 
 
 Long may the tree, in his banner that glances, 
 Flourisli, the shelter and grace of our line ! 
 
 Heaven send it happy dew. 
 
 Earth lend it sap anew, 
 Gayly to bourgeon, and broadly to grow. 
 
 While every Highland glen 
 
 Send our shout back agen, 
 " Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho ! ieroe ! " ' 
 
 Ours is no sapling, chance-sown by the fountain, 
 
 Blooming at Beltane, in winter to fade ; 
 When the whirlwind has strijip'd every leaf on the 
 mountain, 
 The more shall Clan-Alpine exult in her shade. 
 Moor'd in the rifted rock. 
 Proof to the tempest's shock, 
 
 ' Besides his ordinary name and surname, which were chiefly 
 used in the intercourse with the Lowh\nds, every Highland chief 
 had an epithet expressive of his patriarchal dignity as head of the 
 clan, and which was common to all his predecessors and successors, 
 as Pharaoh to the kings of Egypt, or Arsaces to those of Parthia. 
 This name was usually a patronymic, expressive of his descent from 
 the founder of the family. Thus the Duke of Argyle is called Mac- 
 Callum More, or the son of Colin the Great Sometimes, however, 
 it is derived from armorial distinctions, or the memory of some 
 great feat; thus Lord Seaforth, as chief of the Mackenzies, or Clan- 
 Kennet, bears the epithet of Caber-fae, or Buck's Head, as repre- 
 sentative of Colin Fitzgerald, founder of the family, who saved the 
 Scottish king when endangered by a stag. But besides this title, 
 which belonged to his office and dignity, the chieftain had usually 
 another peculiar to himself, which distinguished him from the 
 chieftains of the same race. This was sometCmes derived from 
 complexion, as dhu or roy ; sometimes from size, as beg- or more ; at
 
 82 THE LADY OF TIIF. LAKE. [Canto II. 
 
 Firmer he routs liini the ruder it blows; 
 
 Menteith and lireadalbane, then, 
 
 Echo his praise again, 
 " Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho! ieroc!" 
 
 XX. 
 
 Proudly our pibroch has thrill'd in Glen Fruin, 
 
 And Ikmnachar's groans to our slogan replied ; 
 Glen Lus and Ross-dhu, they arc 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; 
 
 Lennox and Lcven-glen 
 
 Shake when they hear again, 
 " Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho! ieroc! " 
 
 Row, vassals, row for the pride of the Highlands 
 Stretch to your oars, for the ever-green Pine ! 
 
 other times, from some peculiar exploit, or from some peculiarity 
 of hahit or aiipearaiicc. The line of tlic text therefore signifies, 
 
 Ulack Uotlcrick, the dcsccndiinl of Alpine. 
 
 The Rorifj itself is intended as an imitation of the /V);v'f/w.<;, or boat- 
 sonf,'s of the Ili;,'hlatulers, which were usually composed in honor of 
 n favorite chief. Tiiev are so adapted as to keep time with the sweep 
 of the oars, anti it is easy to distin<(uish between tluise intended to 
 be sung to the oars f)f a yallry. where the stroke is K-n<,'thened and 
 doubled, as it wen-, and lho>.c which were timed to the rowers of an 
 ordirary l»oat. 
 
 1 See Appendix, Note li.
 
 Canto II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 83 
 
 O ! that the rose-bud that graces yon islands, 
 
 Were wreathed in a garland around him to twine. 
 
 O, that some seedling gem, 
 
 Worthy such noble stem, 
 Honor'd and blessed in their shadow might grow ! 
 
 Loud should Clan-Alpine then 
 
 Ring from her deepest glen, 
 ' Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho ! ieroe ! " ' 
 
 XXI. 
 
 With all her joyful female band, 
 Had Lady Margaret sought the strand. 
 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. 
 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 ? " — 
 
 1 " However we may dislike the geographical ?ong and chorus, 
 iialf English and half Erse, w'hich is sung in praise of the warrior, 
 we must allow that, in other respects, the hero of a poem has 
 seldom, if ever, been introduced with finer effect, or in a manner 
 better calculated to excite the expectations of the reader, than on the 
 present occasion." — Critical Rcvie-v. 
 
 ^ MS. : " TAe chorus to the chieftain's fame."
 
 84 THE LAW OF THE LAKE. [Canto ll. 
 
 Rcluctaiitl)- and slow, the maid 
 
 The unwelcome .summuniii!^ obey'd, 
 
 And, when a distant bugle rung, 
 
 In the mitl-path aside she sprung: — 
 
 " List, Allan-Bane ! From mainland cast 
 
 I hea. my father's signal blast, 
 
 Be ours," she cried, "the skitf to guide, 
 
 And w'aft him from the mountain-side. ' 
 
 Then, like a sunbeam, swift and bright, 
 
 She darted to lier sliallop light, 
 
 And, eagerly while Roderick scann'd 
 
 l^^or her dear form, his mother's band, 
 
 The islet far behind her lay, 
 
 And she had landed in the bay. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Some feelings arc to mortals given, 
 With less of earth in rncm than heaven: 
 And if there be a human tear 
 From passion's dross rcnned and clear, 
 A tear so limpid anci so meek, 
 It would not stain an angel's cheek, 
 'Tis that which pious fathers shed 
 Upon a duteous daughter's head ! 
 And as the Douglas to his breast 
 His darling ICllen closely prcss'd, 
 Such holy drops her tresses stccp'd, 
 Though 'twas an hero's eye that weep'd.
 
 Canto II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 85 
 
 Nor while on Ellen's faltering tongue ' 
 Her filial welcomes crowded hung, 
 Mark'd she, that fear (affection's proof) 
 Still held a graceful youth aloof ; 
 No ! not till Douglas named his name, 
 Although the youth was Malcolm Graeme. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 Allan, with wistful look the while, 
 
 Mark'd Roderick landing on the isle ; 
 
 His master piteously he eyed. 
 
 Then gazed upon the Chieftain's pride. 
 
 Then dash'd, with hasty hand, away 
 
 From his dimm'd eye the gathering spray ; 
 
 And Douglas, as his hand he laid 
 
 On Malcolm's shoulder, kindly said, 
 
 " Canst thou, young friend, no meaning spy 
 
 In my poor follower's glistening eye ? 
 
 I'll tell thee : he recalls the day, 
 
 When in my praise he led the lay 
 
 O'er the arch'd gate of Bothwell proud, 
 
 While many a minstrel answer'd loud. 
 
 MS. : " Nor while on Ellen's faltering tongue 
 Her filial greetings eager hung, 
 Mark'd not that axve (affection's proof) 
 Still held r^;/ gentle youth aloof; 
 No! not till Douglas named his name, 
 Although the youth was Malcolm Grreme. 
 Then xvitli Ji ashed check and do-vncant eye. 
 Their greeting -n<as confused and shy."
 
 86 rHE LADY UI- THE LAKE. [Camo IL 
 
 When rcrc)'s Xornian pennon won 
 
 In bloody field before mc shone, 
 
 And twice ten kn lights, the least a name 
 
 As mi-hty as yon Chief may claim, 
 
 Gracing my i)omp, behind me came. 
 
 Yet trust mc, Malcolm, not so proud 
 
 Was I of all that marshall'd crowd, 
 
 Though the waned crescent own'd my might, 
 
 And in my train troop'd lord and knight, 
 
 Though l^lantyrc hymn'd her holiest lays 
 
 And liothwell's bards flung back my i)raise 
 
 As when this old man's silent tear, 
 
 And this poor maid's affection dear, 
 
 A welcome give more kind and true, 
 
 Than aught my better fortunes knew 
 
 Forgive, my friend, a father's boast, 
 
 ()! it out-beggars all I lost!" 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Delightful prai.se! — Like summer rose. 
 That brighter in the dew-drop glows. 
 The ba.shful maiden's cheek appear'd, 
 l''or Douglas spoke, and Malcolm heard. 
 The flush of shame-faced joy to hide. 
 The hounds, the ha\vk, her cares divide; 
 The loved carcs.scs of the maid 
 The dogs with crouch and whimjier paid ; ' 
 
 ' MS. : " Tlir dflffs ivith -vhinipirinir iiola^ repaid."
 
 CANTO II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 87 
 
 And, at her whistle, on her hand 
 The falcon took his favorite stand, 
 Closed his dark wing, relax'd 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'erweigh'd her worth and beauty aught, 
 Well might the lover's judgment fail 
 To balance with a juster scale ; 
 For with each secret glance he stole, 
 The fond enthusiast sent his soul. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 Of stature tall, and slender frame. 
 
 But firmly knit, was Malcolm Graeme, 
 
 The belted plaid and tartan hose 
 
 Did ne'er more graceful limbs disclose ; 
 
 His flaxen hair of sunny hue, 
 
 Curl'd closely round his bonnet blue. 
 
 Train'd to the chase, his eagle eye 
 
 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. 
 
 And scarce that doe, though wing'd with fear, 
 
 Outstripp'd in speed the mountaineer : 
 
 1 MS. : " Like fabled huntress of the wood."
 
 88 THE LADY OF fin-: LAKE. [Canto U 
 
 Right up Ben Lomond could he press, 
 And not a sob his toil confess. 
 His form accorded with a mind 
 Lively and ardent, frank and kind ; 
 A blither heart till Ellen came, 
 Did never love or sorrow tame ; 
 It dr.nced as lightsome in his breast, 
 As play'd the feather on his crest. 
 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 grow 
 Not long should Roderick Dhu's renown 
 Be foremost voiced by mountain fame. 
 But quail to that of Malcolm Gra:me. 
 
 XXVL 
 
 Now back they wend their watery way, 
 And, " O my sire ! " did Ellen .say, 
 " Why urge thy chase so far astray } 
 And why so late return'd .■* And why '" — 
 The rest was in her speaking eye. 
 " I\Iy child, the chase I follow far, 
 'Tis mimicry of noble war; 
 -And with that gallant jxastimc reft 
 Were all of Douglas I have left. 
 I met young Malcolm as I stray'd, 
 Far eastward, in Glenfmlas' shade.
 
 Canto II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 89 
 
 Nor stray'd I safe ; for, all around, 
 Hunters and horsemen scour'd the ground, 
 This youth, though still a royal ward, 
 Risk'd life and land to be my guard, 
 And through the passes of the wood 
 Guided my steps, not unpursued ; 
 And Roderick shall his welcome make, 
 Despite old spleen, for Douglas' sake. 
 Then must he seek Strath-Endrick glen, 
 Nor peril aught for me agen." 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 Sir Roderick, who to meet them came, 
 Redden'd at sight of Malcolm Graeme, 
 Yet, not in action, word, or eye, 
 Fail'd 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 seem'd toiling in his head; 
 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.
 
 go THE L.inV OF Thi: LAKK. [Canto II, 
 
 As studying phrase that might avail 
 Best to convey unpleasant tale. 
 Long with his dagger's hilt he play'd, 
 Then raised his haughty brow, and said: 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 " Short be my speech ; — nor time affords, 
 Nor my plain temper, glozing words. 
 Kinsman and father, — if such name 
 Douglas vouchsafe to Roderick's claim ; 
 Mine honor'd mother ; — Ellen — why, 
 My cousin, turn away thine eye.' — 
 And Gramme ; in wliom 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 
 Boasts to have tamed the border side.' 
 
 ' In 15.9, James \. made a convention at Edinbiircfh for the 
 purpose of considei ing tlic best mode of quellini,' the liordcr robbers, 
 who, during; the license of his minority, and the troubles which 
 followed, had committed inany exorbitances. Accordinj^ly, he 
 assembled a flyini,' army of ten thousand men, consistmcf of his 
 principal nobility and their followers, who were directed to brin,^ 
 their hawks and doi^s with them, that the monarch miijht refresh 
 himself with sport dining the intervals of military execution. With 
 this array he swept through ICttrick Forest, where he hanged over 
 the gate of his own cattle Piers Corkburn of Henderland. who had 
 prepared, according to tradition, a feast for his reception. He 
 caused Adam Scott of Tu-hielaw also to be executed, who was 
 distinguished bv the title f)f King of the Tlorder. Tlut the most 
 noted victim of justice during that expedition was John Armstrong
 
 Canto II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. gi 
 
 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, 
 
 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, 
 
 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. 
 
 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.^ 
 
 of Gilnockie,* famous in Scottish song, who, confiding in his own 
 supposed innocenco, met the King, with a retinue of tliirtj-six 
 persons, all of whom were hanged at Carlenrig, near the source of 
 the Teviot. The eft'ect of this severity was such, that, as the vulgar 
 expressed it, "the rush-bush kept the cow," and, " thereafter was 
 great peace and rest for a long time, wherethrough the King had 
 great profit ; for he had ten thousand sheep going in the Ettrick 
 Forest in keeping by Andrew Bell, who made the King as good 
 count of them as they had gone in the bounds of Fife." — Pits- 
 cottie's History, p. 153. 
 
 ^ MS. : "The dales where clans were wont to bide." 
 2 James was in fact equally attentive to restrain rapine and feudal 
 oppression in every part of his dominions. "The King past to the 
 Isles, and there held justice courts, and punished both thief and 
 * Sec Border Minstrelsy, vol. i, p. 393.
 
 92 Tllh LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II 
 
 Yet more ; amid (jlciitinlas i;i'ccn, 
 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, 
 Then turn'd their ghastly look, each one, 
 This to her sire, that to her son. 
 The hasty color went and came 
 In the bold check of Malcolm Graeme ; 
 Ikit from his glance it well appear'd, 
 'Twa-s but for ICllen that he fear'd ; 
 While, sorrowful, but undismay'd, 
 The Douglas thus his counsel said : 
 "Brave Roderick, though the temjiest roar. 
 It may but thunder and pass o'er ; 
 
 traitor accord! ntj to tliL'ir tlcmcrit. And also lie caused j^rcat inen 
 to .show their holdint^'s, wlicrethroiii^li lie found many of tlie said 
 lands in non-cntrv; tlic wliich he confiscate and brought liouie to 
 his own use, and afterward annexed them to the crown, as _vc shall 
 hear. Sync broiiglit many of the great men of the Isles captive with 
 him, such as Mudyart, MConncl, M'Leod of tlic Lewes, MNeil, 
 M'Lane. M'Intosh. John Mudyart, M'Kay, MKenzie, with many 
 other that I cannot reliearsc at this time. Some of them he put in 
 ward and some in court, and sduic he took pledges for good rule in 
 time comin,';. So he brought the Isles, both north and south, in 
 tjood rule and peace; wherefore he had great profit, service, and 
 obedience of people a long time thereafter: and as long as he h.id 
 the heads of the country in subjection, they lived in great peace and 
 rest, and there was great riches and policy by the King's ju.stice." — 
 
 PlTSCOTTIi:, p. 1.S2.
 
 Canto II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 93 
 
 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, 
 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. 
 The refuge of some forest cell. 
 There, like the hunted quarry, dwell. 
 Till on the mountain and the moor. 
 The stern pursuit be pass'd and o'er." 
 
 . XXX. 
 
 "No, by mine honor," Roderick said, 
 
 " So help me. Heaven, and rny 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 ! 
 
 Hear my blunt speech ; grant me this maid 
 
 To wife, thy counsel to mine aid ; 
 
 To Douglas, ^eagued with Roderick Dhu, 
 
 Will friends and allies flock enow ; 
 
 Like cause of doubt, distrust, and grief, 
 
 Will bind to us each Western Chief- .
 
 94 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. L^anto 11. 
 
 When tlic li»ti<l iii|)cs ni)' bridal IcU, 
 'Ihc Links t)f l'\)rth shall hear ihc knell, 
 The guards shall start in Stirling's porch ; 
 And, when I light the nU))tial torch, 
 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 ; 
 
 1 meant not all my heat might say. 
 Small need of inroad, or of tight. 
 When the sage Douglas may unite 
 Each mountain clan in friendl}' band. 
 To guard the passes of their land, 
 Till the foil'd king from i)at]iless glen/ 
 Shall bootless turn him home agcn," 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 There are who have at midnight liour, 
 
 In slumber scaled a dizzy tower. 
 
 And on the verge that beetled o'er 
 
 The ocean tide's incessant roar, 
 
 Dream'd calmly out their dangerous dream,' 
 
 Till waken'd by the morning beam ; 
 
 When, dazzled by the eastern glow, 
 
 Such startler cast his glance below, 
 
 And saw unmeasured depth around, 
 
 And heard unintermittcd sound, 
 
 ' MS. : "Till fho foil'd kin-,', from liill .nnd i;lon." 
 
 2 MS DnainM calmly out their iJL-spcratf ilri-am.'
 
 Canto II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 95 
 
 And th()Ui;"ht the battled fenee so frail 
 
 It waved like cooweb in the gale; — 
 
 Amid his senses' giddy wheel, 
 
 Did he not desperate impulse feel, 
 
 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 toss'd, 
 
 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, 
 And eager rose to speak — but ere 
 His tongue could hurry forth his fear, 
 Had Douglas mark'd the hectic strife, 
 Where death seem'd combating with life 
 For to her cheek, in feverish flood. 
 One instant rush'd the throbbing blood, 
 Then ebbing back, with sudden sway, 
 Left its domain as wan as clay. 
 " Roderick, enough ! enough ! " he cried; 
 " My daughter cannot be thy bride ; 
 Not that the blush to wooer dear. 
 Nor paleness that of maiden fear,
 
 90 THE LADY OF THE LAKE [Canto II. 
 
 It nuiy mil be — f()rL;i\c lici', Chief, 
 Nor hazard auj^dit for our rehcf. 
 Against his sovereign, Douglas ne'er 
 Will level a rebellious spear. 
 'Twas 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 jjride and joy ; 
 I love him still, despite my wrongs, 
 \\y hasty wrath, and slanderous tongues. 
 O seek the grace you well may hntl. 
 Without a cause to mine combined." 
 
 XXXIIJ. 
 
 Twice through the hall the Chieftain strode; 
 The waving of his tartans broad, 
 And darken'd brow, where wounded pride 
 With ire and disappointment vied, 
 Seem'd, by the torch's gloomy light, 
 Like the ill demon of the night, 
 Stooping his pinions' shadowy sway 
 Upon the nighted ])ilgrim's way ; 
 But, unrecpiited Love ! thy ilart 
 Plunged deepest its envenom'd smart. 
 And Roderick, with thine anguish slung, 
 At length the hand of Douglas wrung. 
 While eyes, that mock'd at tears before, 
 With bitter (lir)ps were running o'er.
 
 CANTO II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 97 
 
 The death-pangs of long-eherish'd hope 
 Scarce in that ample breast had scope, 
 But, struggHng with his spirit proud, 
 Convulsive heaved its checker'd shroud, 
 While every sob — so mute were all — 
 Was heard distinctly through the hall. 
 The son's despair, the mother's look, 
 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, 
 
 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 
 
 On Malcolm's breast and belted plaid ; 
 
 "Back, beardless boy!" he sternly said, 
 
 " Back, minion ! hold'st thou thus at naught 
 
 The lesson I so lately taught .'' 
 
 This roof, the Douglas, and that maid. 
 
 Thank thou for punishment dclay'd." 
 
 1 MS. : "The deep-toned anguish of despair 
 Flush'd, in fierce jealousy, to air."
 
 98 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 
 
 Eager as grcyliouiul ow his game, 
 
 fiercely with Roderick grappled Graeme." 
 
 "Perish my name, if aught afford 
 
 Its Chieftain safety save his sword ! " 
 
 Thus as they strove, their desperate hand* 
 
 Griped to the dagger or the brantl, 
 
 And death had been — but Douglas rose, 
 
 And thrust between the struggling foes 
 
 His giant strength : — "Chieftains, forego! 
 
 I hold the first who strikes, my foe."^ 
 
 Madmen, forbear your frantic jar ! 
 
 What ! is the Douglas fall'n so far. 
 
 His daughter's hand is deem'd the si)oil 
 
 Of such dishonorable broil !" 
 
 Sullen and slowly, they unclasp,'* 
 
 As struck with shame, their desperate grasp. 
 
 And each ujion his rival glared, 
 
 With foot ad\-anced and blade hnlf Ixired. 
 
 ' '■ 'riicre is somcthinj:; foppish and out of character in Malcohn'a 
 rising to lead out Ellen from her own parlor: and the sort of wrest- 
 lini,' match that takes jilare hetween the rival chieftains on the 
 occasion is humiliatin;,' and indecorous." — Jkki-key. 
 2 MS. : "Thus, as they strove, each better hand 
 Ctr(is/<'(/ for the dagjjer or the brand." 
 '^ 'Ihc author has to apologize for the inadv-int np|iro]Miation 
 of a whole line from the tragedy of Douglas, 
 
 " 1 hold the first who strikes, my foe." 
 
 — A'ofc to the Second Edition. 
 ' MS : " Sullen and slow the rivals bold 
 
 Loos'd at his best their desperate hold, 
 But either still on other glar'tl," etc.
 
 Canto 11] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 99 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 Ere yet the brands aloft were flung, 
 Margaret on Roderick's mantle hung, 
 And Malcolm heard his Ellen's scream, 
 As falter'd through terrific dream. 
 Then Roderick plunged in sheath his sword, 
 And veil'd his wrath in scornful word. 
 '' Rest safe till morning ; pity 'twere 
 Such cheek should feel the midnight air ! ' 
 
 ' Hardihood was in every respect so essential to the character of 
 .1 Highlander, that the reproach of efleminacy was the most hitter 
 which could be thrown upon him. Yet it was sometimes hazarded 
 on what we might presume to think slight grounds. It is reported 
 of old Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel, when upwards of seventy, that 
 Ae was surprised by night on a hunting or military expedition. 
 He wrapped him in his plaid, and lay contentedly down upon the 
 snow, with which the ground happened to be covered. Among his 
 attendants, who were preparing to take tlieir rest in the same man- 
 ner, he observed that one of his grandsons, for his better accommo- 
 dation, had rolled a large snow-ball, and placed it below his head. 
 The wrath of the ancient chief was awakened by a symptom of what 
 he conceived to be degenerate luxury. " Out upon thee," said he, 
 kicking the frozen bolster from the head which it supported; " art 
 thou so effeminate as to need a pillow.?" The officer of engineers, 
 whose curious letters from the Highlands have been more than once 
 quoted, tells a similar story of Macdonald of Keppoch, and subjoins 
 the following remarks: — "This and many other stories are ro- 
 mantick; but tliere is one thing, that at first thought might seem 
 very romantick, of which I have been credibly assured, that when 
 the Highlanders are constrained to lie among the hills, in cold, dry, 
 windy weather, they sometimes soak the plaid in some river or burn 
 (/. c. brook), and then holding up a corner of it a little above their 
 heads, they turn themselves round and round, till thev are enveloped 
 hy the whole mantle. They then lay themselves down on the heath, 
 upon the leeward side of some hill, where the wet and the warmth of
 
 lOO THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto U. 
 
 Then maycsl thou lo James Stewarl lell 
 Roderick will keep the lake and fell, 
 Nor lackey, with his frecborn clan, 
 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 ^o the Graeme." 
 
 their bodies make a steam, like tliat of a boilinj? kettle. The wet, 
 they say, keeps them warm by thickeninji the stiilV, ami kecpiiiLj liie 
 wind from penetrating. I must confess I should have been apt to 
 question tliis fact, had I not frequently seen them wet from morning 
 to night, and, even at the beginning of the rain, not so much as stir 
 a few vards to shelter, but continue in it without necessity, till they 
 were, ixs we say, wet through and llirough. And that is soon elVectcd 
 by the looseness and spunginess of the plaiding; but the bonnet is 
 frequently taken olT and wrung like a dishclout. and then put on 
 again. Thev have been accustomed from their infancy to be often 
 wet, and to take the water like spaniels, and this is become a second 
 nature, and can scarcely be called a hardship to them, insomuch 
 that I used to say, they seemed to be of the duck kind, and to love 
 water as well. Though I never saw this preparation for sleep in 
 windy weather, yet, setting out early in a morning from one of the 
 huts, I have seen the marks of their lodging, where the ground has 
 been free from rime or snow, which remained all round the spot 
 where they had \a\w" — Letters from Scotliiml,\-<^m<^., 1754, 8vo, 
 ii, p. i(>S. 
 
 * " This ofllcer is a sort of secretary, and is to be reaily, upon 
 all occasions, to venture his life in defence of his master; and at 
 drinking-bouts he stands behind his scat, at his haunch, from 
 whence his title is derived, and watches the conver>ation. to see if 
 any one ofTends liis patron. An English ofTicer being in company 
 with a certain chieftain, and several other Highland gentlemen, 
 near Kilichumcn. had an argument with the c>'<'cf "'(^" ■ ^"'^ both 
 hcinir Will warmed with usky.* at last the dispute trrew very hot. A 
 youth who was henchman, not understandmg one word of English, 
 
 • W)iisky.
 
 Canto II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. lor 
 
 Young Malcolm answer'd, calm and bold, 
 ** Fear nothing for thy favorite hold ; 
 The spot an angel deigned to grace 
 Is bless'd, though robbers haunt the place 
 Thy churlish courtesy for those 
 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. 
 Brave Douglas, — lovely Ellen, — nay, 
 Naught here of parting will I say. 
 Earth does not hold a lonesome glen, 
 So secret, but we meet agen. 
 Chieftain! we too shall find a!i hour." 
 He said, and left the sylvan bower. 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 Old Allan follow'd to the strand, 
 (Such was the Douglas's command,) 
 And anxious told, how, on the morn, 
 The stern Sir Roderick deep had sworn, 
 
 imagined his chief was insulted, and thereupon drew his pistol from 
 his side, and snapped it at the officer's head ; but the pistol missed 
 fire, otherwise it is more than probable he might have suffered death 
 from the hand of that little vermin. But it is very disagreeable to 
 an Englishman over a bottle with the Highlanders, to see every one 
 of them have his gillv. that is. his se'-vant. standing behind him, all 
 the wliilc. let what will be tne subject of conversation." — Letters 
 from Scotland, ii, 159.
 
 I02 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto II. 
 
 The Fiery Cross should circle o'er 
 Dale, glen, and valley, down, and moor. 
 Much were the peril to the Grccme, 
 From those who to the signal came; 
 Far uj) the lake 'twere safest lantl, 
 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 roll'd, 
 His ami^le plaid "n tighten'd fold. 
 And stripp'd bis limbs to such array. 
 As best might suit the watery way, — 
 
 XXXVH. 
 
 •Then spoke abrupt : " Ivarewell to Ihce, 
 Pattern of ohi fidelity!" 
 The Minstrel's hand he kindly press'd. -- 
 " O ! could I point a place of rest ! 
 My sovereign holds in ward my land. 
 My uncle leads my vassal band ; 
 To tame his foes, bi? friends to aid, 
 Poor Malcolm has but heart and blade. 
 Yet, if there be one faithful Grccme, 
 Who loves the Chieftain of his name, 
 Not long shall honored Douglas dwell. 
 Like hunted stag in mountain cell ; 
 Nor, ere yon pride-swolTn robber dare, — 
 I may not give the rest to air!
 
 Canto II.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 103 
 
 Tell Roderick Dhu, I owed him naught, 
 Not the poor service 01 a boat, 
 To waft me to yon mountain-side." 
 Then plunged he in the flashing tide.' 
 Bold o'er the flood his head he bore. 
 And stoutly steer'd him from the shore ; 
 And Allan strain'd his anxious eye. 
 Far 'mid the lake his form to spy. 
 Darkening across each puny wave. 
 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. 
 The minstrel heard the far halloo. 
 And joyful from the shore withdrew. 
 
 1 MS. : " He spoke, and plunged into the tide.
 
 CANTO THIRD. 
 
 THE GATHERING. 
 
 I. 
 
 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 haj^p'd by land or sea. 
 How are they blotted from the things that be! 
 
 How few, all weak and wither'd 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 ins cease- 
 less course. 
 Yet live there still who can remember well. 
 
 How, when a mountain chief his bugle blew, 
 lioth 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, 
 
 1 " There are no separate introductions to tiie cantos of this pocin ; 
 but each of tlieni bei^ins with one or two stanzas in the measure of 
 Spenser, usually containing some rellections connected with the 
 subject about to be entered on; and written, for the most part, with 
 great tenderness and beauty. The following, we think, is among 
 the most striking." — Ji.ii ki v. 
 «f>4
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 105 
 
 What time aloft their kindred banner flew, 
 
 While clamorous war-pipes yell'd the gathering sound, 
 And while the Fiery Cross glanced, like a meteor, round.^ 
 
 II. 
 
 The summer dawn's reflected hue 
 
 To purple changed Loch Katrine blue ; 
 
 Mildly and soft the western breeze 
 
 Just kiss'd the Lake, just stirr'd the trees. 
 
 And the pleased lake, like maiden coy, 
 
 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 rear'd of silver bright ; 
 
 The doe awoke, and to the lawn, 
 
 Begemm'd with dew drops, led her fawn ; 
 
 The gray mist left ^ the mountain side. 
 
 The torrent show'd its glistening pride ; 
 
 Invisible in flecked sky, 
 
 The lark sent down her revelry ; 
 
 1 See Appendix, Note F. 
 
 ^ MS.: "The doe awoke, and to the lawn 
 
 Begemm'd with dewdiops, led her fawn, 
 
 Invisible in fleecy cloud, 
 
 The lark sent down her matins loud; 
 
 The light mist left," etc.
 
 I06 THE LADY OF 77 f/'. r.AKE. [Canto iii. 
 
 The blackbird and the speckled thrush 
 Good-niorrovv gave from brake and bush ; ' 
 In answer coo'd the cushat dove 
 Her notes of peace, and rest, and love. 
 
 III. 
 
 No thought of peace, no thought of rest, 
 
 Assuaged the storm in Roderick's breast. 
 
 With sheathed broadsword in his hand, 
 
 Abruj)t he paced the islet strand, 
 
 And eyed the rising sun, and laid 
 
 Mis hand on his impatient blade. 
 
 Beneath a r(jck, his vassals' care' 
 
 Was prompt the ritual to prepare. 
 
 With deep and death ful meaning fraught ; 
 
 l-'or such Anticjuity hatl taught 
 
 Was preface meet, ere yet abroad 
 
 The Cross of T'ire should take its road. 
 
 The shrinking band stood oft aghast 
 
 At the impatient glance he cast ; — 
 
 Such glance the mountain eagle threw, 
 
 As, from the cliffs of Benvenue, 
 
 She spread her dark sails on the wind, 
 
 And, high in middle heaven, reclined, 
 
 ' " 'I'lic iricoM hills 
 
 Are clothed with earl v l)l(>ssoins ; throu^^h the grass 
 The qiiiek-cved lizard rustles, and the hills 
 Of t-uinincr hirds sini,' wclcoine as ve pass." — C/ii/dr llmohl 
 ' MS. : " Hard bv, his vassals' earl\- rare 
 The .'Tiystic ritual prepare."
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 107 
 
 With her broad shadow on the lake, 
 Silenced the warblers of the brake. 
 
 IV. 
 
 A heap of wither'd 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. 
 
 Barefooted, in his frock and hood. 
 
 His grisled beard and matted hair 
 
 Obscured a visage of despair ; 
 
 His naked arms and legs seam'd o'er, 
 
 The scars of frantic penance bore. 
 
 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. 
 
 But Druid's, from the grave released. 
 
 Whose harden'd heart and eye might brook 
 
 On human sacrifice to look ; 
 
 And much, 'twas said, of heathen lore 
 
 Mix'd in the charms he mutter'd o'er. 
 
 The hallow'd creed gave only worse ^ 
 
 And deadlier emphasis of curse ; 
 
 1 Sec Appendix, Note G. 
 
 2 MS. : '' While the bless'd creed gave onlj worse."
 
 I08 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Cant.. III. 
 
 No peasant sought that liciniit's prayer, 
 His cave the pilgrim shunn'cl with care, 
 The eager huntsman knew liis bound. 
 And in mid chase call'd off his hound ; 
 Or if, in lonely glen or strath, 
 The desert-dweller met his path, 
 He pray'd and sign'd the cross betw«.xn. 
 While terror took devotion's mien.' 
 
 V. 
 
 Of Brian's birth strange tales were told.- 
 His mother watch'd a midnight fold, 
 
 ' MS. : " lie pray'd witli many a cross between, 
 And terror took devotion's mien." 
 
 - The legend wliicli follows is not of the author's in\ention. It 
 i ; possible lie niav dilVer from modern critics, in siip|iosing that the 
 records of human superstition, if peculiar to, and characteristic of, 
 the country in which tlie scene is laid, are a legitimate subject of 
 poetry. lie gives, however, a ready assent to the narro>ver propo- 
 sition which condemns all attempts of an irregular and disordered 
 fancv to excite terror, by accumulating a train of fantastic and in- 
 coherent horrors, whetiier borrowed from all countries, and patched 
 upon a nai'rativc belonging to one wiiicli knew tluin not, or derived 
 frf)m the author's own imagination. In the juesL-nt case, Iheieforc, 
 I appeal to the record which I have transcribed, with the variation 
 of a very few words, from the geographical collections mad? by the 
 Lain! of Macfarlane. I know not whether it be necessary to remark, 
 that the miscellaneous concourse of vouths and maidens on the 
 night and on the spot where the miracle is said to have taken place, 
 mifrht, even in a credulous age. have somewhat diuiinished the 
 wonder which accompanied the conception of fiilli-Doir-Magre- 
 vollich. 
 
 "There is bot two tnvles from Inverloghie. the church of Kil- 
 nialec, in Loghyeld. In ancient tym<>s there was ane church buildtd 
 upon ane hill, whii h was above this chmch. whi<h doeth now stand 
 in this tounc; and ancient men doeth sav. that there was a battel!
 
 Canto III.] J HE LADY OF THE LAKE. IO9 
 
 Built dec}) within a dreary glen, 
 Where scatter'd lay the bones of men, 
 In some forgotten battle slain, 
 And bleach'd by drifting wind and rain. 
 It might have tamed a warrior's heart,' 
 To view such mockery of his art ! 
 
 foughten on ane litle hill not the tenth part of a mile from this 
 church, be certaine men which they did not know what they were. 
 And long tjme thereafter, certaine herds of that toune, and of the 
 next toune, called Unnatt, both wenches and youthes, did on a tyme 
 conveen with others on that Hill ; and the day being somewhat cold, 
 did gather the bones of the dead men that were slayne long time 
 before in that place, and did make a fire to warm them. At last 
 they did all remove from the fire, except one maid or wench, which 
 was verie cold, and she did remain there for a space. She being 
 quyetlie her alone, without anie other companie, took up her cloaths 
 above her knees, or thereby, to warm her; a wind did come and 
 caste the ashes upon her, and she was conceived of ane man-chyld. 
 Severall tymes thereafter she was verie sick, and at last she was 
 knowne to be with chyld. And then her parents did ask at her the 
 matter heiroff, which the wench could not weel answer which way 
 to satisfie them. At last she resolved them with ane answer. As 
 fortune fell upon her concerning this marvellous miracle, the chyld 
 being borne, his name was called Gilli-Doir-JMaglircz'ollich, that is 
 to say, the Black Child, Son to the Bones. So called, his grand- 
 father sent him to school, and so he was a good schollar, and godlie. 
 He did build this church which doeth now stand in Lochyeld, called 
 Kilmalee." — Macfarlane, at supra, ii. iSS. 
 
 1 " There is something of pride in the perilous hour, 
 Whate'er be the shape in which death may lower; 
 For Fame is there to say who bleeds. 
 And Honor's eye on daring deeds ! 
 But when all is past, it is humbling to tread 
 O'er the weltering field of the tombless dead, 
 And see worms of the earth, and fowls of the air. 
 Beasts of the forest, all gathering there; 
 All regarding man as their prey. 
 All rejoicing in his decay." — Byron — Siege of Corinth.
 
 NO THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto m 
 
 The knot-grass fcUci'el ihcic the liaiul, 
 Which once could burst an iron band ; 
 Beneath the broad and ample bone, 
 That Ijuckler'd heart to fear unknown, 
 A feeble and a timorous guest, 
 The field-fare framed her lowly nest ; 
 There the slow blind-worm left his slime 
 On the fleet limbs that mock'd at time; 
 And there, too, lay the leader's skull,' 
 Still wreathed with chaplet, flushed and full. 
 I 'or heath-bell, with her purple bloom. 
 Supplied the bonnet and the jjlume.^ 
 All night, in this sad glen, the maid 
 Sate, shrouded in her mantle's shade : 
 — She said, no shepherd sought her side, 
 \() hunter's hand her snood untied, 
 
 " Remove von skull from out the scaUcrcd heaps. 
 
 Is iliat a temple where a i^ocl may dwell? 
 
 Whv, even tlie worm at last disdains iier shattered cell. 
 
 Look on its hroken arch, its ruin'd wall, • 
 
 Its chamhers desolate, and portals foul ; 
 
 Yet this was once Amhilioii's airy hall, 
 
 The dome of thoii.i,'ht, the palace of the soul : 
 
 Rehold throui^h eaih lack-lustre, eyeless hole, 
 
 The •,'av recess of wisdom and of wit, 
 
 And passion's host, that never brook'd controul : 
 
 Can all saint, saijc. or sophist ever writ. 
 
 People this lonely tower, this tenement refit ?" 
 
 C/iildv / far old. 
 * "These reflections on an ancient field of battle aflord the most 
 remarkable instance of false taste in all Mr. Scott's wrilin.i,'s. Vet 
 the brevitv and variety of ihe imai^es serve well to shew, that even 
 in his errors there are traces of a powerful genius." — Jki-|-rkv.
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. Ill 
 
 Yet ne'er again to braid her hair 
 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, 
 But lock'd her secret in her breast, 
 And died in travail, unconfess'd. 
 
 VI. 
 
 Alone among his young compeers, 
 Was Brian from his infant years ; 
 A moody and heart-broken boy, 
 ji^stranged 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, 
 
 ^ The snood, or riband, with which a Scottish lass braided hei 
 hair, had an emblematical signification, and applied to her maiden 
 character. It was exchanged for the ciirch, toy, or coif, when she 
 passed, by marriage, into the matron state. But if the damsel was 
 so unfortunate as to lose pretensions to the name of maiden, without 
 gaining a right to that of matron, she was neither permitted to use 
 the snood, nor advanced to the graver dignity of the curch. In old 
 Scottish songs there occur many sly allusions to such misfortune; 
 as in the old words to the popular tune of " Ower the muir amang 
 the heather." 
 
 " Down amang the broom, the broom, 
 Do\\n amang the broom, my dearie, 
 The lassie lost her silken snood, 
 
 That gard her greet till she was wearie."
 
 1 1 2 THE LAD J ' OF THE LAKE. [Cant., hi. 
 
 Till, frantic, he as liulh rcceixxcl' 
 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. 
 The cloister oped her i^itying gate ; 
 In vain, tlie learning of the age 
 Unclasp'd the sabledetter'd page : 
 Even in its treasures he could find 
 Food for the fever of his mind. 
 Eager he reatl whatever tells 
 Of magic, cabala, and spells, 
 And every dark pursuit allied 
 To curious and presumptuous pride ; 
 Till with fired brain and nerves o'erslrung. 
 And heart with mystic horrors rung, 
 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 spectre's child.- 
 
 ^ MS. : " Till diiveii tn frenzy, he believed 
 Tlic legend of his birth received.'' 
 
 2 In adoj.tinj; the legend concerning the birth of tlic I'OuiuIer of 
 the Church of Kilni.iite, tlie author ha.s endeavored to trace the 
 cffcct.s which such a belief was likely to produce, in a barbarous age, 
 on the person to whom it related. It seems likely that he mu^t have 
 become a fanatic or an impostor, or tiiat niixlnre of both which 
 form.s a more frequent character than either of them as existing 
 separately. In truth, mad persons arc frecpiently more anxious to
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. II3 
 
 Where with black cliffs the torrents toil, 
 
 He watch'd the wheeling eddies boil, 
 
 Till, from their foam, his dazzled eyes 
 
 Beheld the River Demon rise ; 
 
 The mountain mist took form and limb, 
 
 Of noontide hag, or goblin grim ; 
 
 The midnight wind came wild and dread, 
 
 Swell'd with the voices of the dead ; 
 
 Far on the future battle-heath 
 
 His eye beheld the ranks of death : 
 
 impress upon others a faith in their visions, than they are them- 
 selves confirmed in their reality; as, on the other hand, it is dithcult 
 for the most cool-headed impostor long to personate an enthusiast, 
 without in some degree believing what he is so eager to have 
 believed. It was a natural attribute of such a character as the sup- 
 posed hermit, that he should credit the numerous superstitions with 
 which the minds of ordinary Highlanders are almost always imbued. 
 A few of these are slightly alluded to in this stanza. The River 
 Demon, or River-horse, for it is that form which he commonly 
 assumes, is the Kelpy of the Lowlands, an evil and malicious spirit, 
 delighting to forbode and to witness calamity. He frequents most 
 Highland lakes and rivers; and one of his most memorable exploits 
 was performed upon the banks of Loch Vennachar, in the very dis- 
 trict which forms the scene of our action : it consisted in the 
 destruction of a funeral procession with all its attendants. The 
 " noontide hag," called in Gaelic Glas-ltch, a tall, emaciated, gigantic 
 female figure, is supposed in particular to haunt the district of 
 Knoidart. A goblin dressed in antique armor, and having one hand 
 covered with blood, called from that circumstance, Lhamdcarg, or 
 Red-hand, is a tenant of the forests of Glenmore and Rothiemurcus. 
 Other spirits of the desert, all frightful in shape and malignant in 
 disposition, are believed to frequent diflierent mountains and glens 
 of the Highlands, where any unusual appearance, produced by mist, 
 or the strange iights that are sometimes thrown upon particular 
 objects, never fails to present an apparition to the imagination of 
 the solitary and melancholy mountaineer.
 
 114 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto III 
 
 'I'luis the lunc Sccr, from iiKuikind hiiird, 
 Shaped forth a disembodied world. 
 One Hngerinj^ sympathy of mind 
 Still bound him to the mortal kind ; 
 The only parent he could claim 
 Of ancient Al])ine's ]incat;c came. 
 Late had he heard, in prophet's dream, 
 The fatal Ben-Shie's boding scream ; ' 
 Sounds, too, had come in midnii;ht blast, 
 Of charj;ing steeds, careering fast 
 Along Benharrow's shingly side. 
 Where mortal horseman ne'er might ride \- 
 
 ^ MS. : "The fatal Hcn-Sliie's f^'.<;//f7/ scream ; 
 And seen lier wrinklcti fonn. the si^n 
 or woe and deatl) to Alj^ineV line." 
 
 Most great families in the I lit,dil:nuls were siippored to have a 
 tutelar, or rather domestic spirit, attached to them, who took an 
 interest in their prosperity, and intiniatcd by its wailinjLjs any ap- 
 proaching^ disaster. That of Grant of Grant was called May 
 Moullacli. and appeared in the form of a ijirl, who had her arm 
 covered with hair. Grant of Rot.iiemurcus hati an atteiulanl callei! 
 Bo(/(ir/i-nn-(/iiii, or the C>h<jst of the I'ill: and many other examples 
 might be mentioned. The Han-Schie implies a female Fairy, whose 
 lamentations weie often supposed to precede the death of a chieftain 
 of particular families. When she is visible, it is in the form of an 
 old woman, with a blue mantle and streaming hair. A superstition 
 of the same kind is, I believe, universally received by the inferior 
 .-anks of the native Irish. 
 
 The death of the head of a Highland family is also somctimer. 
 supposed to be announced by a chain of lights of difVcrent colors, 
 called Drrrnr. or death of the Dniid. The direction which it takes, 
 marks the place of the fuiu i:>l. See the Ess.iy on I'airy Superstitions 
 in the liorder Minstrelsy. 
 ^ Sec Appendix, Note II.
 
 Canto 111.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. IIJ 
 
 The Umiulorbolt had si)ht the pine, — » 
 
 All augur'd ill to Alpine's line. 
 
 He girt his loins, and came to show 
 
 The signals of impending woe, 
 
 And now stood prompt to bless or ban, 
 
 As bade the Chieftain of his clan. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 'Twas all prepar'd ; — and from the rock, 
 A goat, the patriarch of the flock, 
 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 clogg'd beard and shaggy limb. 
 Till darkness glazed his eyeballs dim. 
 The grisly priest, with murmuring prayer, 
 A slender crosslet form'd with care, 
 A cubit's length in measure due ; 
 The shaft and limbs were rods of yew. 
 Whose parents in Inch-Cailliach wave ' 
 Their shadows o'er Clan-Alpine's grave, 
 
 1 hicJi-CailliacJi, the Isle of Nuns, or of Old Women, is a most 
 beautiful island at tiie 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 
 moninnents of the lairds of Macgregor, and of other families, claim- 
 ing a descent from the old Scottish King Alpine, arc most remark- 
 able. The Highlanders are as zealous of their rights of sepulture
 
 1 1 6 THE LADY OF 1 HE LA KE. L<^ -^ ^i , . 1 1 1 
 
 i^\(\. aiiswciiiiL; Lomoiul's l)icczcs deep, 
 Soothe nuiny ii chieitaiu's endless sleep. 
 The Cross, thus form'd, he held on high, 
 With wasteil hand, and haggard eye, 
 And strange and mingled feelings woke, 
 While his anathema he spoke. 
 
 IX. 
 
 " Woe to the clan.sman, who shall view 
 This symbol of sepulchral yew. 
 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, 
 15ut, from his sires and kin(h-ed thrust, 
 Each clansman's c.\ecratii>n just ' 
 
 Shall doom him wrath and woe." 
 lie paused; — the word the vassals took, 
 With forward stc]) and liery look. 
 On high their naked brands they shook, 
 
 IS mav be expected froin a people whose wliole laws and j,'ovei-inient. 
 if clanship can be called so. turned upon the sin.i,'le princijile of 
 family descent. "May his ashes be scattered on the water." was 
 one of the decpct and most solemn imprecations wiiich Ihcy used 
 a;^."\inst an enemy. See a detailed description of the funeral cere- 
 monies of a Ui^iiland chieftain in the Fair Maid of I'.rlh. Warcrly 
 Sovvis, vol. 43, chaps, x. and xi. Xc-v Edit. 
 
 ' MS. : " Our warriors, on his worthless bust, 
 Shall sjKjik disi^race and woe."
 
 CANTO III.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. IT; 
 
 Their clattering targets wildly strook;' 
 
 And first in murmur low, 
 Then, like the billow in his course. 
 That far to seaward finds his source. 
 And flings to shore his musterd 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, 
 The exulting eagle scream'd afar, — 
 They knew the voice of Alpine's war. 
 
 X. 
 
 The shout was hush'd on lake and fell. 
 The monk resumed his mutter'd spell : 
 Dismal and low its accents came. 
 The while he scathed the Cross with flame ; 
 And the few words that reach'd the air. 
 Although the holiest name was there,^ 
 Had more of blasphemy than prayer. 
 But when he shook above the crowd 
 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, 
 A kindred fate shall know ; 
 
 ' MS. : " Their clattering targets hardly strook : 
 
 And first tJiey mutter'd loxv." 
 2 MS. : " Although the holy name was there."
 
 Il8 rilE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto HI 
 
 Far o'er its roof the volumed flame 
 Clan-Alpine's venijcance shall proclaim, 
 While maids and matrons on his name 
 Shall call down wretchedness and shame, 
 
 And infamy and woe." 
 Then rose the cry of females, shrill 
 As goss-hawk's whistle on the hill, 
 Denouncing misery and ill, 
 Mingled with childhood's babbling trill 
 
 Of curses stammer'd 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. 
 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. 
 
 XI. 
 
 Then deeper paused the priest anew, 
 And hard his laboring breath he drew. 
 While, with set teeth and clenched hand, 
 And eyes that glow'd like fiery brand, 
 He meditated curse more dread. 
 And doafllier, on the clansmnn's head, 
 Who, summon'd to his C'hirftain's aid, 
 The signal saw and disobey 'd.
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 1 19 
 
 The crosslet's points of sparkling wood, 
 He quench'd among the bubbling blood, 
 And, as again the sign he rear'd. 
 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 ! 
 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! 
 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 agen 
 The murmur of the deep Amen.' 
 
 XII. 
 
 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. 
 *^'The muster-place be Lanrick mead — ^ 
 Instant the time — speed, Malise, speed!" 
 
 1 MS. : "The slo-vly muttcr'd de^iV) Amen." 
 ^ MS. : " Murlagan is the spot decreed."
 
 I20 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto in. 
 
 Like heath-bird, when the hawks pursue, 
 A barge across Loch Katrine flew ; 
 High stood the henchman on the prow; 
 So rapidly the barge-men row. 
 The bubbles, where they launch'd the boat, 
 Were all unbroken and afloat. 
 Dancing in foam and ripple still. 
 When it had near'd the mainland hill ; 
 And from the silver beach's side 
 Still was the prow three fathom wide, 
 When lightly bounded to the land 
 This messenger of blood and brand.' 
 
 XIII. 
 
 Speed, Malise,. speed ! the dun deer's hitlc 
 On fleeter foot was never tied. 
 Speed, Malise, speed ! such cause of haste 
 Thine active sinews never braced. 
 
 ' The present broifiie of tlic I Highlanders is made of half-dried 
 leather, with holes to admit and let out the water; for walkint( the 
 moors dry-shod is a matter altogether out of question. The ancient 
 buskin was still ruder, beint^ made of undressed deer's hide, with the 
 hair outwards : a circumstance which jirocured the Iliijhlanders the 
 well-known epithet of Ji'ttl-s/zaiiAs. The process is very accurately 
 described by one Elder (himself a Ilii^hlander) in the project for a 
 union between England and Scotland, addressed to Henry VIII. 
 " We go a-lumting, and after that ^ye have slain red-deer, we flay off 
 the skin by-and-bv, and scttingof our bare-foot on the inside thereof, 
 for want of cunning shoemakers, by yoin- grace's pardon, we plav 
 the cobblers, compassing and mea'-uring so much thereof as shall 
 re.ach up to our ankles, pricking the upper part thereof with holes, 
 that the water may repass where it enters, and stretching it up with 
 a btrong thong of the same above our said anklcb. So, and please
 
 Canto III.] THE LAD V OF THE LAKE. 1 2 1 
 
 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, 
 Yet shrink not from the desperate leap : 
 Parch'd are thy burning lips and brow, 
 Yet by the fountain pause not now ; 
 Herald of battle, fate, and fear,i 
 Stretch onward in thy fleet career ! 
 The wounded hind thou track' st not now, 
 Pursuest not maid through greenwood bough, 
 Nor pliest thou now thy flying pace, 
 With rivals in the mountain race ; 
 But danger, death, and warrior deed, 
 Are in thy course — speed, Malise, speed ! 
 
 XIV. 
 
 Fast as the fatal symbol flies, 
 
 In arms the huts and hamlets rise ; 
 
 your noble grace, we make our shoes. Therefore, we using such 
 manner of shoes, the rough hairy side outwards, in your grace's 
 dominions of England, we be called Roughfooted Scots." — Pinker- 
 Ton's History, vol. ii., p, 397. 
 
 1 MS. : " Dread messenger of fate and fear, \ 
 Herald of danger, fate and fear, ^ 
 Stretch onward in thy fleet career ! 
 Thou track'st not now the strtcken doe, 
 Nor maiden coy through greenwood bough."
 
 122 THE LADY OF Till-: I.AKF. [Canto III. 
 
 From wiiKliny; i;lcn, from upland blown, 
 They pour'd each hardy tenant down. 
 Nor slack'd the messenger his pace ; 
 He show'd the sign, he named the jjlace, 
 And, pressing forward like the wind, 
 Left clamor and surprise behind.' 
 The fisherman forsook the strand, 
 The swarthy smith took dirk antl brand ; 
 With changed cheer, the mower blithe 
 Left in the half-cut swathe the scythe ; 
 The herds withcnit a keeper stray'd. 
 The plough w\is in mid-furrow stayed, 
 The falc'ner toss'd his hawk away. 
 The hunter left the stag at bay ; 
 Prompt at the signal of alarms, 
 Each son of Alpine rush'd to arms ; 
 So swept the tumult and affray 
 Along the margin of Achray. 
 Ala.s, 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 gayly loud.^ 
 
 ' •• The description of the startinc: of the ' fiery cross ' hears more 
 marks of labor than most of Mr. Scott's poetrv, and horders, per- 
 haps, upon strainintj and exaiji^eration ; yet it sliows great power." — 
 
 Jr.KI-RF.V. 
 
 2 MS. : " beems all too lively and too loud."
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 1 23 
 
 XV. 
 Speed, Malise, speed ! the lake is past, 
 Duncraggan's huts appear at last. 
 And peep, like moss-grown rocks, half seen, 
 Half hidden in the copse so green ; 
 There mayest 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 lights no more. 
 Who, in the battle or the chase. 
 At Roderick's side shall fill his place! — 
 Within the hall, where torches' ray 
 Supplies the excluded beams of day. 
 Lies Duncan on his lowly 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.^ 
 
 MS. : " 'Tis woman's scream, 'tis childhood's wail." 
 '^ The Coronach of the Highlanders, like the (Jlalatus of the 
 Romans and the UltiJoo of the Irish, was a wild expression of lamen- 
 tation, poured forth by the mourners over the body of a departed 
 friend. When the words of it were articulate, thej expressed the 
 praises of the deceased, and the loss the clan would sustain by his 
 death. The following is a lamentation of this kind, literally trans*
 
 IHL LADV OF riU: LAKE. [Canto TIL 
 
 XVI. 
 
 CORONACH. 
 
 He is gone on the mountain, 
 
 lie is lost to the forest. 
 Like a summer-tlried fountain, 
 
 \\'hen our need was the sorest. 
 The font, reappearing, 
 
 From the rain-ch-ops shall borrow, 
 
 latccl from the Gaelic, to some of the ideas of wliich the text stands 
 iiuieblcd. Tiie time is so popiUar that it lias since become tiie war- 
 march, or Gatliering of the clan. 
 
 Coronach on Sir Laiiflilun, Chirf of Muclcan. 
 
 " Which of all the Scnachics 
 Can trace tliy line from the root up to Paradise, 
 But Macvuirih, the son of Ferj^^us? 
 No sooner hail lliine ancient stiilely tree 
 Taken firm root in AII)ion, 
 Tlian one of thy forefathers fell at IFariaw. 
 'Twas then we lost a cliief of de;ithlebs name. 
 
 ♦* Tis no base weed — no planted tree, 
 Nor a seedlinj,' ol la.st Autumn ; 
 Nor a saplinjf planted at Heltain ; • 
 Wide, wide around were spread its lofty branches 
 Hut the topmost lioujjh is lowly laid! 
 Thou hast forsaken u» before Saw iine.f 
 
 " Thy dwelling' is the winter house; — 
 
 I-oud, sad, sad, and mighty is thy death-SnnRl 
 Oh! courteous champion of Montrose! 
 Oh! stately warri<ir of the Celtic Isles! 
 Thou shall buckle thy harness on no more! " 
 
 The coronach has for some vcars past been superseded at funerals 
 bv tlie use of the ba^Tipc: mul (liat also i-^. like many other High- 
 land peculiarities, failing into distjse unless in remot.- distri< ts. 
 • Dell's lire, or Whitsunday. \ Hallowe'en.
 
 Canto in.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE iZ^ 
 
 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 
 
 Wails manhood in glory. 
 The autumn winds rushing 
 
 Waft the leaves that are searest, 
 But our flower was in flushing. 
 
 When blighting was nearest. 
 
 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, 
 
 Like the foam on the river, 
 Like the bubble on the fountain. 
 
 Thou art gone, and for ever ! ^ 
 
 * Or corri. The hollow side of the hill, where game usually lies, 
 2 " Mr. Scott is such a master of versification that the most com- 
 plicated metre does not for an instant arrest the progress of his 
 imagination ; its difficulties usually operate as a salutary excitement 
 to his attention, and not unfrequently suggest to him new and un- 
 pected graces of expression. If a careless rhyme or an ill-constructed 
 phrase occasionally escape him amidst the irregular torrent of his 
 stanza, the blemish is often imperceptible by the hurried eye of the 
 reader; but when the short lines are yoked in pairs, any dissonance 
 in the jingle, or interruption of the construction, cannot fail to give 
 offence. We learn from Horace, that in the course of a long work, 
 a poet may legitiiuatelv indulge in a momentary slumber; but we 
 do not wish to hear him snore-" — Quarterly Review.
 
 126 THE LAi)\ OF THE LAKE. [CANm Hi. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 Sec Stumah," who, the bier beside, 
 
 Ili.s master's corpse with wonder eyed, 
 
 Poor Stumah ! whom his least halloo 
 
 Could send like lii;htnin^" o'er the dew, 
 
 Bristles his crest, and })t)ints his cars, 
 
 As if some stranger step he hears. 
 
 'Tis not a mourner's muflled tread. 
 
 Who comes to sorrow o'er the dead, 
 
 But headlong haste, or deadly fear, 
 
 Urge the precipitate career. 
 
 All stand aghast : — unheeding all. 
 
 The henchman bursts into the hall ; 
 
 Before the dead man's bier he stood ; 
 
 Held forth the Cross besmear'd with blood: 
 
 " The muster-place is Lanrick mead ; 
 
 Sjieed ft)rth the signal! clansmen, speed!'* 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 Angus, the heir of Duncan's line,* 
 Sprung forth and seized the fatal sign. 
 
 ^ Failhfiil. Tlio name of a <inij. 
 
 ^ MS.: " An;^us. the //;-.</ of Duncan's line, 
 
 SprunL,' forth and sei/cti the fatal sitjn 
 Ami //nil iif>nii /lis k in f mail's birr 
 Vfli A/ii/isr's sns/>riif/rif /rar. 
 In ha^tc the Ktrip'inij to his side 
 His fallier's tait,'c and falchion tied.'
 
 Canto lll.l THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 12'] 
 
 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, 
 
 Back to her open'd arms he flew, 
 
 Press'd on her lips a fond adieu — 
 
 " Alas ! " she sobb'd, — " and yet, be gonCj 
 
 And speed thee forth, like Duncan's son !" 
 
 One look he cast upon the bier, 
 
 Dash'd from his eye the gathering tear. 
 
 Breathed deep to clear his laboring breast, 
 
 And toss'd aloft his bonnet crest. 
 
 Then, like the high-bred colt, whei-i, freed, 
 
 First he essays his fire and speed. 
 
 He vanish'd, 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 mark'd the henchman's eye 
 
 Wet with unwonted sympathy, 
 
 " Kinsman," she said, " his race is run, 
 
 That should have sped thine errand on ; 
 
 The oak has fall'n — the sapling bough 
 
 Is all Duncraggan's shelter now. 
 
 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.
 
 [28 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto hi. 
 
 To anus, and ^uartl that orplian's licail! 
 Let babes and women wail the dead." 
 Then weapon-clang, and martial call, 
 Resounded throu,i,di the funeral hall, 
 While from the walls the attendant band 
 Snatcli'd sword and targe, with hurried hand, 
 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 borrow'd foice; 
 Grief claim'd his right, and tears their course. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 ]-}enlodi saw the Cross of Fire, 
 It glanced like lightning up Stralh-Irr.' 
 O'er dale antl hill the summons flew, 
 Nor rest nor pause young Angus knew ; 
 
 1 Inspection of the ])rovincial map of rerthshin;, or any large map 
 of .Scotland, will trace the progress of the .signal thrmi;;h the .small dis- 
 tricts of lakes and mountains, which, in e.xercise of my ])octical j)rivilcge, 
 I have subjected to the authority of ?ny imaginary chieftain, and which, 
 at the period of my romance, was really occupied hy a clan who claimed 
 a descent from Alpine, a clan the most tinfortunate, and most pcrsecnleil, 
 liut neither the least distinguished, least powerful, nor least brave, of the 
 tribes of the (Jael. 
 
 " Slificli noil riti;;liritll) clticli.-iis.icli 
 r.lia-shiiis ,Tn I )uii-Stai<ibliini»li 
 Aig an rouhh cnin iia H.-ilbn otiiiis 
 'Slag a chcil diiclias fast ris." 
 
 The first stage of the Tie ry Cross is to 1 )un( r.-iggan, a place near 
 the llrigg of Turk, where a short stream divides Loch Anhr.iy from 
 I.och \'ennachar. l-rMm thence, it passes towards Callender. and
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 120 
 
 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, 
 
 The chapel of St. Bride was seen. 
 
 Swoln was the stream, remote the bridge, 
 
 But Angus paused not on the edge ; 
 
 Though the dark waves danced dizzily, 
 
 Though reel'd his sympathetic eye, 
 
 He dash'd amid the torrent's roar : 
 
 His right hand high the crosslet bore, 
 
 His left the pole-axe grasp'd, to guide 
 
 And stay his footing in the tide. 
 
 He stumbled twice — the foam splash'd high, 
 
 With hoarser swell the stream raced by ; 
 
 And had he fall'n, — forever there. 
 
 Farewell Duncraggan's orphan heir! 
 
 But still, as if in parting life, 
 
 Firmer he grasp'd the Cross of strife, 
 
 Until the opposing bank he gain'd. 
 
 And up the chapel pathway strain'd. 
 
 then, turning to the left up the pass of Leny, is consigned to Norman 
 at the chapel of Saint Bride, which stood on a small and romantic 
 knoll, in the middle of the valley, called Strath-Ire. Tombea and 
 Arnandave, or Ardmandave, 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, including 
 the neighboring tracts of Glenfinlas and Strathgartney. 
 ^ MS. : " Afid -where a steef and wooded knoll 
 
 Graced the dark strath with c///c raid green."
 
 I30 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto III. 
 
 XX. 
 
 A lilitlicsomc rout, that morning; tide, 
 J lad soiij^ht the chapel of St. Bride. 
 Her troth Toml^ca's Mary g;avc 
 To Norman, heir of Armandavc, 
 And, issuing froni the Gothic arch, 
 Tb.e bridal now resumed their march. 
 In rude, l)ut glad procession, came 
 Jionneted sire and coif-clad dame ; 
 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 \ied 
 liefore the young and bonny bride, 
 Whose downcast eye and cheek disclose 
 The tear and blush of morning rose. 
 With virgin step, and bashful hand, 
 She held the 'kerchief's snowy band ; 
 The gallant bridegroom by her side, 
 15ehel(l his pri/x with victor's jiride. 
 And the glad mother in lu'r ear 
 Was closely whispering words of cheer. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 W'ho meets them at the churchyard gate } 
 The messenger of fear and fate !
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 131 
 
 Haste ill his hurried accent lies, 
 
 And grief is swimming in his eyes. 
 
 All dripping from the recent flood, 
 
 Panting and travel-soil'd he stood, 
 
 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,' 
 
 Just link'd 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 
 
 The bridegroom from the plighted bride ? 
 
 fatal doom ! — it must ! it must ! 
 Clan-Alpine's cause, her Chieftain's trusty 
 Her summons dread, brook no delay ; 
 Stretch to the race — away! away! 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Yet slow he laid his plaid aside, 
 And, lingering, eyed his lovely bride, 
 Until he saw the starting tear 
 Speak woe he might not stop to cheer; 
 Then, trusting not a second look. 
 In haste he sped him up the brook, 
 
 1 MS. : "And must he then exchange the hand.'"
 
 IS2 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto III. 
 
 Nor backward s^lanccd, till on the heath 
 Where Lubnaig's lake supjjlies the Teith. 
 — What in the racer's bosom stirr'd ? 
 The sickening pang of hope dcfcrr'il, 
 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, 
 l'2re yet they rush 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. 
 Stung by such thoughts, o'er bank and brae, 
 Like fire from flint he glanced away. 
 While high resolve, and feeling strong, 
 ]5urst into voluntary song, 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 The heath this night must be my bed, 
 The bracken^ curtain for my head. 
 My lullaby the warder's tread. 
 
 Far, far, from love anil thee, Mary: 
 
 ' MS. : " And incnuirv bmnf^hl tin- torturini; train 
 Of all his morninij visions vain ; 
 But niiiiLjIcd witii impatience came 
 The manly love of martial fame." 
 
 ' Bracken. — Fern.
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 133 
 
 To-morrow cvc, ni'^rc stilly hiid. 
 My couch may be my bloody ]:)lai(l, 
 My vesper song, thy wail, sweet maid ! 
 
 It will not waken me, Mary ! 
 I may not, dare not, fancy now ' 
 The grief that clouds thy lovely brow, 
 I dare not think upon thy vow, 
 
 And all it promised me, Mary. 
 No fond regret must Norman know ; 
 When bursts Clan-Alpine on the foe. 
 His heart mu^t be like bended bow. 
 
 His foot Hke arrow free, Mary. 
 
 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 return'd from conquer'd foes. 
 How blithely will the evening close, 
 How sweet the linnet sing repose. 
 
 To my young bride and me, Mary ! 
 
 1 MS. : " T muy not, dar;.' not, image now." 
 
 2 MS. : " A time will come for love and faith, 
 
 For should thy bridegroom yield his breath, 
 'Twill cheer him in the hour of death, 
 The boasted right to thee, Marv."
 
 134 ^'^/>^' LADY OF nil'. /..Ik'/-:. [Canto III 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Not faster o'er thy heathery braes, 
 Balquidder, speeds the midnij^ht blaze,' 
 RushiiiL;", in conilaj^ration strong, 
 'Ihy deep ravines and dells along, 
 Wrapping thy cliffs in purple glow. 
 And reddening the dark lakes below ; 
 Nor faster speeds it, nor so far, 
 As o'er thy heaths the voice of war.-* 
 The signal roused to martial coil 
 The sullen margin of Loch Voil, 
 Waked still Loch Doinc, and to the source 
 Alarm'd, Balvaig, thy swamj^y course ; 
 Then southward turn'd its rapirl road 
 Adown Strath-Gartney's valley broad, 
 Till rose in arms eacii man might claim 
 A i)ortion in Clan-Alpine's name, 
 From the gray sire, whose trembling hand 
 Could hardly buckle on his brand, 
 To the raw boy, whose shaft and bow 
 Were yet scarce terror to the crow. 
 
 ' It mav be iicccssarv tn inforin tlic soullurn rc.ulcr tiiat l.Iie 
 heath oil the Scoltisli moorlaiul^i is often set (ire to. that (lie sliecp 
 mav liave the acivantajjo of the you ni; herhai^e pnuhieecl, m room of 
 the toii'^h old heather plants. This custom (exeeraleil hy sportsmen) 
 produces occasionally the most beautiful nocturnal ai)pcarances, 
 f.rmilar alm&st to the dischartjc of a volcano. This simile is not 
 new to jioctry. Tin* ihari,'e of a warrior, in the fine ballad of 
 Ilaiilyknute, is said to be " like fire to heather set." 
 
 '^ "The eager fidelity with which thi^ fatal sirrnal is hurried on 
 and obeyed is represented with great spirit and felicity." — Jki ikky.
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 135 
 
 Each valley, each seqiiester'd glen, 
 
 Muster'd its little horde of men. 
 
 That met as torrents from the heiirht 
 
 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 
 
 By hundreds prompt for blows and blood ; 
 
 Each train'd 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.' 
 
 XXV. 
 
 That summer morn had Roderick Dhu 
 Survey'd the skirts of Benvenue, 
 And sent his scouts o'er hill and heath, 
 To view the frontiers of Menteith. 
 
 1 The deep and implicit respect paid by the Highland clansmen 
 to their chief, rendered this both a common and a solemn oath. In 
 other respects they were like most savage nations, capricious in their 
 ideas concerning the obligatory power of oaths. One solemn mode 
 of swearing was by kissing the dirk, imprecating upon themselves 
 death by that, or a similar weapon, if they broke their vow. But for 
 oaths in the usual form they are said to have paid little respect. As 
 for the reverence due to the chief, it may be guessed from the follow- 
 ing odd example of a Highland point of honor : — 
 
 "The clan whereto the above-mentioned tribe belongs is the 
 onl}' one I have heard of which is without a chief: that is, being 
 divided into f;\milies, under several chieftains, without any particular 
 patriarch of the whole name. And this is a great reproach, as may 
 appear froiri an afiair that fell out at my table, in the Highlands, 
 between one of that name and a Cameron. The provocation given
 
 136 Zy/A' LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto 111. 
 
 And backward came with news ol liucc ; 
 Still lay each martial (jraome and Bruce, 
 In Rednoch courts no horsemen wait, 
 No banner waved on Cardross gate, 
 On Duchray's towers no beacon shone. 
 Nor scared the herons from Loch Con ; 
 All seem'd at peace. — Now, wot^ye why 
 The Chieftain, with such an.xious eye, 
 l'2re to the muster he repair, 
 This western frontier scann'd with care .'' — 
 In Henvcnuc's most darksome cleft, 
 A fair, though cruel, pledge was left ; 
 For Douglas, to his promise true. 
 That morning from the isle withdrew, 
 And in deep scquestcr'd dell 
 Had sought a low and lonely cell, 
 B)' many a bard, in Celtic tongue. 
 Has Coir-nan-Uriskin been sung:' 
 
 bv the l.-itter was — 'Name vour cliicf.' — The return of it at oiitc 
 was, — 'You arc a fool.' They went out next niornini,'. hut havirn; 
 earlv notice of it. I sent a small party of soldiers after them, which, 
 in all probability. i)reventeil some barbarous mischief that mii'lit 
 have ensued ; for the chietless Ili<,'hiander, who is himself a petty 
 chieftain, wns 1,'oini,' tf> the jilace appointed with a small-sword and 
 a pistol, whereas the Cameron (an old man) took witli him only his 
 broadsworil. accordini^ to the agreement. 
 
 "When all was over, and I had. at least seemini,'ly. reconciled 
 them, I was told the words, of which I seemed to think but sli;,'htly, 
 were, to one of the clan, the greatest of all provocations." — Lrtfrrs 
 from Scotland, vol. ii. p. 22\. 
 
 ' This is a very steep and most romantic hollow in tiie mountain 
 of Benvcnuc. ovcrhani^intf the southeastern extremity of Loch 
 Katrine. It is surrounded with stupendous rocks, and overshadowcfl
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 1 37 
 
 A softer name the Saxons gave, 
 And call'd the grot the Goblin-cave. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 It was a wild and strange retreat, 
 As e'er was trod by outlaw's feet. 
 The dell upon the mountain crest, 
 Yawn'd like a gash on warrior's breast ; 
 Its trench had stay'd full many a rock, 
 Hurl'd by primeval earthquake shock 
 From Benvenue's gray summit wild ; 
 And here, in random ruin piled, 
 
 with birch-trees, mingled with oaks, the spontaneous production of 
 the mountain, even where its clifts appear denuded of soil. A dale 
 in so wild a situation, and amid a people whose genius bordered on 
 the romantic, did not remain witliout appropriate deities. The name 
 literally implies the Corri, or Den, of the Wild or Shaggy Men. 
 Perhaps this, as conjectured by Mr. Alexander Campbell,* may have 
 originally only implied its being the haunt of a ferocious banditti. 
 But tradition has ascribed to the Urisk, who gives name to the 
 cavern, a figure between a goat and a man ; in short, however much 
 the classical reader may be startled, precisely that of the Grecian 
 Satyr. The Urisk seems not to have inherited, with the form, the 
 petulance of the sylvan deity of the classics : his occupation, on the 
 contrarv, resembled those of Milton's Lubber Fiend, or of the Scot' 
 tish Brownie, though he differed from both in name and appearance. 
 " The Urisks" says Dr. Graham, " were a set of lubberly supernatu- 
 rals, who, like the Brownies, could be gained over, by kind attention, 
 to perform tlie drudgery of the farm, and it was believed that many 
 of the families in the Highlands had one of the order attached to it. 
 They were supposed to be dispersed over the Highlands, each in his 
 own wild recess, but the solemn stated meetings of the order were 
 regularly held in this Cave of Benvenue. This current superstition, 
 no doubt, alludes to some circumstance in the ancient history of this 
 * Journey from Edinburgh, 1S02, p. loS.
 
 1 3S THE LADY O/' THE LAKE. [Canto ill. 
 
 They'frown'd incumbent o'er the spot, 
 And form'd the ni-i;ed sylvan i;T()t.' 
 The oak and birch, with mingled shade, 
 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. 
 No murmur waked the solemn still. 
 Save tinkling of a fountain rill ; 
 l^ut when the wind chafed with the lake, 
 A sullen sound would upward break. 
 With dashing hollow voice that spoke 
 Tlie incessant war of wave and rock. 
 
 codiUrv." — Scenery on tlir Soullicrn Confines of l\rf/is/iin\ ]). 19, 
 1S06. It must be owiKti that tlic Coir, or Dl-ii, docs not, in its 
 present stale, jneet our ideas of a subterraneous j^rotlo, or cave, 
 being only a small and narrow cavity, anion-; luii^e frav;ments of 
 rocks rudely piled toi^ether. Hut such a scene is liable to convul- 
 sions of nature whicii a Lowlamler cannot estimate, and which may 
 have choked up what was oriiiinally a cavern. At least the name 
 and tradition warrant the author of a fictitious tale, to assert its 
 bavin*; been such at the remrite period in which this scene is laid. 
 
 1 '• After landing on the skirts of lU-nvenue. we reach the rax-e (or 
 more properly the cove) of the i^oblins, by a stct-p and narrow defile 
 of a few hundred yards in length. It is a deep, circular amphi- 
 theatre of at least six hundred yanls of extent in its upper iliameler, 
 graduallv narrowing towards tlie base, hemmed in all round by steep 
 and towering rocks, and rendered impenetrable to the rays of the 
 sun by a tlose covert of luxuriant trees. On the south and west it 
 is bounded by the precipitous shoulder of Henvenuc. to the height 
 of at least five hundred feet; towards the east, the rock appears at 
 some former period to have tumbled down, strewing the whole 
 course of its fall with immense fragments, which now serve only to 
 give shelter to foxes, wild-cats, and badgers." — Dr. (JR \ii \m.
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY' OF THE LAKE. 139 
 
 Suspended cliffs, with hideous sway, 
 Seem'd nodding o'er the cavern gray. 
 From such a den the wolf had sprung, 
 In such the wild-cat leaves her young; 
 Yet Douglas and his daughter fair 
 Sought for a space their safety there. 
 Gray Superstition's whisper dread 
 Debarr'd the spot to vulgar tread ; 
 For there, she said, did fays resort. 
 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. 
 When Roderick, with a chosen few, 
 Repass'd the heights of Benvenue. 
 Above the Goblin-cave they go. 
 Through the wild pass of Beal-nam-bo ;^ 
 The prompt retainers speed before. 
 To launch the shallop from the shore, 
 For 'cross Lock Katrine lies his way 
 To view the passes of Achray, 
 
 1 The Urish, or Highland satyr. See a previous Note. 
 
 - Bealach-nam-ho, or the pass of cattle, is a most magnificent 
 glade, overhung with aged hircli-trees, a little higher up the moun- 
 tain than the Coir-nan Uriskin, treated of in a former Note. The 
 whole composes the most sublime piece of scenery that imagination 
 can conceive.
 
 I40 THE LADY OF 7 HE LAKE. [Canto IIL 
 
 Antl place his chmsiiicn in array. 
 
 Yet lags the chief in musing mind, 
 
 Unwonted sight, his men behind, 
 
 A single page to bear iiis sword. 
 
 Alone attended on his lord ; ' 
 
 The rest their way througli thickets break, 
 
 And soon await him by the lake, 
 
 It was a fair and gallant sight, 
 
 To view them from the neighboring heigiit, 
 
 ' A Ili^lil.iiui chief, being as absolute in l>is patriiinhal aulbority 
 as anv prince, liad a correspomlinif number of otilcers altaclied to 
 liis person, lie had his bodv-j^uards, called Lnkliltacli^ ]iicked from 
 his clan for strength, activity, and entire devotion to his person. 
 These, according to their deserts, were sure to share abundantly in 
 the rude profusion of his hospitality. It is recorded, for exain|ile, 
 by tradition, that Allan MacLean, diief of that clan, happened ujion 
 a time to hear one of these favorite retainers observe to his comrade, 
 that their chief grew old. " Whence do you infer that?" replied the 
 other. -'.When was it," rejoined the first, "that a soldier of Allan's 
 was obliged, as I am no.w, not only to eat the tlesh from the bone, 
 but even to tear oil" the inner skin, or fdament.'" The hint was 
 quite sulVicient, and MacLcan next morning, to relieve his folhnvers 
 from such dire necessity, undertook an inroad on the mainland, the 
 ravage of which altogether efVaced tlie memory of his former expe- 
 ditions for the like purpose. 
 
 f)iir ollicer of Kngineers, so often quoted, has given us a distinct 
 list of the domestic olficcrs who, independent of Luitlittacli, or 
 frardis lir corf^s, belonged to the establishment of a Highland 
 Chief. These are, i. 'J'/ir /friic/iiiinn. See these notes, p. uxi. 2. 
 The I?ard. See p. 60. 3. lUatiivr. or spokesman. 4. < •illit-morr, 
 or sword-bearer, alluded to in the text. 5. Gillii-rifi/litf. who car- 
 ried the chief, if on foot, over the fords. 6. (iil/ir-CDinstraiiic, who 
 leads the chiefs horse. 7. (iiUic-Triis/iaiiariush, the baggage-man. 
 8. The piper. 9. The piper's gillie or attendant, who carries the 
 bagpipe.* Although this appeared, naturally enough, very ridiculous 
 to an I'"nglish ofVicer, who considered the master of such a retinue 
 • I-cllcrs from Siotliiiul, vol. ii, p. 15.
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY Of THE LAKE. I41 
 
 By the low-lcvcUVl siinl)cam's light ! 
 For strength and stature, from the clan 
 Each warrior was a chosen man, 
 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, 
 That well became such mountain-strand. 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 Their Chief, with step reluctant, still 
 Was lingering on the craggy hill, 
 Hard by where turn'd apart the road 
 To Douglas's obscure abode. 
 It was but with that dawning morn. 
 That Rhoderick Dhu had pro?idly sworn 
 To drown his love in war's wild roar,' 
 Nor think of Ellen Douglas more ; 
 But he who stems a stream with sand, 
 And fetters flame with flaxen band, 
 
 as no more than an English gentleman of £500 a year, jet in the 
 circumstances ot' the chief, whose strength and importance consisted 
 in the number and attachment of his followers, it was of the last 
 consequence, in point of policy, to have in his gift subordinate 
 offices, which called immediately round his person those who were 
 most devoted to him, and, being of value in their estimation, were 
 also the means of rewarding them. 
 
 1 MS. : " To drown his grief \\-\. war's wild roar, 
 Nor think o{ love and Ellen more."
 
 142 /•///; I. Any of the j.akf.. [cant.. mi. 
 
 Has yet a liardcr task to prove — 
 
 liy firm resolve to conquer love ! 
 
 Kve finds the Chief, like restless «;h()st, 
 
 Still hoverini; near his treasure lost ; 
 
 For thoui;h his hau<;hty heart deny 
 
 A partin^;" meeting to his eye, 
 
 Still fondly strains his anxious car, 
 
 The accents of her voice to hear. 
 
 And inly did he curse the breeze 
 
 That waked to sound the rustling trees. 
 
 But hark! what mingles in the strain? 
 
 It is the harp of Allan-Bane, 
 
 That wakes its measures slow and high, 
 
 Attuned to sacred minstrelsy. 
 
 What melting voice attends the strings."* 
 
 'Tis I'^llen, or an angel, sings. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 HYMN TO Tin: VIRGIN. 
 
 Ave Maria ! maiden mild! 
 
 Listen to a maiden's jjrayer! 
 Thou canst hear though from the wild, 
 
 Thou canst save amid despair. 
 Safe may we sleep beneath thy care, 
 
 Though banish'd, outcast, and reviled — 
 Maiden ! hear a maiden's j)raycr ; 
 
 Mother, hear a su])j)liant child! 
 
 Ave Maria!
 
 Canto III.1 77/^ LADY OF THE LAKE. 143 
 
 Ave Maria ! undefilcd ! 
 
 The flinty couch we now must share' 
 Shall seem with down of eider'piled, 
 
 If thy protection hover there. 
 The murky cavern's heavy air^ 
 
 Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled ; 
 Then, Maiden ! hear a maiden's prayer, 
 
 Mother, list a suppliant child ! 
 
 Ave Maria! 
 
 Ave Maria! stainless styled ! 
 
 Foul demons of the earth and air, 
 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 m^id a maiden's prayer. 
 
 And for a father hear a child ! 
 
 Ave lilaria! 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Died on the harp the closing hymn — 
 Unmoved in attitude and limb. 
 As list'ning still, Clan-Alpine's lord 
 Stood leaning on his heavy sword, 
 Until the page, with humble sign. 
 Twice pointed to the sun's decline. 
 
 • 
 
 1 MS. : " The flinty couch my sire must share." 
 
 2 MS. : " The murky grotto's noxious air."
 
 r44 THE I.ADV OF TIIF. LAKE. [Cam., in. 
 
 Tlicii while his plaicl around him cast, 
 'Mt is the last time — 'tis the last," 
 He muttered thrice, — "the last time e'er 
 lliat angel-voice shall Roderick hear!" 
 It was a iroadincj thought — his stride 
 Hied hastier down the mountain-side; 
 Sullen he flung him in the boat, 
 And instant 'cross the lake it shot. 
 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 muster'd, in the vale below,' 
 Clan-iVlpine's men in martial show. 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 A various scene the clansmen made, 
 
 Some sate, some stood, some slowly stray'd; 
 
 ]5ut most with mantles folded round. 
 
 Were couch'd to rest upon the ground, 
 
 Scarce to be known by curious eye. 
 
 From the deep heather where they lie, 
 
 So well was match'd the tartan screen 
 
 With heath-bell dark and brackens green ; 
 
 Unless where, here and there, a blade, 
 
 Or lance's point, a glimmer made. 
 
 Like glow-worm twinkling through the shade, 
 
 ' MS. : " Where hro.nd extending far below, 
 
 Muster'd Clan-Alpinc'H martial sliow."
 
 Canto III.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 145 
 
 But when, advancing- through the gloom, 
 They saw the Chieftain's eagle plume, 
 Their shout of welcome, shrill and wide, 
 Shook the steep mountain's steady side. 
 Thrice it arose, and lake and fell 
 Three times return'd the martial yell ; 
 It died upon Bochastle's plain. 
 And silence claimed her evening reign.
 
 CANTO FOURTH. 
 
 THE PROPHECY. 
 
 I. 
 
 "The rose is fairest when 'tis bucklin;:,^ new, 
 
 And hope is l^rightest wlien it dawns from fears ; ' 
 The rose is sweetest wash'd with inornini;" dew, 
 And love is loveliest when cniljalm'd in tears 
 O wilding rose, whom fancy thus endears, 
 I bid your blossoms in my bonnet wave, 
 ICmblem of hope and love through future years!" 
 Thus spoke young Norman, heir of Armandave, 
 What time the sun arose on Vcnnachar's broad wave. 
 
 II. 
 
 Such fond conceit, half said, half sung, 
 Love prompted to the bridegroom's tongue. 
 All while he stripp'd the wild-rose spray, 
 His axe and bow beside him lay. 
 For on a pass 'twixt lake and wood, 
 A wakeful sentinel he stood. 
 Hark! — on the rock a footstep rung, 
 And instant to his arms he sprung. 
 
 1 MS. : " Ami mTitmc dearest when obscured h\ fears." 
 145
 
 CANTO IV,] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 1 47 
 
 "Stand, or thou dicst! — What, Malise? — soon 
 
 Art thou rcturn'd from Braes of Doune. 
 
 By thy keen step and glance I know, 
 
 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?" the henchman said. 
 
 "Apart in yonder misty glade; 
 
 To his lone couch I'll be your guide." 
 
 Then call'd a slumberer by his side. 
 
 And stirr'd him with his slacken'd bow — 
 
 " Up, up, Glentarkin ! rouse thee, ho ! 
 
 We seek the Chieftain ; on the track, 
 
 Keep eagle watch till I come back." 
 
 III. 
 
 Together up the pass they sped : 
 
 "What of the foemen.^" Norman said. 
 
 "Varying reports from near and far; 
 
 This certain, — that a band of war 
 
 Has for two days been ready boune, 
 
 At prompt command, to march from Doune j 
 
 King James, the while, with princely powers, 
 
 Holds revelry in Stirling towers. 
 
 Soon will this dark and gathering cloud 
 
 Speak on our glens in thunder loud. 
 
 Inured to bide such bitter bout, 
 
 The warrior's plaid may bear it out ;
 
 14^ THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 
 
 ])Ut Norman, Iiow wilt tliou provide 
 
 A shelter iur thy bonny bride?" — 
 
 " What ! know yc not that Roderick's care 
 
 To the lone isle hath caused repair 
 
 L^ach maid and matron of the clan, 
 
 And every child and a£,^ed man, 
 
 Unfit for arms ; and given his charge, 
 
 Nor skiff nor shallop, boat nor barge, 
 
 Upon these lakes shall float at large, 
 
 lUit all beside the islet moor, 
 
 That such dear pledge may rest secure ? 
 
 IV. 
 
 "'Tis well advised — the Chieftain's plan ' 
 
 Bespeaks the father of his clan, 
 
 ]5ut wherefore sleeps Sir Roderick Dhu 
 
 Apart from all his followers true.^" — 
 
 " It is, because last evening-tide 
 
 Brian an augury hath tried. 
 
 Of that dread kind which must not be 
 
 Unless in dread extremity, 
 
 The Taghairm call'd ; by which afar, 
 
 Our sires foresaw the events of war.' 
 
 Duncraggan's milk-white bull they slew." 
 
 * MS. : "'Ti^. well advised — n prudcnf |ilan, 
 
 Worthy the father of his clan." 
 ' Sec Appendix, Note I.
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. T49 
 
 MALISE. 
 
 " Ah ! well the gallant brute I knew ! 
 The choicest of the prey we had, 
 When swept our merry-men Gallangad.' 
 His hide was snow, his horns were dark, 
 His red eye glow'd like fiery spark ; 
 So fierce, so tameless, and so fleet, 
 Sore did he cumber our retreat, 
 And kept our stoutest kernes in awe, 
 Even at the pass of Beal 'maha. 
 But steep and flinty was the road. 
 And sharp the hurrying pikemen's goad, 
 
 1 I know not if it be worth observing, that this passage is taken 
 ahnost literally from the mouth of an old Highland Kern, or Ket- 
 teran, as they were called. He used to narrate the merry doings of 
 the good old time when he was a follower of Rob Roy MacGregor. 
 This leader, on one occasion, thought proper to make a descent upon 
 the lower part of the Loch Lomond district, and summoned all the 
 heritors and farmers to meet at the Kirk of Drymen, to pay him 
 black-mail, /. e. tribute for forbearance and protection. As this 
 invitation was supported by a band of thirty or forty stout fellows, 
 only one gentleman, an ancestor, if I mistake not, of the present 
 Mr. Grahame of Gartmore, ventured to decline compliance. Rob 
 Roy instantly swept his land of all he could drive away, and among 
 the spoil was a bull of the old Scottish wild breed, whose ferocity 
 occasioned great plague to the Ketterans. " But ere we had reached 
 the'Row of Dennan," said the old man, " a child might have scratched 
 bis ears."* The circumstance is a minute one, but it paints the 
 times when the poor beeve was compelled — 
 
 " To hoof it o'er as many weary miles, 
 With Ejoading- pikemcn hollowing at his heels, 
 As e'er the bravest antler of the woods." 
 
 Ethv.'ald. 
 
 * This anecdote was, in former editions, inaccurately ascribed to Gregor Macgregor 
 OJ Glengyle, called Ghlur.e Dint, or Black-knee, a relation of Rob Roy, but, as I have 
 been assured, not addicted to his predatory excesses, — iV<//e to Third Edition.
 
 I50 TJIE LADY OF THE LAKE. 1 Can to IV. 
 
 And when wc came to Dciinan's Row, 
 
 A child might scatheless stroke his brow." 
 
 V. 
 
 NORM AN. 
 
 "That bull was slain: his reeking hide 
 They sti''etch'd the cataract beside, 
 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." 
 Couch'tl on a shelve beneath its brink, 
 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 jMoijlietic dream. 
 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 sluml.ering bands. 
 Seems he not, Malise, like a gho.'-t, 
 That hovers o'er a slaughter'd ho.st } 
 
 ' There is .1 rock so nnnicil in llic Forest of Glenfiiilas, bv wliidi 
 a Uiimiltuary cr.tnract takes its course. Tin's wikl place is said in 
 former times to have atlordcd refuse to an outlaw, who was supplied 
 with provisions bv a woman, who lowered them down from the 
 brink of the precipice above. II is water he |irocnred lor himself, by 
 )ettini,' down a llagon tied to a string, into the black pool beneath the 
 fall.
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 151 
 
 Or raven on the blasted oak, 
 
 That, watching while the deer is broke/ 
 
 His morsel claims with sullen croak ? " 
 
 MALISE. 
 
 — "Peace! peace ! to other than to me, 
 Thy words were evil augury ; 
 
 1 Quartered. — 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. " There is a little 
 gnstle," says Tuberville, "which is upon the spoone of the brisket, 
 which we call the raven's bone ; and I have seen in some places a 
 raven so wont and accustomed to it, that she would never fail to 
 croak and cry for it all the time you were in breaking up of the deer, 
 and would not depart till she had it." In the very ancient metrical 
 romance of Sir Tristrem, that peerless knight, who is said to have 
 been the very deviser of all rules of chase, did not omit the ceremony. 
 
 " The rauen he yaue his yiftes 
 Sat on the fourched tre." 
 
 The raven might also challenge his rights by the Book of St. 
 Albans ; for thus says Dame Juliana Berners : 
 
 " Slitteth anon 
 
 The bely to the side, from the corbyn bone : 
 That is corbyn's fee, at the death he will be." 
 
 Jonson, in " The Sad Shepherd," gives a more poetical account 
 of the same ceremony : — 
 
 " Marian. He that undoes him 
 
 Doth cleave the brisket bone, upon the spoon 
 Of which a little gristle grows — you call it — 
 
 Robin Hood. The raven's bone. 
 
 Marian. Xow o'er head sat a raven 
 On a sere bough, a grown, great bird, and hoarse, 
 Who, all the while the deer was breaking up, 
 So croak'd and cried for't, as all the huntsmen, 
 Especially old Scathlock, thought it ominous."
 
 15- THE LADY OF TIIK LAKE. [Canto IV 
 
 But Still I hold Sir Roderick's blade 
 
 Clan-Alpine's omen and her aid, 
 
 Not aught that, glean'd from heaven or hell, 
 
 Yon fiend-begotten monk can tell. 
 
 The Chieftain joins him, see — and now, 
 
 Together they descend the brow." 
 
 VI. 
 
 And, as they came, with Alpine's Lord 
 The Ileiniit Monk held solemn word: 
 " Roderick ! it is a fearful strife, 
 r^or man endow'd 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 nnise like warrior's lance, — 
 'Tis hard for such to view, unfurl'd, 
 The curtain of the future world. 
 Yet witness every quaking limb, 
 My sunken pulse, mine eyeballs dim. 
 My soul with harrowing anguish torn, 
 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. 
 Is gifted beyond nature's law, — 
 Had e'er surviv'd to say he saw.
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 153 
 
 At length the fateful answer came, 
 
 In characters of living flame ! 
 
 Not spoke in word, nor blazed in scroll, 
 
 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. 
 Clan-Alpine ne'er in battle stood. 
 But rirst our broadswords tasted blood. 
 A surer victim still I know. 
 Self-offer'd to the auspicious blow : 
 A spy has sought my land this morn. 
 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, 
 
 ' MS. : "Which foremost spills a foeman's life." 
 2 Though this be in the text described as a response of the Tag- 
 hairm, or Oracle of the Hide, it was of itself 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 fields, merely to secure an advantage of so much con- 
 sequence to their party. 
 
 ^ MS. : "The clansmen vainly deem'd his guide."
 
 154 TJIE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 
 
 Till, in deep jjath or dingle brown, 
 He light un those shall bring him down.' 
 — But sec, who comes his news to show ! 
 Malisc! what tidings of the foe?" — 
 
 VIII. 
 
 "At Dounc, o'er many a spear and glaive 
 
 Two Barons proud their banners wave. 
 
 I saw the Moray's silver star. 
 
 And mark'd the sable pale of Mar." — 
 
 " By Alpine's soul, high tidiilgs those ! 
 
 I love to hear o^ worthy foes. 
 
 When move they on .'' " — " Tomorrow's no(jn ^ 
 
 Will see them here for battle boune." — ^ 
 
 "Then shall it see a meeting stern ! — 
 
 lUit for the i)lace — say, couldst thou learn 
 
 Nought of the friendly clans of luirn "■ 
 
 Strengthen'd by them, we well might bide 
 
 The battle on IV-nledi's side. 
 
 Thou couldst not .' — Well ! Clan-Al]iine's men 
 
 Shall man the Trosach'.s shaggy glen ; 
 
 Within Loch Katrine's gorge we'll fight, 
 
 All in our maids' and matrons' sight, 
 
 ' MS. : •' Ik- liifht on tliosc sliall stall liini down." 
 
 •1 -Kt^ i . iiM .1 5- f ' 'lliis Mill ) » 
 
 •* Mb. : '• ' Wlicii move tlicv on.' -,' ,„ , } at noon 
 
 I. ' I o-(la y ) 
 
 ' 'Tis said will slc tluMn inarcli from Dmiiic' 
 
 . ,,, ,1 ^ makes 1 .. , ,.i 
 
 ' 1 o-morrow then ] } meeting btcrn. 
 
 ( sees j 
 
 ^ Eor battle boiinc — ready fur bailie.
 
 Canto IV.J THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 155 
 
 Each for his hearth and household fire. 
 Father for child, and son for sire, — 
 Lover for maid beloved ! — But why — 
 Is it the breeze affects mine eye ? 
 Or dost thou come, ill-omen'd tear ! 
 A messenger of doubt or fear ? 
 No ! sooner may the Saxon lance 
 Unfix Benledi from his stance, 
 Than doubt or terror can pierce through 
 The unyielding heart of Roderick Dhu ! 
 'Tis 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, 
 Obedient to the Chieftain's glance. 
 — I turn me from the martial roar. 
 And see Coir-Uriskin once more. 
 
 IX. 
 
 Where is the Douglas .? — he is gone ; 
 And Ellen sits on the gray stone 
 Fast by the cave, and makes her moan ; 
 While vainly Allan's words of cheer 
 Are pour'd on her unheeding ear. — 
 " He will return — Dear lady, trust ! — 
 With joy return ; — he will, he must. 
 Well was it time to seek, afar. 
 Some refuge from impending war, 
 
 ' MS. : " Tis stubbo.rn as his Highland targe."
 
 156 THE LA in' or THE LAKE. [Cant.. \\ 
 
 When e'en Clan-Alpine's rui;<^ed swarm 
 Are cow'd by the approaching storm. 
 I saw their boats with many a light, 
 Floating the live-long yesternight, 
 Shifting like flashes darted forth ' 
 By the red streamers of the north ; 
 I mark'd at morn how close they ride, 
 Thick moor'd by the lone islet's side, 
 Like wild-ducks couching in the fen. 
 When stoops the hawk u])on the glen. 
 Since this rude race dare not abide 
 The i)eril on the mainland side. 
 Shall not thy ncjble father's care 
 Some safe retreat for thee prej)are.''" — 
 
 X. 
 
 KLLEN. 
 
 "No, Allan, no! Tretcxt so kind- 
 My wakeful tenors could not blind. 
 
 1 MS. : 'Thick as the fla.shcs darted forth 
 
 I>v inorricc-dancers oftlie north; 
 
 A 1 L .1 • I barijes ride, 
 
 And saw at morn then- , .. T , 
 
 I little lleet, 
 
 Close moor'd hy the lone islet's side. 
 
 Siiue this rude race ilare not abiiie 
 
 Upon their native mountain side, 
 
 'Tis fit that l)ont,das should |)rovidc 
 
 For his dear child some sale alxjde, 
 
 And soon he comes \.o point the road." 
 
 2 MS. : " No. Allan, no! I lis words sf) kind 
 
 Were hut |>retexls my fears to blind, 
 When in such solemn tf)ne and Ljrave, 
 Douglas a partins,' blessing gave."
 
 CANTO IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 157 
 
 When in such tender tone, yet grave, 
 
 Douglas a parting blessing gave, 
 
 The tear that glisten'd in his eye 
 
 Drown 'd not his purpose fix'd on high. 
 
 My soul, though feminine and weak. 
 
 Can image his ; e'en as the lake. 
 
 Itself disturb'd by slightest stroke,' 
 
 Reflects the invulnerable rock. 
 
 He hears report of battle rife, 
 
 He deems himself the cause of strife. 
 
 I saw him redden, when the theme 
 
 Turn'd, Allan, on thine idle dream. 
 
 Of Malcolm Graeme, in fetters bound. 
 
 Which I, thou saidst, about him wound. 
 
 Think'st thou he trow'd thine omen aught .? 
 
 Oh no ! 'twas apprehensive thought 
 
 For the kind youth, — for Roderick too — 
 
 (Let me be just) that friend so true ; 
 
 In danger both, and in our cause ! 
 
 Minstrel, the Douglas dare not pause. 
 
 Why else that solemn warning given, 
 
 ' If not on earth, we meet in heaven ! ' 
 
 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 friend's safety with his own ; — 
 
 1 MS. : " Itself disturb'd by slightest sht)ck, 
 Reflects the adamantine rock."
 
 iS'*^ TJIE LADY OF THE LAKH | Canto IV. 
 
 lie goes In do — what J had done, 
 
 Had Duuglas' daughter been his son I " — 
 
 XI. 
 
 " Nay, lovely Mllcn ! — dearest, nay ! 
 
 Jf aught should his return delay, 
 
 He only named yon holy fane 
 
 As fitting place to meec again. 
 
 Be sure he's safe ; and for the Graeme, — 
 
 Heaven's blessing on liis gallant name! — 
 
 My vision'd sight may yet prove true, 
 
 Nor bode of ill to him or you, 
 
 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 ; 
 
 Ik-lie ve it when it augurs cheer. 
 
 Would we had left this dismal spot ! 
 
 Ill luck still haunts a fairy grot. 
 
 ( )f such a wondrous tale I know — 
 
 Dear lady, change that look of woe, 
 
 My hari) was wont thy grief to cheer." — 
 
 KT.LF.N. 
 
 " Well, be it as thou wilt ; I hear, 
 JUit cannot stoji the bursting tear." 
 The minstcel tried his simjile art, 
 But distant far was I^llen's heart.
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF TJ/IC LAKE. 1 59 
 
 XII. 
 
 BALLAD 1 : 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. 
 
 " O AHce Brand, my native land 
 Is lost for love of you ; 
 And we must hold by wood and wold, 
 As outlaws wont to do. 
 
 "O Alice, 'twas all for thy locks so bright. 
 And 'twas all for thine eyes so blue. 
 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, 
 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 slaughter'd deer, 
 To keep the cold away." — 
 
 ^ See Appendix, Note K. 
 2 Thrush. 3 Blackbird.
 
 l6o THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 
 
 "O Richard! il my brother died, 
 "Iwas but a fatal chance ; 
 For darkhng was the battle tried, 
 And fortune sped the lance. ^ 
 
 " It ]iall and vair no more T wear, 
 Nor thou the crimson sheen, 
 As warm, we'll say, is the russet gray 
 As gay the forest-green. 
 
 " y\nd, Richard, if our lot be hard. 
 And lost thy native land, 
 Still Alice has her own Richard, 
 And he his Alice l^rand." 
 
 XIII. 
 
 B.MJ.An CONTlNTKn. 
 
 'Tis merry, 'tis merry, in good greenwood. 
 
 So blithe Lady Alice is singing; 
 ( )n the beech's pride, and oak's brown side, 
 
 Lord Richard's axe is ringing. 
 
 Up spoke the moody I^lfm King, 
 Who won'd within the hill, — - 
 
 'M.S. : " 'Twas Init .i midniplit ch.incc; 
 
 Ft)r l)liiulfol(l was tlic baUlc plied. 
 
 And fortune held the lance." 
 
 - In a long dissertation upon the Kairu .Sii]icrstifioiis, piildishcd 
 
 in the Minstrcl.sy of the Scottish IJorder, the most valuable jiart of 
 
 which was supplied hy my learned and indefatigable friend, I )r. fohn 
 
 I.ivdcn. most of the circumsianccs are collected which can throw
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. l6l 
 
 Like wind in the porch of a ruin'd church, 
 His voice was ghostly shrill. 
 
 liglit upon tlie popular belief which even yet prevails respecting 
 them in Scotland. Dr. Graham, author of an entertaining work 
 upon the Scenery of the Perthshire Highlands, already frequently 
 quoted, has recorded, with great accuracy, the peculiar tenets held 
 by the Highlanders on this topic, in the vicinity of Loch Katrine. 
 The learned author is inclined to deduce the whole mythology 
 from the Druidical system, — an opinion to which there are many 
 objections. 
 
 "The Daoine ShP or Men of Peace of the Highlanders, though 
 not absolutely malevolent, are believed to be a peevish, repining 
 race of beings, who possessing themselves but a scanty portion of 
 happiness, are supposed to envy mankind their more complete and 
 substantial enjoyments. They are supposed to enjoy in their sub- 
 terraneous recesses, a sort of shadpwy happiness, — a tinsel grandeur; 
 which, however, they would willingly exchange for the more solid 
 joys of mortality. 
 
 " They are believed to inhabit certain round grassy eminences, 
 where the}' celebrate their nocturnal festivities by the light of the 
 moon. About a mile beyond the source of the Forth above Lochcon, 
 there is a place called Coirs/n'an, or the Cove of the Men of Peace, 
 which is still supposed to be a favorite place of their residence. In 
 the neighborhood are to be seen many round conical eminences; 
 particularly one, near the head of the lake, by the skirts of which 
 man}' are still afraid to pass after sunset. It is believed, that if, on 
 Hallow-eve, any person, alone, goes round one of these hills nine 
 times, towards the left hand {si/iistrorniim) a door shall open, by 
 which he will be admitted into their subterraneous abodes. Many, 
 it is said, of mortal race, have been entertained in their secret 
 recesses. There they have been received into the most splendid 
 apartments, and regaled with the most sumptuous banquets, and 
 delicious wines. Their females surpass the daughters of men in 
 beauty. The seemhiffly happy inhabitants pass their time in festivity, 
 and in dancing to notes of the softest music. But unhappy is the 
 mortal who joins in their joys, or ventures to partake of their 
 dainties. By this indulgence, he forfeits forever the society of men, 
 and is bound down irrevocably to the condition of S/ii'ic//, or Man 
 of Peace. 
 
 "A woman, as is reported in the Highland tradition, was con-
 
 1^2 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 
 
 "Why sounds yon stroke on l)ccch and oak, 
 Our moonlight circle's screen ? ' 
 
 Or who comes here to chase the deer, 
 Beloved of our IClfin Queen ?- 
 
 Or \Vho may dare on wold to wear 
 The fairies' fatal green ?3 
 
 veyed in davs of yore into the secret rcccRses of the Men of Peace. 
 There she was recognized by one who hail formerly been an ortiinary 
 mortal, but wlio had, by some fatality, become associated wilii the 
 Shi'ichs. Tiiis acquaintance, still retaining some portion of human 
 benevolence, warned her of her danger, and counselled her, as she 
 valued her liberty, to abstain from eating and drinking with them 
 for a certain space of time. She complied with the counsel of her 
 friend; and when the period assigned was elapsed, she found herself 
 again upon earth, restored to the society of mortals. It is added, 
 that wl.en she examined the viands which had been presented to her, 
 and whicli had appeared so tempting to the eye, they were found, 
 now that the enchantment was removed, to consist only of the refuse 
 of the earth." — P. 107-11 1. 
 
 ' MS. : " Our fairy ri'm^lcfs screen." 
 
 2 See Appendix, Note L. 
 
 ' As the Daoiiic Slii\ or Men of Peace, wore green habits, they 
 were supposed to take olTence when any mortals ventured to assume 
 their favorite colf)r. Indeed, from some reason, wiiicii has been, 
 perhaps, originally a general superstition, .^avrw is held in Scotland 
 ti> be unlucky to parliiular tribes and counties. The Caithness men, 
 wIk) hold this belief, allege, as a reason, that their bands wore that 
 color wiien they were cut o(T at the battle of Flodden ; and for the 
 same reason they avoid crossing the Ord on a Monday, being the 
 day of the week on which their ill-omened arr.ny set forth. Green 
 is also disliked by those of the name of Ogilvy; but more especially 
 is it held fatal to the whole clan of Grahamc. It is remembered of 
 an aged gentleman of that name, that when his horse fell in a fox- 
 chase, he accounted for it at once, by observing, that the whip-cord 
 attached to his lash was of this unlucky color.
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 1 63 
 
 " Up, Urgan, up ! to yon mortal hie, 
 For thou wort christen'd man ; ' 
 For cross or sign tliou wilt not fly, 
 For mutter'd word or ban. 
 
 ^ The Elv^es were supposed greatly to envy the privileges acquired 
 bv Christian initiation, and thcv gave to those mortals who had 
 fallen into their power, a certain precedence, founded upon this 
 advantageous distinction. Tamlane, in the old ballad, describes his 
 own rank in the fairy procession : — 
 
 " For I ride on a milk-white steed, 
 And aye nearest the town ; 
 Because I was a christen'd knight, 
 They gave nie that renown." 
 
 I presume, that in the Danish ballad of the Elfin Grey (see 
 Appendix, Note K.) the obstinacy of the " Weist Elf," who would 
 not flee for cross or sign, is to be derived from the circinnstance of 
 his having been " christen'd man." 
 
 llow eager the Elves were to obtain for their oft'spring the pre- 
 rogatives of Christianity, will be proved by the following story : — 
 "In the district called Ilaga, in Iceland, dwelt a nobleman called 
 Sigward Forster, who had an intrigue with one of the subterranean 
 females. The elf became pregnant and exacted from her lover a 
 firm promise that he would procure the baptism of the infant. At 
 the appointed time, the mother came to the churchyard, on the wall 
 of which she placed a golden cup, and a stole for the priest, agreeable 
 to the custom of making an offering at baptism. She then stood a 
 little apart. When the priest left the church, he inqun-ed the mean- 
 ing of what he saw, and demanded of Sigward if he avowed himself 
 the father of the child. But Sigward, ashamed of the connexion^ 
 denied the paternity. He was then interrogated if he desired that 
 the child should be baptized ; but this also he answered in the 
 negative, lest, by such request, he should admit himself to be the 
 father. On which the child was left untouched and unbaptized. 
 Whereupon the mother, in extreme wrath, snatched up the hifant 
 and the cup, and retired, leaving the priestly cope, of which frag- 
 ments are still in preservation. But this female denounced and 
 imposed upon Sigward, and his posterity, to the ninth generation, a 
 singular disease, with which many of his descendants are afflicted at 
 this day." Thus wrote Einar Dudmond, pastor of the parish of
 
 1 64 HIE LADV OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 
 
 " J, a)' OP. him llio (.insc of llic u illK'i"(.l lic;irt. 
 
 The curse of the sleepless eye ; 
 Till he wish ami i>ray that his life would part, 
 
 Nor yet find leave to die." 
 
 XIV. 
 
 IIALLAD CONTINUr.n. 
 
 'Tis merry, 'tis merry, in good greenwood, 
 Though the birds have still'd their singing ; 
 
 The evening blaze doth Alice raise, 
 And Richard is fagots bringing. 
 
 l^p Urgan starts, that hideous dwarf, 
 
 Ik'fore Lord Richard stands. 
 And as he cross'd and bless'd himself, 
 "I fear not sign," quoth the grisly elf, 
 
 "That is made with bloody hands." 
 
 Ihit out then spoke she, Alice lirand, 
 
 That woman void of fear, — 
 "And if there's blood upon his hand, 
 
 'Tis but the blood of deer." — 
 
 " Now loud thou licst, thou bf)ld of mood ! 
 
 It cleaves unto his hand. 
 The stain of thine own kindly blood, 
 
 The blood of ICthert lirand." 
 
 G.irpsdalo, in Irolaiu]. a man profoundly vcrsid in I.arnini,'. (mm 
 whose manuHcript it was txlrartcil by llic learned Torf;vus. — ///*- 
 (oria J/rolJi h'ritkii, I/<ifni,r, 1715. /<r, /alio.
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. IO5 
 
 Then forward stepp'd she, Alice Brand, 
 
 And made the holy sign, — 
 "And if there's blood on Richard's hand, 
 
 A spotless hand is ^line. 
 
 "And I conjure thee, Demon elf, 
 
 By Him whom Demons fear, 
 To show us whence thou art thyself. 
 
 And what thine errand here?" — 
 
 XV. 
 
 BALLAD CONTINUED. 
 
 " 'Tis merry, 'tis merry, in Fairy-land, 
 
 When fairy birds are singing. 
 When the court doth ride by their monarch's side, 
 
 With bit and bridle ringing : 
 
 "And gaily shines the Fairy-land, 
 
 But all is glistening show,i 
 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. 
 
 And now like dwarf and ape. 
 
 " It was between the night and day. 
 When the Fairy King has power. 
 
 See Appendix, Note M.
 
 if^ THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Cakt.. iv 
 
 That I sunk down in a sinful fray, 
 And, 'twixt life and death, was snatch'd away 
 To the joyless Elfin bower.' 
 
 '•' 15ut wist I of a woman bold, 
 
 Who thrice my brow durst sign, 
 I .night regain my mortal mold, 
 
 As fair a form as thine." 
 
 She cross'd him once — she cross'd him twice — 
 That lady was so brave ; 
 
 ' The subjects of Fiiirv-laiul were recruited from llie roi^ioiis or 
 humanity by a sort oi criiupinv^ system, which extended to adults as 
 well as to infants. Many of those who were in this world supposed 
 to have dischar<,'ed the debt of nature, had only become denizens of 
 the " Londe of Faery." In the beautiful Fairy Romance of Orfec 
 and Ileurodiis (Orpheus and Enrydice) in the Auchinleck MS., is 
 the fullowini; slrikinj^ enumeration of persons thus abstracted from 
 middle earth. Mr. Ritson unfortunately published this romance 
 from a copy in which the following, and many other hiyhly poetical 
 passages do not occur: — 
 
 '* Then he jran hilinlilc- about al, 
 And seiche ful li>rK«-"">'l with in the wal, 
 or folk that were Ihiihler yhrought, 
 And thoiijjht dede and nere nought; 
 Some stode witli outen haddc; 
 And Sinn none amies nade; 
 And sum thurch the hodi haddc woundc ; 
 And sum lay wode y-lmunde; 
 ' And sum armed in hors sete; 
 
 And simi estranpicd as thai etc; 
 And sum war in water .adreynt; 
 And sum with fire al forsclireynl; 
 Wives ther hiy on childe bedde; 
 Sum dede, a-id sum awechle; 
 And wfuuler fele ther lay besides, 
 Ri^lit as thai slc|>e her iindertides ; 
 Eche was thus in the warld y-nomt, 
 With fairi lliider y<onic."
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 167 
 
 The fouler grew his goblin hue, 
 The darker grew the cave. 
 
 C>' 
 
 She cross'd him thrice, that lady bold ; 
 
 He rose beneath her hand 
 The fairest knight on Scottish mold, 
 
 Her brother, Ethert Brand ! 
 
 Merry it is in good greenwood, 
 
 When the mavis and merle are singing, 
 But merrier were they in Dunfermline gray, 
 
 When all the bells were ringing. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Just as the minstrel sounds were stay'd, 
 
 A stranger climb'd the steepy glade : 
 
 His martial step, his stately mien, 
 
 His hunting suit of Lincoln green, 
 
 His eagle glance, remembrance claims — 
 
 'Tis Snowdoun's Knight, 'tis James Fitz-James. 
 
 Ellen beheld as in a dream, 
 
 Then, starting, scarce suppress'd a scream : 
 
 " O 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 
 
 Met me betimes this morning tide.
 
 I68 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. Icanto iv. 
 
 Antl niarshaU'd, ()\cr bank and bourne, 
 The happy path of my return." — 
 "The happy path I — what! said he nought 
 Of war, of battle to be fought, 
 Of guarded pass ? " — " No, by my faith ! 
 Nor saw I aught could augur scathe." — 
 " O haste thee, Allan, to the kern, 
 — Yonder his tartans I discern ; 
 Learn thou his purpose, and conjure 
 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." 
 
 XVII. 
 
 "Sweet r^llen, dear my life must be, 
 Since it is worthy care from thee ; 
 Yet life I hold but idle breath. 
 When love or honor's weigh 'd with death. 
 Then let me profit by my chance, 
 And speak my purpose liold at once. 
 I come to bear thee from a wild, 
 Where ne'er before such blossom smiled: 
 l^y this soft hand to lead thee far 
 From frantic scenes of feud and war. 
 Near Bochastle my horses wait ' 
 They bear us soon to Stirling gate. 
 
 ' MS. : " />'v Cainfmsiiiorc niv horses wait."
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 1 69 
 
 I'll place thee in a lovely bower, 
 
 I'll guard thee like a tender flower " 
 
 " O ! hush, Sir Knight ! 'twere female art, 
 
 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; 
 
 And how, O 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, 
 
 Buy thine own pardon with thy shame ! 
 
 But first — my father is a man 
 
 Outlaw'd and exiled, under ban ; 
 
 The price of blood is on his head. 
 
 With me 'twere infamy to wed. — 
 
 Still would'st thou speak t — 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 ; 
 
 Forgive, be generous, and depart ! " 
 
 1 MS. : " Was idly foud thy praise to hear."
 
 I70 1111-: LADV OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV- 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 Fitz-Jamcs knew every wily train 
 
 A lady's fickle heart to j^ain, 
 
 lUit here he knew and felt them vain. 
 
 There shot no glance from Ellen's eye, 
 
 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. 
 
 As death had seal'd 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 proffer'd to attend her side. 
 
 As brother would a sister guide. — 
 
 "O! little know'st thou Roderick's heart! 
 
 Safer for both we go apart. 
 
 O haste thee, and from Allan learn. 
 
 If thou may'st trust yon wily kern." 
 
 With hand upon his forehead laid, 
 
 The conflict of his mind to shade 
 
 A jxiriing step or two he made: 
 
 Then, as some thought had cross'd his brain, 
 
 He paused, and turn'd, and came again.
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. I /I 
 
 XIX. 
 
 " Hear, lady, yet a parting word ! — 
 
 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. 
 
 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, 
 
 His lordship the embattled field. 
 
 What from a prince can I demand, 
 
 Who neither reck of state nor land } 
 
 EUen, thy hand — the ring is thine ; ^ 
 
 Each guard and usher knows the sign. 
 
 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, 
 
 Paused — kiss'd her hand — and then was gone. 
 
 &^ 
 
 1 MS. 
 
 2 MS. 
 
 3 MS. 
 
 " This ring of gold the monarch gave." 
 " Permit this hand — tlie ring is thine." 
 " ' Seek thou the King, and on thj' knee 
 
 Put forth thy suit, whate'er it be, 
 
 As ransom of his pledge to me ; 
 
 Mj name and this shall make thy way.' 
 
 He put the little signet on."
 
 172 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. ICanto iv. 
 
 1 he aged Minstrel stood aghast, 
 
 So hastily Fitz-Jamcs shot past. 
 
 lie join'd his guide, and winding down 
 
 The ridges of the mountain brown, 
 
 Across the stream they took their way. 
 
 That joins Loch Katrine to Achray. 
 
 XX. 
 
 All in the Trosach's glen was still, 
 
 Noontide was sleeping on the hill : 
 
 Sudden his guide whoop'd loud and high — 
 
 " Murdoch ! was that a signal cry .'' " 
 
 He stammer'd forth, — "I shout to scare ' 
 
 Von ra\en from his dainty fare." 
 
 lie look'd - -he knew the raven's prey. 
 
 His own brave steed : — " Ah ! gallant gray ! 
 
 ]"^)r thee — for nie, ]ierchance — 'twere well 
 
 We ne'er had seen I lie Trosach's dell. — 
 
 Muriloch, m()\'e first — but silently; 
 
 Whistle or whooj), and th-)n shalt die!" 
 
 Jealous and sullen on they fared. 
 
 Each silent, each upon his guard. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 Now wound the path its dizzy ledge 
 Around a precipice's edge, 
 
 J MS. : " lie stammciM lurtli ennfuscd reply: 
 
 ' ^:"^""- 1 I shouted but to srare 
 
 ' Sir KmL,'lit. ' 
 
 Yon raven from Ins dainty fare.'"
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 1 73 
 
 When lo ! a wasted female form, 
 
 Blighted by wrath of sun and storm, 
 
 In tatter'd weeds and wild array,' 
 
 Stood on a cliff beside the way, 
 
 And glancing round her restless eye, 
 
 Upon the wood, the rock, the sky, 
 
 Seem'd nought to mark, yet all to spy. 
 
 Her brow was wreath'd with gaudy broom ; 
 
 With gesture wild she waved a plume 
 
 Of feathers which the eagles fling 
 
 To crag and cliff from dusky wing ; 
 
 Such spoils her desperate step had sought, 
 
 Where scarce was footing for the goat. 
 
 The tartan plaid she first descried. 
 
 And shriek'd till all the rocks replied ; 
 
 As loud she laugh'd when near they drew. 
 
 For then the Lowland garb she knew ; 
 
 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 strain'd and roughen'd, still 
 
 Rung wildly sweet to dale and hill. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 They bid me sleep, they bid me pray. 
 
 They say my brain is warp'd and wrung — 
 
 1 MS. : " Wrapp'd in a tatter'd mantle gray."
 
 1/4 i'm^ LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 
 
 1 cannot sleep dii lli.L;hlancl biac, 
 I cannot pray in lliy,hlancl tongue. 
 
 Ikit were I now where Allan ' glides, 
 
 Or heard my native Devan's tides, 
 
 So sweetly would I rest, and pray 
 
 That lieaven would close my wintry day ! 
 
 'Twas thus my hair they bade me braid, 
 They bade 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 drown'd in blood the morning smile! 
 
 Ant! woe betide the fairy dream! 
 
 I only waked to sob and scream. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 "Who is this maid.' what means her lay ? 
 She hovers o'er the hollow way, 
 And flutters wide her mantle gray, 
 As the lone heron spreads his wing, 
 By twilight, o'er a haunted spring." — 
 "'Tis Blanche of Devan," Murtloch said,^ 
 "A erased and captive Lowland maid, 
 Ta'en on the morn she was a bride. 
 When R(xlcrick forav'd Devan-side. 
 
 ' The Allan and Dcvan arc two beautiful streams, the latter 
 cclebratetl in the poetry of Hums, which dosienii from tlie liiils ot 
 Perthshire into tlie f^reat carse or plain r)f Slirlin-,'. 
 
 ■^ Mb. : " ' A Saxon born, a erazy maid — 
 
 'Tis IManehe of Devan.' Murdoch said."
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 1 75 
 
 The gay bridegroom resistance made, 
 
 And felt our Chief's unconquer'd blade. 
 
 I marvel she is now at large, 
 
 But oft she 'scapes from Maudlin's charge. — 
 
 Hence, brain-sick fool!" — He raised his bow: — 
 
 *' Now, if thou strikest her but one blow, 
 
 I'll pitch thee from the cliff as far 
 
 As ever peasant pitch'd a bar ! " — 
 
 "Thanks, champion, thanks!" the Maniac cried. 
 
 And press'd 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 ! 
 
 No ! — deep amid disjointed stones, 
 
 The wolves shall batten on his bones, 
 
 And then shall his detested plaid, 
 
 By brush and brier in mid air staid, 
 
 Wave forth a banner fair and free, 
 
 Meet signal for their revelry." — 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 "Hush thee, poor maiden, and be still!" — 
 O! thou look'st kindly, and I will. — 
 
 1 MS. : "With thee these pennons will I share, 
 
 Then seek my true love through the air." 
 
 2 MS. : " But I'll not lend that savage groom, 
 
 To hreak his fall one downy plume! 
 Deep, deep 'mid yon disjointed stones, 
 The wolf shall batten on his bones."
 
 170 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canio IV 
 
 Mine eye has iliied and wasted been, 
 But still it loves the Lincoln <;reen ; 
 And, though mine ear is all unstrung, 
 Still, still it loves the Lowland tongue. 
 
 " For O my sweet William was forester true,' 
 He stole poor Blanche's heart away ! 
 
 His coat it was all of the greenwood hue,^ 
 And so blithely he trill'd the Lowland lay! 
 
 " It was not tliat I meant to tell . . . 
 lUit thou ait wise and gucssest well."' 
 Then, in a low anil broken tone, 
 And hurried note, the song went on. 
 .Still on the Clansman, fearfully, 
 She fixed her api)rehensivc eye; 
 Then turn'd it on the Knight, and then 
 Her look glanced wildly (j'er the glen. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 "The toils are pitch'd, and the stakes are set, 
 
 r.ver singing merrily, merrily ; 
 The bows they bend, and the knives they whet, 
 
 Hunters live so cheerily. 
 
 ' MS. : • Swcit William was a wonclMiiaii true, 
 1 k- stole p.ior r.iaiKlic's luarf ;i\vav." 
 
 2 M.S. : " Ills coat was of the forest liu. 
 
 And sweet he sung tlie Lowland lay."
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 1 77 
 
 "It was a stag", a stag of ten/ 
 
 Bearing its branches sturdily; 
 He came stately down the glen, 
 
 Ever sing hardily, hardily. 
 
 " It was there he met with a wounded doe, 
 
 She was bleeding deathfully ; 
 She warn'd him of the toils below, 
 
 O, 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."^ 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 Fitz- James's mind was passion-toss'd, 
 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. 
 But lion of the hunt aware. 
 He waved at once his blade on high. 
 "Disclose thy treachery, or die!" 
 
 ^ Having ten branches on his antlers. 
 
 2 " No machinery can be conceived more clumsy for effecting the 
 deliverance of a distressed hero, than the introduction of a mad 
 woman, who, without knowing or caring about the wanderer, warns 
 him, by a song-^ to take care of the ambush that was set for him. The
 
 17'^ rin-: lady of the lake. [canto u 
 
 l""()ilh al full speed the Chinsnian flew,' 
 
 But in his race iiis bow he drew. 
 
 The shaft just grazed Fitz-Jamcs's crest, 
 
 Ami thrill'd in l^lanche'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. 
 
 The fierce avenger is behind ! 
 
 Fate judges of the rajiid strife — 
 
 The forfeit death — the prize is life! 
 
 Thy kindred ambush lies before. 
 
 Close couch'd upon tlic heathery moor ; 
 
 Them couldst thou reach ! — it may not be — ■■ 
 
 Thine ambush'd kin thou ne'er shall see, 
 
 The fiery Saxon gains on thee! 
 
 Resistless speeds the deadly thrust, 
 
 As lightning strikes the pine to dust ; 
 
 With foot and hand Fitz-James must strain, 
 
 V.XQ. he can win his blade again, 
 
 maniacs of poetry have iiulocci liail a prescriptive rii(lit to be musical, 
 since the days of Ophelia downwartls; hut it is raliier a rash exten- 
 sion of this privilege to make them sing good sense, and to make 
 sensible people be guided by them." — Ji:fi"ri:y. 
 
 ' MS. : " Forth at full speed the Clansman went; 
 But in his race his bow he bent, 
 Halted — and back an arrow sent." 
 
 ' MS. " It may not be — 
 
 The ficrv Saxon gains on thee. 
 Thine ambush'd kin thou ne'er slialt see! 
 Resistless as the lightning's flame. 
 The thrust betwixt bis shoulder came. '
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. I79 
 
 Bent o'er the fall'n, with falcon eye/ 
 He grimly smiled to see him die : 
 Then slower wended back his way, 
 Where the poor maiden bleeding lay. 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 She sate beneath the birchen-tree, 
 Her elbow resting on tier knee ; 
 She had withdrawn the fatal shaft, 
 And gazed on it, and feebly laugh'd ; 
 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 
 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, 
 That thou wert mine avenger born. — 
 Seest thou this tress } — O ! still I've worn 
 This little tress of yellow hair. 
 Through danger, frenzy, and despair i 
 It once was bright and clear as thine, 
 But blood and tears have dimm'd its shine. 
 
 ' MS.,: " Then o'er him hung, with falcon eje, 
 
 And grimly smil'd to see him die." 
 2 MS. : " A guiltless injured wretch ||^ie."
 
 l8o THE LADY OF TlIE LAKE. [Canto IV. 
 
 1 will nol U-11 llu'c wliL'u 'iwas shrcii, 
 Nor lioin uhiil -uiltlcss viclini's head — 
 My brain would turn ! — but it shall wave * 
 Like pluniai;e on thy helmet brave, 
 Till sun and wind shall bleach the stain, 
 And thou wilt brin;j; it me ai;'ain. — 
 I waver still. — O (ioil ! more brij^ht 
 Let reascjn beam her parting light ! — 
 O ! by thy knighthood's honor'd sign, 
 ^nd for thy life preserved by mine, 
 When thou shalt see a darksome man, 
 Who boasts him Chief of Ali)ine's clan, 
 With tartans broad and shadowy plume, 
 And hand of blood, and brow of gloom, 
 Ik- thv heart bold, thy weapon strong. 
 And wreak poor Blanche of Devan's wrong — 
 They watch for thee by pass and fell . . . 
 Avoid the path . . . O God ! . . . farewell." 
 
 XXVITI. 
 
 A kindly heart had brave I'it/.-Jamcs ; 
 Fast pour'd 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 I" 
 
 1 MS. : " I'.iit now, my champion, — it shall wave ." 
 ^M.*^.: "Ciod in inv nerd, to nic he trnc. 
 
 h-< I wreak this on KcnK lirk Dhu."
 
 CANTO IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. iSl 
 
 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 
 
 No other favor will I wear. 
 
 Till this sad token I imbrue 
 
 In the best blood of Roderick Dhu ! 
 
 . — But hark ! what means yon faint halloo ? 
 
 The chase is up, — but they shall know, 
 
 The stag at bay's a dangerous foe." 
 
 Barr'd from the known but guarded way, 
 
 Through copse and cliff Fitz-James must stray, 
 
 And oft must change his desperate track, 
 
 By stream and precipice turn'd back. 
 
 Heartless, fatigued, and faint, at length, 
 
 From lack of food and loss of strength, 
 
 He couch' d him in a thicket hoar, 
 
 And thought his toils and perils o'er : — 
 
 " Of all my rash adventures past, 
 
 This frantic feat must prove the last ! 
 
 Who e'er so mad but might have guess'd, 
 
 That all this Highland hornet's nest 
 
 Would muster up in swarms so soon 
 
 As e'er they heard of bands at Doune.^ — 
 
 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 ;
 
 l82 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV 
 
 I'll couch mc here till evening gray, 
 Then darkling try my dangerous wa)-." 
 
 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 ; 
 
 Enough remains of glimmering light 
 
 To guide the wanderer's steps aright. 
 
 Yet not enough from far to show 
 
 His figure to the watchful foe. 
 
 With cautious step, and ear awake, 
 
 He climbs the crag and threads the brake ; 
 
 And not the summer solstice, there, 
 
 Temper'd the midnight mountain air. 
 
 But every breeze, that swept the wold, 
 
 Benumb'd his drenched limbs with cold. 
 
 In dread, in danger, and alone, 
 
 Famish'd and chill'd, through ways unknown, 
 
 Tangled and steep, he journey'd on ; 
 
 Till, as the rock's huge point he turn'd, 
 
 A watch-fire close before him burn'd. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Beside its embers red and clear,' 
 Bask'd, in his plaid, a mountaineer ; 
 
 ' MS. : " By the decaying flame was laid 
 
 A warrior in his Highland plaid."
 
 CANTO iv.j THE LADY OF THE LAKE 1 83 
 
 And up he sprung with sword in hand, - 
 
 "Thy name and purpose ! Saxon, stand ! " — 
 
 " A stranger." — " What dost thou require ? " — 
 
 " Rest and a guide, and food and fire. 
 
 My life's beset, my path is lost, 
 
 The gale has chill'd my limbs with frost." — 
 
 " Art thou a friend to Roderick .? " — " No." — 
 
 " Thou darest not call thyself a foe ? " — 
 
 " I dare ! to him and all his 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, 
 
 Ere hound we slip, or bow we bend. 
 
 Who ever reck'd, where, how, or when. 
 
 The prowling fox was trapp'd or slain } ^ 
 
 Thus treacherous scouts, — yet sure they lie, 
 
 Who say thou camest a secret spy ! " 
 
 " They do, by heaven ! — Come Roderick Dhu, 
 
 And of his clan the boldest two, 
 
 1 MS. : " I dare! to him and all the swarm 
 
 He hrings to aid his murderous arm." 
 
 ^ St. John actually used this illustration when engaged in con- 
 futing the plea of law proposed for tlie unfortunate Earl of Strafford : 
 " It was true we gave laws to hares and deer, because they are beasts 
 of chase; but it was never accounted either cruelty or foul play to 
 knock foxes or wolves on the head as they can be found, because 
 they are beasts of prey. In a word, the law and humanity were alike ; 
 the one being more fallacious, and the other more barbarous, than 
 in any age had been vented in such an authority." — Clarendon's 
 History of the Rebellion. Oxford, 1702, fol. vol., p. 1S3.
 
 1 84 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto iv 
 
 And let nic but till moniin!:; rest, 
 
 I write the falsehood on their crest." — 
 
 " If by the blaze I mark aright, 
 
 Thou bear'st the belt and spur of Knii;ht." 
 
 " Then by these tokens mayest thou know 
 
 Each proud oppressor's mortal foe." — 
 
 " I'jiough, enough ; sit down and share 
 
 A soldier's couch, a .soldier's fare." 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 He gave liim of his Highland cheer. 
 The harden'd flesh of mountain deer ; ' 
 
 1 Tlic Scottish Ilisrhlanders, in fonncr times, had a concise iiiotie 
 of cookinj? their venison, or ratlier of ciispensini,' witli cookini,' it, 
 wliich appears <,'reatly to iiavc surprised tiie French wlioni chance 
 made acquainted witii it. Tiie \'idaine ot" Cliarters, wiien a hostage 
 in England, during the reign of Edward \\.. was permitted to travel 
 into Scotland, and penetrated as far as the remote Highlands {aii fin 
 fond dcs Sa/tz'ajrcs). After a great hunting partv. at which a most 
 wonderful cpiantitv of game was destroyed, he saw these Scottish 
 savages devour n part of their venison raw, without any further 
 preparation than compressing it hetween two hatons of wood, so as 
 to force out the hlood, and render it extremely hard. This they 
 reckoned a great delicacy; ami when the \'iiiame partook of it, his 
 compliance with their taste rendered him extiemely iio)iular. This 
 curious trait of manners was communicated hy Mons. de Mont- 
 morency, a great friend of the \'idame, to IJrantome, hy whom it is 
 recorde<l in \'ics <irs Ilomtncs Iltiistrni, Discoiirs, Ixxxix. art. 14. 
 The process by which the raw venison was rendered eatable is 
 described very minutely in the romance of Perceforest, where 
 Estonne. a Scottish knight-errant, having slain a ileer. says to his 
 companion Claudius : " Sire, or inaTigerez vous et moy aussi. Voire 
 si nous anions de feu. (lit Claudius. Par Tame de mon pere. dist 
 Estonne, ie vous atourneray et cuiray a la maniere de nostre pays
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 1 85 
 
 Dry fuel on the fire he laid, 
 And bade the Saxon share his plaid. 
 He tended him like welcome guest, 
 Then thus his further speech address'd. 
 " Stranger, I am to Roderick Dhu 
 A clansman born, a kinsman true ; 
 Each word against his honor spoke, 
 Demands of me avenging stroke ; 
 Yet more, — upon thy fate, 'tis said, 
 A mighty augury is laid. 
 
 coinme pour cheualier errant. Lors tira son espee, et sen vint 
 a la branche dung aibre, et y fait vng grant trou, et puis fend la 
 branche bien dieux piedx, et boute la cuisse du cerf entredeux, et 
 puis prent le licol de son cheval, et en Ije la branche, et destraint si 
 fort, que le sang et les humeurs de la chair saillent hors, et demeure 
 la chaire doulce et seiche. Lors prent la chair, et oste ius le cuir, et 
 la chaire demeure aussi blanche comme si ce feust dung chappon. 
 Dont dist a Claudius, Sire, ie la vous ay cuiste a la guise de mon 
 pays, vous ens pouez manger hardjement, car ie mangeray premier. 
 Lors met sa main a sa selle en vng lieu quil y auoit, et tire hors sel 
 et poudre de poiure et gingembre, mesle ensemble, et le iecte dessus, 
 et le frote sus bien fort, puis le couppe a moytie et en donne a 
 Claudius I'une des pieces, et puis mort en I'autre aussi sauourese- 
 ment quil est aduis que il en feist la pouldre voller. Qiiant Claudius 
 veit quil le mangeoit de tel goust, il en print grant faim, et com- 
 mence a manger, tresvoulentiers, et dist a Estonne : Par I'ame de 
 moy, ie ne mangeay oncquesmais de chair atournee de tell guise: 
 mais doresenauant ie ne me retourneroye pas hors de mon chemin 
 par auoir la cuite. Sire, dist Estonne, quant is suis en desers 
 d'Escosse, dont ie suis seigneur, ie cheuaucheray huit iours ou quinze 
 que ie d'entreray en chastel ne en maison, et si ne verray feu ne 
 personne viuant fors que bestes sauuages, et de celles mangeray 
 atournees en ceste maniere, et mieulx me plaira que la viande de 
 Fempereur. Ainsi sen vont mangeant et cheuauchant iusques adonc 
 quilz arriuerent sur une moult belle fontaine que estoit en vne valee.
 
 i86 Tifi'. I. Any of the lake. [cam., iv. 
 
 It rests with mc to wind my horn, — 
 
 Thou art with numbers overborne: 
 
 It rests with me, here, brand to brand, 
 
 Worn as thou art, to bid thee stand : 
 
 But, not for clan, nor kindred's cause, 
 
 Will I depart from honor's laws ; 
 
 To assail a wearied man were shame. 
 
 And stranger is a holy name ; 
 
 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. 
 
 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 'tis nobly given ! " — 
 
 " Well, rest thee ; for the bittern's cry 
 
 Sings us the lake's wild lullaby." 
 
 With that he shook the gathcr'd heath. 
 
 And spread his plaid upon the wreath ; 
 
 C^iixnt Estonne la vit il dist a Claudius, aliens boirc a ccste fontaine. 
 Or bcuuons, dist Estonne, du boirc que Ic tyrant dicu a pourueu a 
 loutcs pens, ft que me plaist iniculx que les ccruoises d'Ani^lcterre." 
 -- I, a Tra^rlci^antr I/vs/oirr dn frrsi/nhfi- A'ov Piicifnrrst. Paris, 
 1531, fol. tome i. fol. Iv. vers. 
 
 After all. it mav be doubted wiietlicr la rhain nos/rrr, for so tbe 
 Frencb called tbe venison tlius summarilv prepared, was anything 
 more than a mere rude kind of deer-ham.
 
 Canto IV.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 1 87 
 
 And the brave foemen, side by side, 
 Lay peaceful down like brothers tried, 
 And slept until the dawning beam ^ 
 Purpled the mountain and the stream. 
 
 ^MS. : "And slept until the dawning streak 
 
 Purpled the mountain and the lake."
 
 CANTO FIFTH. 
 
 THE COMBAT. 
 
 I. 
 
 Fair as the earliest beam of eastern light, 
 
 When first, In* the bevvilder'd [)ily;rim spied 
 It smiles ujxjn the drear)' brow of night. 
 
 And silvers o'er the torrent's foaming tide, 
 And lights the fearful path on mountain side ; — * 
 
 Fair as that beam, although the fairest far, 
 Giving to horror grace, to danger pride, 
 
 Shine martial h'ailh, and Courtesy's bright star, 
 Througii all the wreckful storms that clout! the brow of 
 War. 
 
 TI. 
 
 That early beam, so fair and sheen, 
 Was twinkling through the hazel screen, 
 When, rousing at its glimmer red. 
 The warriors left their lowlv bed, 
 Look'd out u])on the dajipled sky, 
 Mutter'd their soldier matins by. 
 And then awaked their fire, to steal. 
 As short and rude, tluir soldier meal. 
 
 1 MS: "And lights llic fearful w.ny along ils side." t
 
 Canto V.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. l8g 
 
 That o'er, the Gael ' around him- threw 
 His graceful plaid of varied hue, 
 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, 
 And all the vales between that lie, 
 Till Stirling's turrets melt in sky; 
 Then, sunk in copse, their farthest glance 
 Gain'd not the length of horseman's lance. 
 'Twas 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 
 
 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. 
 
 Beneath steep bank and threatening stone ; 
 
 1 The Scottish Highlander calls himself Gael, or Gaul, and terms 
 the Lowlandcrs, SassoiacJi , or Saxons. 
 
 " MS. •• " At length thej paced the mountain's side, 
 And saw beneath the waters wide "
 
 igo THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 
 
 An luiiulicJ men nii-liL liolil the post 
 With hardihood against a host. 
 The rugged mountain's scanty cloak 
 Was dwarfish slirubs of birch and oak.' 
 With shingles bare, and cliffs between, 
 And patches bright of bracken green, 
 And heather black, that waved so high, 
 It held the copse in rixalry. 
 But where the lake slept decj:) and still, 
 Dank osiers fringed the swanip and hill; 
 And oft both path and hill were torn, 
 Whce wintry torrents down had borne, 
 And heap'd upon the cuniber'd land 
 Its wreck of gravel, rocks, and sand. 
 So toilsome was the road to trace, 
 The guide abating of his pace, 
 Led slowly through the pass's jaws. 
 And ask'd h^itz-James by what strange cause 
 He sought these wilds, traversed by few, 
 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, 
 "I dreamt not now to claim its aid.* 
 
 ' MS. : " The rufiycd moiinfaiii's slmitecl screen 
 
 Was (Kvarfisli •' ""'""''^ "j. wiU, ,-lin"s between.' 
 I copse • 
 
 ' Mb. : "1 dreamed not now to draw \ny blade."
 
 Canto V.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. IQI 
 
 When here, but three days since, I came, 
 Bewilder'd in pursuit of game. 
 All scem'd 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 villain lied." 
 "Yet why a second venture try? " — 
 " A warrior thou, and ask me why ! — 
 Moves our free course by such fix'd cause 
 As gives the poor mechanic laws ? 
 Enough, I sought to drive away 
 The lazy hours of peaceful day ; 
 Slight cause will then suffice to guide 
 A Knight's free footsteps far and wide, — ^ 
 A falcon flown, a greyhound stray'd. 
 The merry glance of mountain maid : 
 Or, if a path be dangerous known, 
 The danger's self is lure alone." 
 
 V. 
 
 "Thy secret keep, I urge thee not ; — ^ 
 Yet, ere again ye sought this spot. 
 Say, heard ye not of Lowland war. 
 Against Clan-Alpine, rais'd by Mar?" 
 
 IMS.: "My errant footsteps } far and wide." 
 
 A knight s bold wanderings \ 
 
 2 MS. : " Thy secret keep, I ask it not."
 
 192 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V 
 
 — " No, by my word ; — of bands prepared 
 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." — 
 " 1' rce be they flung ! for we were loth 
 Their silken fold should feast the moth. 
 Free be they flung !. — as free shall wave 
 Clan-Alpine's pine in banner brave. 
 But, Stranger, peaceful since you canu-, 
 Bewilder'd in the mountain game. 
 Whence the bold boast by which you show 
 Vich Alpine's vow'd and mortal foe ? " — 
 " Warrior, but yester-morn, I knew 
 Nought of thy Chieftain, Roderick Dim, 
 Save as an outlaw'd desperate man. 
 The chief of a rebellious clan. 
 Who in the Regent's court and sight, 
 With ruffian dagger stabb'd a knight ; 
 Yet this alone might from his part 
 Sever each true and loyal heart." 
 
 YI. 
 
 Wrathful at such arraignment foul, 
 Dark lower'd the clansman's sable scowl. 
 A space he jiauscd, then sternly said, 
 "And heard'st thou why he drew his blade .^ 
 
 ' MS.: '• Wliitli else in //r/// liad jKMCcfiil iMin;^."
 
 Canto V] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 195 
 
 Heard'st thou that shameful word and blow 
 Brought Roderick's vengeance on his foe ? 
 What reck'd the Chieftain if he stood 
 On Highland heath, or Holy-Rood ? 
 He rights such wrong where it is given, 
 If it were in the court of heaven." — 
 " Still was it outrage ; — yet, 'tis true, 
 Not then claim'd sovereignty his due ; 
 While Albany, with feeble hand. 
 Held borrow'd truncheon of command, 
 The young King mew'd in Stirling tower, 
 Was stranger to respect and power.' 
 But then, thy Chieftain's robber life ! — 
 Winning mean prey by causeless strife, 
 Wrenching from ruin'd Lowland swain 
 His herds and harvest rear'd in vain. — - 
 Methinks a soul like thine should scorn 
 The spoils from such foul foray borne." 
 
 1 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. Feuds of ancient standing broke out like old 
 wounds, and every quarrel among the independent nobility, which 
 occurred daily, and almost hourly, gave rise to fresh bloodshed. 
 "There arose," says Pitscottie, "great trouble and deadly feuds in 
 many parts of Scotland, both in the north and west parts. The 
 Master of Forbes, in the nortli, sIcav the Laird of Meldrum, under 
 tryst;" (i- e- af an agreed and secure meeting:') "Likewise, the 
 Laird of Drummelzier slew the Lord Fleming at the hawking; and, 
 likewise there was slaughter among many other great lords." P. 121. 
 Nor was the matter much mended under the government of the Earl 
 of Angus: for though he caused the King to ride through all Scot- 
 land, "under the pretence and color of justice, to punish thief and 
 traitor, none were found greater than were in their own company;
 
 194 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. TCanto v 
 
 vir. 
 
 The Gael beheld him ^rim the while, 
 And answered with disdainful smile, — 
 " Saxon, from yonder mountain high, 
 I mark'd thee send delighted eye, 
 Far to the south and east, where lay, 
 Extended in succession gay, 
 Deep waving fields and pastures green, 
 With gentle slopes and groves between : — 
 These fertile plains, that soften'd vale, 
 Were once the birthright of the Gael ; 
 The stranger came with iron hand. 
 And from our fathers reft the land. 
 Where dwell we now ! See rudely swell 
 Crag over crag, and fell o'er fell. 
 Ask we this savage hill we tread, 
 For fatten'd steer or household bread ; 
 Ask we for flocks these shingles dry. 
 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.' 
 
 and njnc at that lime durst strive with a Douglas, nor yet a Douglas's 
 man; for if they would, they got the worst. Therefore, none durst 
 plainzie of no extortion, tlioft, reiff. nor slaui;hter, done to thrni l)v 
 the Douijlasscs, or tlu-ir men; in that cause they were not heard so 
 lony as tiie Douglas had the court in guiding." — Ibid. p. 133.
 
 Canto V.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 195 
 
 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 
 
 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. 
 
 Where live the mountain Chiefs who hold, 
 
 That plundering Lowland field and fold 
 
 Is aught but retribution true ? 
 
 Seek other cause 'eainst Roderick Dhu." — ' 
 
 * The ancient Highlanders verified in their practice the lines of 
 
 Gray : — 
 
 "An iron race the mountain cliffs maintain, 
 Foes to the gentler genius of the phiin ; 
 For where unwearied sinews must be found, 
 With side-long plough to quell the flinty ground; 
 To turn tlie torrent's swift descending flood; 
 To tame the savage rushing from the wood; 
 What wonder if, to patient valor train'd, 
 They guard with spirit what Ijy strength they gain'd : 
 And while their rocky ramparts round they see 
 The rough abode of want and liberty, 
 (As lawless force from confidence will grow). 
 Insult the plenty of the vales below ? " 
 
 Fragment on the Alliance of Education 
 and Government, 
 
 So far, indeed, was a Creagh, or foray, from being held disgrace- 
 ful, that a young chief was always expected to show his talents foi 
 command sc soon as he assumed it, by leading his clan on a suc- 
 cessful enterprise of tliis nature, either against a neighboring sept, 
 for which constant feuds usually furnished an apology, or against 
 the Sassenach, Saxons, or Lowlanders. for which no apology was 
 necessary. The Gael, great traditional historians, never forgot that 
 the Lowlands had, at some remote period, been the property of
 
 l()G Till-: L.inV OF THE LAKE. [Canto v. 
 
 Vlli. 
 
 Answer'd Fitz-James, — " And, if I soui^ht, 
 
 Think'st thou no other could be brought ? 
 
 What deem yc 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, — 
 
 I seek my hound, or falcon stray'd, 
 
 I seek, good faith, a Highland maid, — 
 
 Frte hadst thou been to come and go, 
 
 P)Ut secret path marks secret foe. 
 
 Nor yet, for this, even as a spy, 
 
 Hadst thou, unheard, been doom'd to die, 
 
 Save to ful fd an augury." — 
 
 " Well, let it pass ; nor will I now 
 
 Fresh cause of enmity avow, 
 
 To chafe thy mood and cloud thy brow. 
 
 Enough, I am by promi.se tied 
 
 To match me with this man r)f pride : 
 
 Twice have I sought Clan-AljMne's glen 
 
 In pence ; but when I come agen, 
 
 their Celtic foicfathfrs. wliiili fiirnislicd an ample vin.lication of all 
 the ravat(cs that tliey could make on the unfortunate districts which 
 lav within their rcacii. Sir James CJrant of fJrant is in possession of 
 a letter of apoloi,'v from Cameron of Lochiel. whose men had com- 
 mitlpcl some depredation upon a farm called Moines, occupied by 
 one of tiie Grants. Lochiel assures CJranl. th.it. liowever the mis- 
 take had happened, his instructions were precise, that the party 
 i^liould forav the province of Morav Ca Lowland district;, where, as 
 he coolly observes, " all men take their prey."
 
 Canto V.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 197 
 
 I come with banner, brand, and bow. 
 
 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 ! " ' 
 
 IX. 
 
 " Have, then, thy wish ! " — he whistled shrill, 
 
 And he was answer'd from 1:be hill ; 
 
 Wild as the scream of the curiew, 
 
 From crag to crag the signal flew.^ 
 
 Instant, through copse and heath, arose 
 
 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 brush sends forth the dart,' 
 
 The rushes and the willow-wand 
 
 Are biistling into axe and brand, 
 
 And every tuft of broom gives life '^ 
 
 To plaided warrior arm'd for strife. 
 
 1 MS. : " This dark Sir Roderick | ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^j,,. 
 
 Tliis savage Chieftain J 
 
 2 MS. : " From copse to cofsc the signal flew. 
 
 Instant, through copse and crags arose." 
 ^ MS. : "The bracken bush shoots forth the dart." 
 ■* MS. : " And each lone tuft of broom gives life 
 
 To plaided warrior arm'd for strife. 
 
 That whistle manned ilic lonely glen 
 
 With full five hundred armed me?i."
 
 Iq8 the lady of the lake. [Canto v. 
 
 That wliistle garrison'd the glen 
 
 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 \<\\\^ 
 
 As silent there they stood, and still. 
 
 Like the loose crags whose threaten.inir 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. 
 
 Upon the mountain-side they hung. 
 
 The Mountaineer cast glance of pride 
 
 Along Benledi's living side, 
 
 ' Tlie Monthly Review says — " \Vc now come to tlic clnf- 
 d'tLitvrc of Wiilter Scott, — a scene of more vigour, nature, and 
 animation, tlian anv other in all Iiis poetry." Anollier anony- 
 mous critic of tlie poem is not afraid to quote, with reference to 
 the efl'cct of tiiis passage, the sublime language of the Prophet 
 Ezekiel : — '"Then said he imto me, Prophesy imto the winil, 
 prophesy, .son of man, and say to the wiiui. Thus sai'h the Lord 
 God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe ui>on 
 these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he com- 
 manded mc, and the breath came into them, anil they lived, and 
 stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great arujy." — Chap, 
 xxx.ii, V. 9, 10. 
 
 =* MS. : "All silent, /-;<;, they stood, and still. 
 
 Watcliing their leader's heck and will. 
 While forward step and weapon show 
 They long to rush upon the foe. 
 Like the loose crag, whose tottering mass 
 Hung threatening o'er the holhnv pass."
 
 Canto V.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. T99 
 
 Then fix'd his eye and sable brow 
 Full on Fitz-James — How say'st thou now? 
 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 thrill'd with sudden start, 
 He mann'd himself with dauntless air, 
 Return'd 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." 
 Sir Roderick mark'd — and in his eyes 
 Respect was mingled with surprise. 
 And the stern joy which warriors feel 
 In foemen worthy of their steel. 
 Short space he stood — then waved his hand j 
 Down sunk the disappearing band ; 
 Each warrior vanish'd where he stood, 
 In broom or bracken, heath or wood ; 
 Sunk brand and spear and bended bow. 
 In osiers pale and copses low 
 It seem'd as if their mother Earth 
 Had swallow'd up her warlike birth. 
 The wind's last breath had toss'd in air, 
 Pennon, and plaid, and plumage fair, — ■
 
 200 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto A- 
 
 The next but swept a lone hill-sitle, 
 
 Where heath and fern were wavin<^ wide ; 
 
 The sun's last jjjlance was glinted back, 
 
 From spear and glaive, from targe and jack, — 
 
 The next, all unreflected, shone 
 
 On bracken green, and cold gray stone. 
 
 XI. 
 
 Fitz James look'd round — yet scarce believed 
 
 The witness that his sight received ; 
 
 Such apparition well might seem 
 
 Delusion of a dreadful dream. 
 
 Sir Roderick in suspense he eyed, 
 
 And to his look the Chief replied. 
 
 " Fear nought — nay, that I need not say — 
 
 l^ut — doubt not aught from mine array. 
 
 Thou art my guest ; — I i)le(.lged my u'ord 
 
 As far as Coilantogle ford : 
 
 Nor would I call a clansman's brand 
 
 I'or aid against one valiant hand,' 
 
 Though on our strife lay every vale 
 
 Rent by the Saxon from the Gael.* 
 
 ' MS. : " For aid aijainst one hravr man's liand." 
 2 '• Tliis scone is cxccllcntlv described. 'J'lie frankness and \wj}\- 
 soulcd couratje of the two warriors, — the reliance wliich the Low- 
 lander places on the word of tlie 1 litjhlander to }juide him safelv on his 
 way the next mornin'^, altlif)iii,'h lie has spoken threatenint? and 
 violent words ai^ainsl Roderick, whose kinsman the nioimtainccr 
 professes hitnscif fo be, — these circumstances are all admirably 
 imagined and related." — Monthly /ici'iciv
 
 Canto V.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE, 201 
 
 So move we on ; — I only meant 
 To show the reed on which you leant, 
 Deeming this path you might pursue 
 Without a pass from Roderick Dhu."' 
 
 1 This incident, like some other passages in the poem, illustra 
 tive of the character of the ancient Gael, is not imaginary, but 
 borrowed from fact. 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. The 
 following story I can only quote from tradition, but with sucii 
 an assurance from those by whom it was communicated, as per- 
 mits me little doubt of its authenticity. Early in the last cen- 
 tury, John Gunn, a noted Cateran, or Highland robber, infested 
 Inverness-shire, and levied black-mail up to the walls of the pro- 
 vincial capital. A garrison was then maintained in the castle 
 of that town, and their pay (country banks being unknown) was 
 usually transmitted in specie, under the guard of a small escort. Ii 
 chanced that the officer who commanded this little party was 
 unexpectedly obliged to halt, about thirty miles from Inverness, 
 at a miserable inn. About nightfall, a stranger, in the Highland 
 dress, and of very prepossessing appearance, entered the same 
 house. Separate accommodation being impossible, the English- 
 man offered the newly-arrived guest a part of his supper, which was 
 accepted with reluctance. By the conversation he found his new 
 acquaintance knew well all the passes of the country, w-hich induced 
 him eagerly to request his company on the ensuing morning. He 
 neither disguised his business and charge, nor his apprehensions of 
 that celebrated freebooter John Gunn. — The Highlander hesitated 
 a moment, and then frankly consented to be his guide. Forth they 
 set in the morning; and, in travelling through a solitary and dreary 
 glen, the discourse again turned on John Gunn. " Would you like 
 to see him.'"' said the guide; and, without waiting an answer to this 
 alarming question, he w-histled, and the English officer, with his 
 small party, were surrounded by a body of Highlanders, whose 
 numbers put resistance out of question, and who were all well 
 armed. " Stranger," resinned the guide, " I am that very Johi. 
 Gunn by whoin you feared to be intercepted, and not without cause : 
 for I came to the inn last night with the express purpose of learning 
 your route, that I and my followers might ease you of your charge
 
 202 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 
 
 They moved : — I said Fitz-James was brave. 
 
 As ever knight that belted glaive ; 
 
 \'et dare not say, that now his blood 
 
 Kept on its wont and temper'd flood, 
 
 As, following Roderick's stride, he drew 
 
 That seeming lonesome pathway through, 
 
 Which yet, by fearful proof, was rife 
 
 With lances, that, to take his life, 
 
 Waited but signal from a guide. 
 
 So late dishonor'd and defied. 
 
 Ever, by stealth, his eye sought round 
 
 The vanish'd guardians of the ground. 
 
 And still, from copse and heather deep, 
 
 I'ancy saw spear and broadsword peep ' 
 
 And in the plover's shrilly strain, 
 
 The sign?.l whistle heard again, 
 
 Nor breathed he free till far behind 
 
 The pass was left ; for then they wind 
 
 Along a wide and level green, 
 
 Where neither tree nor turf was seen, 
 
 Nor rush nor bush of broom was near. 
 
 To hide a bonnet, or a spear. 
 
 bv the road. Hut I am incapable of bctraviiv^ tlic tru'-t you reposed 
 in me, and havinjj convinced you that you were in my power. I ran 
 only dismiss you implunderi-d and uninjured." He then i^avc the 
 ofTicer directions for his journey, and disappeared with his party as 
 suddenly as they had presented themselves. 
 
 ' MS. : " And still from copse and heather hush. 
 Fancy saw spear and broaiisword ruNii"
 
 CANTO v.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE 203 
 
 XII. 
 
 The Chief in silence strode before, 
 
 And reach'd that torrent's sounding shore, 
 
 Which, daughter of three mighty lakes, 
 
 From Vennachar in silver breaks, 
 
 Sweeps through the plain, and ceaseless mines 
 
 On Bochastle the mouldering lines,' 
 
 Where Rome, the Empress of the world, 
 
 Of yore her eagle wings unfurl'd.^ 
 
 And here his course the Chieftain staid. 
 
 Threw down his target and his plaid. 
 
 And to the Lowland warrior said: — 
 
 "Bold Saxon! to his promise just, 
 
 Vich-Alpine has discharged his trust. 
 
 1 MS. : " On Bochastle the mnrtial lines." 
 
 " The torrent which discharges itself from Loch Vennachar, the 
 lowest and eastmost of the three lakes which form the scenery 
 adjoinin.s? to the Trosachs, sweeps through a flat and extensive moor, 
 called Bochastle. Upon a small eminence, called the Dun of 
 Bochastie, and indeed on the plain itself, are some intrenchments, 
 which have been thought Roman. There is. adjacent to Callender, 
 a sweet villa, the residence of Captain Fairfoul, entitled the Roman 
 Camp. 
 
 "One of the most entire and beautiful remains of a Roman 
 encampment now to be found in Scotland, is to be seen at Ardoch, 
 near Greenloaning, about six miles to the eastward of Dunblane. 
 This encampment is supposed, on good grounds, to have been con- 
 structed during the fourth campaign of Agricola in Britain; it is 
 1060 feet in length, and 900 in breadth ; it could contain 26,000 men, 
 according to the ordinary distribution of the Roman soldiers in their 
 encampments. There appears to have been three or four ditches, 
 strongly fortified, surrounding the camp. The four entries crossing 
 the lines are still to be seen distinctly. The generaVs quarter rises 
 above the level of the camp, but is not exactly in the centre. It is a
 
 :o4. 77//-; /,.//>)• Ol- THE LAKE. [Canto V- 
 
 This murderous Chief, this ruthless man, 
 
 This head of a rebelUous elan, 
 
 llath led thee safe, through watch and ward, 
 
 Far past Clan-Ali)ine's outmost guard. 
 
 Now, man to man, and steel to steel, 
 
 A Chieftain's vengeance thou shalt feel. 
 
 See here, all vantagcless I stand, 
 
 Arm'd like thyself, with single brand :' 
 
 For this is Coilantogle ford< 
 
 And thou must keep thee with thy sword." — 
 
 •XII I. 
 
 The Saxon paused : " I ne'er delay'd. 
 
 When foeman bade me draw my blade ; 
 
 Nay, more, brave Chief, I vowed thy death : 
 
 Yet sure thy fair and generous faith, 
 
 And my deej) debt for life ])reserved, 
 
 A better meed have well deserved ; 
 
 Can nought but blood our feud atone? 
 
 Are there no means?" — " No, Stranger, none! 
 
 And here, — to fne thy flagging zeal, — 
 
 The Saxon cause rests on thy steel ; 
 
 refjular s(|iiari- of twenty vards, cnclo^cil willi a stone wall, and con 
 taiiiiiiL,' tlic Ibundalions of a lionsc, thirty (Vil by twonty. There is 
 a subterraneous coniiTiunieation witli a smaller encampment at a 
 little distance, in which several Roman lulmets. spears, etc.. have 
 been found. From this cainp at Ardoch, tiie tjreat Roman hit,'hway 
 runs east to Bertha, about fourteen miles distant, where the Roman 
 armv i^ believed to have passed over the Tay into Stratlimore." — 
 Grminm. 
 
 ' bee Appendix, Note N.
 
 Canto V.] THE LADV OF THE LAKE. 20S 
 
 For thus spoke Fate, by prophet bred 
 
 Between the living and the dead ; 
 
 ' 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, — 
 
 There lies Red Murdoch, stark and stiff. 
 
 Thus Fate has 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. 
 
 Or if the King shall not agree 
 
 To grant thee grace and favor free, 
 
 1 plight mine honor, oath, and word. 
 That to thy native strengths restored. 
 With each advantage shalt thou stand. 
 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 of Roderick Dhu .'' 
 He yields not, he, to man nor Fate ! ^ 
 Thou add'st but fuel to my hate : — 
 
 ' MS. : " In li<Thtning flash'd the Chief's dark ej'e " 
 
 2 MS. : " He stoops not, he, to James nor Fate."
 
 206 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. L<^:antoV. 
 
 i\Iy clansman's l^lood tlcniands revenge. 
 
 Not yet jn-ej)aietl ? — 15y heaven, I change 
 
 My thought, and hold thy valor light 
 
 As that of some vain carjK't knight, 
 
 Who ill deserved my courteous care, 
 
 And whose best boast is but to wear 
 
 A braid of his fair lady's hair." — 
 
 — " I thank thee, Roderick, for the word! 
 
 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, begone! — 
 
 Yet think not that by thee alone, 
 
 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. 
 
 Ikit fear not — doubt not — which thou wilt — 
 
 Wc try this quarrel hilt to hilt." 
 
 Then each at once his falchion drew, 
 
 Each on the ground his scabbard threw, 
 
 Each look'd to sun, and stream, and plain, 
 
 As what they ne'er might sec again ; 
 
 Then foot, and point, and eye opposed. 
 
 In dubious strife they darkly closed.' 
 
 I It 
 
 'The two principal fi,i,aires arc contrasted with uncommon 
 felicity. Fitz-James, who more nearly resembles the Frent li ILiiry 
 the Fourth than the Scottish James V., is ^'ay, amorous, fickle, 
 intrepid, impetuous, alTectionale, courteous, graceful, and dignified.
 
 CANTO v.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 20/ 
 
 XV. 
 
 Ill fared it then with Roderick Dhii, 
 That on the field his targe he threw,' 
 Whose brazen studs and tough bull-hide 
 Had death so often dash'd aside ; 
 For, train'd abroad his arms to wield, 
 Fitz-James's blade was sword and shield.' 
 
 Roderick is gloomy, vindictive, arrogant, undaunted, but constant 
 in his affections, and true to his engagements; and the whole pas- 
 sage in which these personages are placed in opposition, from their 
 first meeting to their final conflict, is conceived and written with a 
 sublimity which has been rarely equalled." — Quarterly Revt'c-v, 
 iSio. 
 
 ^ A. round target of light wood, covered with strong leather and 
 studded with brass or iron, was a nqpessary 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. .In the civil war of 1745, most of 
 the front rank of the clans were thus armed : and Captain Grose 
 informs us, that in 1747, the privates of the 42d regiment, then in 
 Flanders, were for the most part permitted to carry targets. — Mili- 
 tary Antiquities, vol. i. p. 164. A person thus armed had a con- 
 siderable advantage in private fray. Among verses between Swift 
 and Sheridan, lately published by Dr. Barret, there is an account of 
 such an encounter, in which the circumstances, and consequently the 
 relative superiority of the combatants, are precisely the reverse of 
 those in the text : — 
 
 " A Ilig-hlander once fought a Frenchman at Margate. 
 The weapons, a rapier, a backsword, and target; 
 Brisk Monsieur advanced as fast as he could, 
 But all his fine pushes were caught in the wood, 
 And Sawney, with backsword, did slash him and nick him, 
 While t'other, enraged that he could not once prick him, 
 Cried, ' Sirrah, you rascal, you son of a whore, 
 Me will fight you, be gar! if you'll come from vour door.' " 
 
 2 The use of defensive armor, and particularly of the buckler, or 
 target, was general in Qiieen Elizabeth's time, although that of the
 
 208 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V 
 
 He pijctiscd c\ciy pass and ward. 
 To Lhiiibt, to strike, to feint, to guard ; 
 While less expert, though stronger far. 
 The Gael maintain'd unequal war.' 
 
 single rapier seems to have been occasionally practised niiicn earlier.* 
 Rowlanti Vorkc, however, who betraved the fort of /iilpheii to the 
 Spaniards, fur which good service he was allcrwards poisoned h\ 
 them, ib said to have been the lirst who brougiit Itie rajiier-light into 
 general use. Fuller, speaking of the swash bucklers, or bullies of 
 Q^ieen Elizabeth's time, says — "West Smithfield was formerly 
 called Rutlian's Hall, where such men usually met, casually or 
 otherwise, to tr_\ inaslcries with sword and buckler. More were 
 frightened than hurt, more hurt than killed therewith, it being 
 accounted unmanly to strike beneath the knee. But since that 
 desperate traitor Rowland Yorke first introduced thrusting with 
 rapiers, sword and ])uckler are disused." In -Tlie Two Angry 
 Women of Abingdon." a comedy, printed in 1599, we have a pathetic 
 complaint : — " Sword and buckler fight begins to grow out of use. 
 I am sorry for it: I shall never see good manhood again. If it be 
 once gone, this poking fight of rapier and daggerwill come up; then 
 a tall mail, and a good sword-and-buckler man. will be spitted like a 
 cat or rabbit." Hut the rapier had ujion the continent long super- 
 seded, m private duel, the use of sword and shield. The masters of 
 the noble science of defence were chiefly Italians. They made great 
 mystery of their art and mode of instruction, never suffered any 
 person to be present but the scholar who was to be taught, and even 
 examined closets, beds, and other places of possible concealment. 
 Their lessons often gave the most treacherous advantages; for the 
 challenger, having a right to choose his weapf)ns. frequently selected 
 some strange, unusual, and inconvenient kind of arms, the use of 
 which he practised under these instructors, and thus killed at hir 
 ease his antagonist, to whotn it was presented for the first time on 
 the field of battle. Sec Brantomk'.s Discourse on Diirh. and the 
 work on the same subject, '^'' $i ffrntrmrut rcrit^" by the venerable 
 Dr. Paris de Puteo. The Highlanders continued to use broad- 
 sword and target until disarmed after the all'air of 1745-6. 
 1 MS. : " Not Roderick thus, though stronger far 
 More tall and more inured to war." 
 
 • Sci- Ooiicc'.s Illustmtinns of Shaks|>e.Tri', vol. ii p. f)r.
 
 Canto V.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 20Q 
 
 Three times in closing strife they stood, 
 And thrice the Saxon blade drank blood ; 
 No stinted draught, no scanty tide, 
 The gushing flood the tartans dyed. 
 Fierce Roderick felt the fatal drain, 
 And shower'd his blows like wintry rain ; 
 And, as firm rock, or castle-roof, 
 Against the winter shower is proof, 
 , The foe, invulnerable still, 
 Foil'd his wild rage by steady skill ; 
 Till, at advantage ta'en, his brand 
 Forced Roderick's weapon from his hand, 
 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 ! 
 " Thy threats, thy mercy, I defy ! 
 Let recreant yield, who fears to die."^' 
 
 ^ This couplet is not in the MS. 
 
 ^ I have not ventured to render this duel so savagely desperate as 
 that of the celebrated SirEv^^an of Lochiel, chief of the clan Cameron. 
 called from his sable complexion, Ewan Dhu. He was the last man 
 in Scotland who maintained the royal cause during the great Civil 
 War, and his constant incursions rendered him a very unpleasant 
 neighbor to the republican garrison at Inverlochy, now Fort- Wil- 
 liam. The governor of the fort detached a party of three hundred 
 men to lay waste Lochiel's possessions, and cut down his trees; but, 
 in a sudden and desperate attack made upon them by the chieftain 
 with very inferior numbers, they were almost all cut to pieces. The
 
 2IO THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Can... V 
 
 — Like adder darting from his coil, 
 Like wolf that dashes through the toil, 
 Like mountain-cat who guards her young, 
 l''ull at Fitz-James's throat he sprung ; ' 
 Received, but reck d not of a wound, 
 And lock'd 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 foci, 
 Through bars of brass antl triple steel! — 
 They tug, they strain ! down, down they go. 
 The Gael above, T^itz-James below. 
 
 skirmisli is dctailccl in a curious incinoir of Sir Iav.iu's life, pi intcd 
 ill the Appendix of Pennant's Scottisii Tour. 
 
 " In tiiis cnt^aj^cnii-nl, Lochicl himself had several woiuieiful 
 escapes. In the retreat of the Eniijiisii, one of the strontjest and 
 bravest of the officers retired behind a bush, wlien lie observed 
 Lochiel pursuing, and scein<j him unaccompanied with any, he leapt 
 out, and thouiiht him his prev. They met one another with equal 
 fury. The combat was lon-^ and doubtful: the English gentleman 
 had by *"ar the advantage in strength and size; but Lochiel. exceed- 
 ing iiim in nimbleness and agility, in the end trijU the sword out of 
 his hand: they closed and wrestled, till both fell to the ground in 
 each other's arms. The English onicer got above Lochiel, ami 
 pressed him hard, but stretching forth his neck by attempting to 
 disengage himself, Lochiel, who by this time hatl his hands at 
 hberty, with his left hand seized him by the collar, and jumping at 
 his extended throat, he bit it with his teeth quite through, and kept 
 such a hold jf his grasp, that he broii'^ht away his moutliful : this, 
 he said, was the s-vccti'st bi/ he ever had in his ii/elime." — Vol. i. 
 P- 375- 
 
 ' MS. : " 'Yield they alone who fear to die.' 
 
 Like mriiint:iin-(at who guards her young, 
 
 Eull :it I'll /-Tiiiifs'-, lliiiiul 111- ^ii-iiil"'."
 
 :anto v.] THE LADY OF THE .LAKE. 211 
 
 The Clueftaiii's gripe his throat compress'd, 
 His knee was planted on his breast ; 
 His clotted locks he backward threw 
 Across his brow his hand he drew, 
 From blood and mist to clear his sight, 
 Then gleam'd aloft his dagger bright ! — 
 — But hate and fury ill supplied 
 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 gleam'd on high, 
 Reel'd soul and sense, reel'd brain and eye. 
 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, 
 But breathless all, Fitz-James art)se.' 
 
 xvn. 
 
 He falter'd thanks to Heaven for life, 
 Redeem'd, unhoped, from desperate strife;-* 
 Next on his foe his look he cast, 
 Whose every gasp appear'd his last ; 
 
 ' MS. • •' Panting and breathless on the sands. 
 
 But all unwounded, now he stands." 
 
 2 MS. : " Redeem'd, unhoped, from deadly strife; 
 
 C cist 
 Next on his foe his look he ? ' " ' 
 
 ( threw, 
 
 Whose every breath appear'd his last."
 
 212 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V, 
 
 In Roderick's gore lie dipt the braid — 
 
 " Poor Blanche ! thy wrongs are dear))' paid 
 
 Yet with thy foe must die, or live, 
 
 The praise that r\iith and Valor give." 
 
 With that he blew a bugle-note, 
 
 Undid the collar from his throat, 
 
 Unbonneted, and by the wave 
 
 Sate down his brow and hands to lave. 
 
 Then faint afar arc heard the feet ' 
 
 Of rushing steeds in gallop fleet ; 
 
 The sounds increase, anil now are seen 
 
 Four mounted squires in Lincoln green ; 
 
 Two who bear lance, and two who lead, 
 
 liy loosen'd rein, a saddled steed ; 
 
 riach onward held his headlong course, 
 
 And by Fitz-James rein'd up his horse. 
 
 With wonder view'd the bloody spot — 
 
 — " Ivxclaim not, gallants! question not. — 
 
 V'ou, Herbert and Luffness, alight, 
 
 And bind the wounds ^{ yonder knight ; 
 
 Let the gray palfrjy 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. 
 
 The sun rides high ; — T must be boune, 
 
 To see the archer game at noon ; 
 
 Rut lightly Bayard clears the lea. — 
 
 De Vaux and Herries, follow me. 
 
 1 MS. : " Fiii'iif </;/// afar arc lu-ard tin- foot."
 
 CANTO v.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 213 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 *' Stand, Bayard, stand !-— the steed obey'd, 
 With arching neck and bended head, 
 And glancing eye and quivering ear. 
 As if he loved his lord to hear. 
 No foot Fitz-James in stirrup staid, 
 No grasp upon the saddle laid. 
 But wreath'd his left hand in the mane, 
 And lightly bounded from the plain, 
 Turn'd on the horse his armed heel. 
 And stirr'd his courage with the steel. 
 Bounded the fiery steed in air, 
 The rider sate erect and fair. 
 Then like a bolt from steel crossbow 
 Forth launch'd, along the plain they go. 
 They dash'd that rapid current through. 
 And up Carhonie's hill they flew ; 
 Still at the gallop prick'd the Knight, 
 His merry-men follow'd as they might. 
 Along thy banks, swift Teith ! they ride. 
 And in tne race they mock thy tide ; 
 Torry and Lend rick now are past, 
 And Deanstown lies behind them cast ; 
 They rise, the banner'd towers of Doune, ' 
 They sink in distant woodland soon ; 
 
 ' The ruins of Doune Castle, formerly the residence of the Earls 
 of Mentcith, now the property of the Earl of Moray, are situated at 
 the confluence of the Ardoch and the Teith.
 
 2 14 THE LADY or THE LAKE. L<^nnto v 
 
 Blair-Drummond sees the hoofs strike fire," 
 They sweep like breeze through Oehtertyre; 
 They mark, just glance and disappear 
 The lofty brow of ancient Kicr ; 
 They bathe their courser's sweltering sides, 
 Dark Forth ! amid thy sluggish tides, 
 And on the opposing shore take grountl, 
 With plash, with scramble, and with bound. 
 Right-hand they leave thy cliffs, Craig-Forth ! * 
 And soon the bulwark of the North, 
 Gray Stirling, with her towers and town. 
 Upon their fleet career look'd down. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 As up the flinty path they strain'd, ^ 
 Sudden his steed the leader rein'd ; 
 A signal to his squire he flung. 
 Who instant to his stirrup sprung : — 
 Seest thou, De Vau.x, yon woodsman gray. 
 Who town-ward holds the rocky way, 
 
 ' MS. : " Blair-Drutninond saw their hoofs, of fire.'" 
 2 It may be worth noting that the poet marks the progress of the 
 sin;,' by nainiui,' in succession places familiar ami dear to his own 
 early recollections — Hlair-Drummonii, the seat of the Jlomes of 
 Kaimcs; Kier, that of the principal family of the name of Slirlinj^; 
 Ochtertyrc, that of John Ramsay, the well-known anti(|iiary, and 
 correspondent of Hums; and Craiijforth. that of the Callenders of 
 Craii^'forth. almo-t nndcr the walls of Si iri in -^^ Castle ; — all hospilahle 
 roofs, inuler wiiith he h.id spent many »)f liis yoiiii'^er tlays. — I'd. 
 ' iMS. : "As up the .*/f</y path they strain'd."
 
 Canto v.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 21 5 
 
 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 ? " 
 " No, by my word ; — a burly groom 
 He seems, who in the field or chase 
 A baron's tram would nobly grace." — 
 " Out, out, De Vaux ! can fear supply, 
 . And jealousy, no sharper eye? 
 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. 
 'Tis James of Douglas, by Saint Serle ! * 
 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." 
 Then right-hand wheel'd their steeds, and straight 
 They won the castle's postern gate. 
 
 XX. 
 
 The Douglas, who had bent his way 
 From Cambus-Kenneth's abbey gray, 
 Now, as he climb'd the rocky shelf, 
 Held sad communion with himself : 
 
 1 MS.: "With which he gains the mountain-side." 
 
 2 The Ediiihiii-gh Reviewer remarks on "that unhappy couplet, 
 where the King himself is in such distress for a rhjme as to be
 
 2l6 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [CanioV 
 
 " Yes ! all is true my fears could frame ; 
 
 A prisoner lies the noble Grxme, 
 
 And fiery Roderick soon will feel 
 
 The vengeance of the royal steel. 
 
 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 ; — 
 
 — Re pardon'd one repining tear? 
 
 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 ; 
 
 And thou, O sad and fatal mound ! ' 
 That oft has heard the death-axe sound. 
 As on the noblest of the land 
 Fell the stern headsman's bloody hand, — 
 
 oblisod to appi V to one of the obscurest saints in the calendar." The 
 readinj' of the MS. is — 
 
 «« * 
 
 'Tis Jiimc'S of Doii;;l:is, by my word, 
 Tlic uncle cif the l):iiiisli'(l Kord." 
 
 1 An eminence on the north-east f)f the Castle, where state 
 criminals were executed. Stirlin<( was often polluted with noble 
 blood. It is thus apostrophized by J. Johnston : 
 
 • " Discnrdiii Iristis 
 
 lieu qiinties proc«!riini sanguine tinxit hiimum 
 Hoc uno infelix, et felix ce era; nusquatn 
 IvTtior aut cali frons jjeniusvc soli." 
 
 The fate of William, eitjhth Earl of T)f)ni,'las. whom James II. 
 stabbed in Stirling Castle with his own hand, and while under his 
 ••oval safe-conduct, is familiar to all who read Scottish history. 
 Murdack, Duke of Albany, Duncan, Earl of Lennox, his father-in-
 
 CANTO v.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 217 
 
 The dungeon, block, and nameless tomb 
 
 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 ! 
 
 Banner and pageant, pipe and drum, 
 
 And merry morrice-dancers come. 
 
 I guess, by all this quaint array, 
 
 The burghers hold their sports to-day, * 
 
 James will be there ; he loves such show, 
 
 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. 
 
 I'll follow to the Castle-park, 
 
 And play my prize ; — King James shall mark, 
 
 If age has tamed these sinews stark, 
 
 law, and his two sons, Walter and Alexander Stuart, were executed 
 at Stirling, in 1425. They were beheaded upon an eminence without 
 the castle walls, l)ut making part of the same hill, from whence they 
 could behold their strong castle of Doune, and their extensive pos- 
 sessions. This " heading hill," as it was sometimes termed, beai's 
 commonly the less terrible name of Hurly-hacket, from its having 
 been the scene of a courtly amusement alluded to by Sir David 
 Lindsay, who says of the pastimes in which the young king was 
 
 engaged, 
 
 " Some harled him to the Hurly-hacket;" 
 
 which consisted in sliding, in some sort of chair, it may be supposed, 
 from top to bottom of a smooth bank. The boys of Edinburgh, 
 about twenty years ago, used to ]5lay at hurly-hacket, on the Calton- 
 hill, using for their seat a horse's skull. 
 1 See Appendix, Note O.
 
 21 8 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto v. 
 
 Whose force so oft, in happier days, 
 His boyish wonder loved to praise." 
 
 XXI. 
 
 The Castle gates were open flung, 
 The quivering drawbridge rock'd and rung, 
 And echo'd loud the flinty street 
 Beneath the coursers' clattering feet. 
 As slowly down the steep descent 
 Fair Scotland's King and nobles went,' 
 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, 
 Who smiled and blush'd for pride and shame, 
 And well the simperer might be vain, — 
 ile chose the fairest of the train, 
 . Gravely he greets each city sire. 
 
 Commends each pageant's quaifit attire, 
 Gives to the dancers thanks aloud, 
 And smiles and nods uj)on the crowd. 
 Who rend the heavens with their acclaims, 
 " Long live the Commons' King, King James! 
 
 * MS. : " Kim; yaiiira and all his nobles went 
 
 Evi r the Kiuii was bcndirm low • 
 
 To lii« white jennet's sa(lille-bf)w, 
 
 DtiU'in",' his cap to Imn^/irr dainc. 
 
 W/io i»iilini,' I'lifsA't/ for pride and hlianic."
 
 Canto v.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 219 
 
 Behind the King throng'd peer and knight, 
 And noble dame and damsel bright, 
 Whose fiery steeds ill brook'd the stay 
 Of the steep street and crowded way. 
 — But in the train you might discern 
 Dark lowering brow and visage stern ; 
 There nobles mourn'd their pride restrain'd, ' 
 And the mean burgher's joys disdain'd ; 
 And chiefs, who, hostage for their clan. 
 Were each from home a banish'd man. 
 There thought upon their own gray tower. 
 Their waving woods, their feudal power, 
 And deem'd themselves a shameful part 
 Of pageant which they cursed in heart. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Now, in the Castle-park drew out 
 Their checker'd bands the joyous rout. 
 There morricers, with bell at heel. 
 And blade in hand, their mazes wheel ; ^ 
 
 ^ MS. : "Nobles -lvJio mourn'd W\^\v foxver restrain'd; 
 
 And the poor burgher's joys disdain'd ; 
 
 Dark chief, ivho, hostage for his clan, 
 
 Wasy"r();« his. home a banish'd man, 
 
 Who thought upon his own gray tower, 
 
 The wav^ing woods, his feudal bower,. 
 
 And deem'd himself ^ shameful part 
 
 Of pageant that he ciu-scd in heart." 
 2 MS. adds : 
 
 " With awkward stride there citv groom 
 
 Would part of fabled knight assume."
 
 220 THE /..!/))' OF nil-: LAKE. tCANiuV 
 
 But chief, beside the butts, there stand 
 BoM Robin Hood ' and all his band, — 
 Friar Tuck with cfuarterstaff and cowl, 
 Old Scathelocke with his surly scowl, 
 Maid Marion, fair as ivory bone, 
 Scarlet, and Mutch, and IJttle John; 
 
 ' The exhibition of tliis renowned outlaw nnd his baiui was a 
 favorite frolic at such festivals as we arc describing. This sportinj;, 
 ill which kinL^s diil not disdain to be actors, was prohibited in Scot- 
 land upon the Reformation, by a statute of the sixth Parliament of 
 (^leen Mary, c. 6i, A.I). 1555. which ordered, under heavy penal- 
 ties, that " na manner of person be chosen Robert Hude, nor Little 
 John, Abbot of Unreason, Qiieen of ^hly, nor otherwise." But in 
 1561, the " rascal multitude." says John Knox, " were stirred uj) to 
 make a Robin I hide, whilkcnormity was of many years left and damnea 
 by statute and act of Parliament; yet would they not be forbidden." 
 Accordingly they raised a very serious tumult, and at lenglii made 
 prisoners the magistrates who endeavored to suppress it, and would 
 not release them till they extorted a formal promise that no one 
 should be punished for his share of Ih.e disturbance. It wouUl seem, 
 from the complaints of the General Assembly of the Kirk, that these 
 profane festivities were continued down to 159-.* Hold Robin was, 
 to say the least, equally successful in maintaining his ground against 
 the reformed clergy of Hlngland; for the simple and evangelical 
 Latimer complains of coming to a country church, where the people 
 refused to hear him. because it was Robin Hood's day; and his 
 mitre and rochet were fain to give way to the village pastime. Much 
 curious information on this subject may be found in the Preliminary 
 Dissertation to the late Mr. Rilson's editifin of the songs respecting 
 tliis memorable outlaw. The game of Robin Hood was usually 
 acted in May; and he was associated with the niorri.!e-dancers, on 
 whom so much illustration has been bestowed by the commentators 
 on Shakspeare. A very lively picture of tliesc festivities, containing 
 a great deal of curious information on the subject of the private life 
 and amnsemcntfi of our ancestors, was thrown by the late ingenious 
 Mr. Strutt, into hi-- romance entitled (.^^uen-hoo Hall, pul)!ished 
 after his death, in iS'kS. 
 
 • B(iok of lilt Universal Kirk, j>. \\\.
 
 Canto v.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 221 
 
 Their bugles ehallenge all that will, 
 
 In archery to prove their skill. 
 
 The Douglas bent a bow of might, — 
 
 His first shaft centered in the white, 
 
 And when in turn he shot again, 
 
 His second split the first in twain. 
 
 From the King's hand must Douglas take 
 
 A silver dart, the archer's stake ; 
 
 Fondly he watch'd with watery eye, ' 
 Some answering glance of sympathy, — 
 No kind emotion made reply ! 
 Indifferent as to archer wight, 
 The monarch gave the arrow bright. ^ 
 
 * MS. : " Fondly he watch'd with watery eye, 
 
 For answering glance of sympathy, — 
 
 But )io emotion made reply! 
 
 Indifferent as to iinknozvn ~| • , , 
 
 ^ ( wight. 
 
 Cold as to utiktiozvji yeoman ) 
 
 The r^ing gave forth the arrow bright." 
 
 * The Douglas of the poem is an imaginary person, a supposed 
 uncle of the Earl of Angus. But the king's behavior during an 
 unexpected interview with the Laird of Kilspindie, one of the 
 banished Douglasses, under ciixumstances similar to those in the 
 text, is imitated from a real story told by Home of Godscroft. I 
 would have ava.iled myself more fully of the simple and affecting 
 circumstances of the old history, had they not been already woven 
 into SI pathetic ballad by my friend Mr. Finlay.* 
 
 " His (the king's) implacability (towards the family of Douglas) 
 did also appear in his carriage towards Archibald of Kilspindie, 
 whom he, when he was a child, loved singularly well for his ability 
 of body, and was wont to call him his Grey-Steill.f Archibald, 
 
 * Sec Scottish Historical and Romantic Ballads. Glasgow, tScS, vol. ii. p. 117 
 t A cliampion of popular romance. See JiUis's Romances, vol. xii.
 
 212 THE i.un' or Till-: takf. [canto v. 
 
 X X 1 1 r. 
 
 Now, clear the rinc; ! for, hand to lianrl, 
 Tlic manly wrestlers take their staiul. 
 
 heinjT banished into Encjlaiiil, could not well comport with the 
 humor of that nation, which he thought to be too proud, ami that 
 they had too high a conceit of themselves, joined with a contempt 
 and despising of all others. Wherefore being wearied of that life, 
 and remembering the king's favor of old towards him, he determined 
 to trv the king's mercifulness and clemencj. So he comes into 
 Scotland, and taking occasion of the king's hunting in the Park of 
 Stirling, he casts himself to be in his wav. as he was coming home 
 to the castle. So soon is the king saw him afar olT, ere he came 
 near, he guessed it was he, and said to one of his courtiers. Yonder 
 is mv Grey-Steill, Archibald of Kilspindie, if he be ^live. The 
 other answered that it could not be he, and that he durst not come 
 into the king's presence. The king approaching, he fell upon his 
 knees and craved pardon, and promised from thenceforward to 
 abstain from meddling in public alTaIrs, and to lead a quiet and 
 private life. The king went bv without giving him anv answer, and 
 trotted a good round pace up the lull. Kilspindie followed, and, 
 though he wore on him a secret, or shirt of mail, for liis particular 
 enemies, was as soon at the castle gate as the king. There he sat 
 him down upon a stone without, and entreated some of the king's 
 servants for a cup of drink, being weary and thirsty; but they, fear- 
 ing the king's displeasure, durst give him none. When the king 
 was set at his dinner, he askei! what he had done, M.hat he had 
 said, and whither he had gone.' It was told him that 'ne had desired 
 a cup of drink and had gotten none. The king reproved them very 
 sharply for their discourtesy, and told them, that if he had n'>* 
 taken an oath that no Douglas should ever serve him. he would have 
 nccived him irao his service, for he had seen liiiii sometime a man 
 of great ability. Then he sent him word to go to Leith, and expect 
 his further pleasure. Then some kinsman of David Falconer, the 
 cannonier, that was slain at Tantallon, began to quarrel with 
 Archibald about the matter, wherewith the king showed himself not 
 well pleased when he heard of it. Then he commanded him to go 
 to France for a certain space, till he heard from him. And so he 
 did, and died shortly after. This gave occasion to the King of
 
 Canto V.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 223 
 
 Two c/cr the rest superior rose, 
 And proud demanded mightier foes, 
 Nor call'd in vain ; for Douglas came. 
 — For life is Hugh of Larbert lame; 
 Scarce better John of Alloa's fare. 
 Whom senseless home his comrades bear. 
 Prize of the wrestling match, the King 
 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 suppress'd ; 
 
 England (Henry VIII.) to blame his nephew, alleging the old say- 
 ing, That a king's face should give grace. For tb's Archibald 
 (whatsoever were Angus's or Sir George's fault) had not been prin- 
 cipal actor of anything, nor wo counsellor nor stirrer up, but only a 
 follower of his friends, and that noways cruelly disposed." — Hume 
 of Godscro/i, ii. 107. 
 
 1 The usunl prize of a wresthng was a ram and a ring, but the 
 animal would have embarrassed my story.,, Thus, in the Cokes 
 Tale of Gamelyn, ascribed to Chaucer: 
 
 " There happed to be there beside 
 Tryed a wrestling; 
 And therefore there was y-setten 
 A ram and als a ring." 
 
 Again the Litil Geste of Robin Hood : 
 
 " By a bridge was a wrestling, 
 
 And there taryed was he, 
 And there was all the best yemen 
 
 Of all the west countrey. 
 A full fayre game there was set up,. 
 
 A white bull up y-pight, 
 A great courser with saddle and brydle, 
 
 With gold burnished full bryght; 
 A payre of glove", a red golde ringe, 
 
 A pipe of wyne good fay ', 
 What man bereth him best, I wis, 
 
 The prize shall bear away." 
 
 Ritson's Robin Hood, vol. I,
 
 224 77//; L.inV OF TIIF. lAKE. [Canto V. 
 
 IiKlij;nant then he tiirn'd him where 
 
 Their anus the brawny )eonien bare, 
 
 To hurl the massive bar in air. 
 
 When each his utmost strcuLjlh had shown, 
 
 The Douglas rent an earth-fast stone 
 
 T'rom its deep bed, then heaved it high. 
 
 And sent the fragment through the sky, 
 
 A rood beyond the farthest mark; — 
 
 And still in Stirling's royal park. 
 
 The gray-hair'd sires, who know the past. 
 
 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 clan£r. 
 The King, \\'ith look unmov'd, bcstow'd 
 A purse well fill'd with pieces broad. * 
 * Indignant smiled the Douglas proud. 
 And threw the gold among the crowd. ^ 
 Who now, with anxious wonder scan, 
 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 ; 
 
 1 MS. : " Of ;;/^;7rt/ strctiirfli in inrxlcrn day." 
 
 - MS. : " A purse -vcis^^li'd tiovu willi picrcs biDad." 
 
 * MS. : '• Scattered tl)c gold among tiie crowd."
 
 CANTO v.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 22^ 
 
 The old men mark'd, and shook the head, 
 
 To see his hair with silver spread, 
 
 And wink'd aside, and told each son, 
 
 Of feats upon the English done, 
 
 Ere Douglas of the stalwart hand ' 
 
 Was exiled from his native land. 
 
 The women prais'd his stately form. 
 
 Though wreck'd 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, 
 
 Till murmur rose to clamors loud. 
 
 But not a glance from that proud ring 
 
 Of peers who circled round the King, 
 
 With Douglas held communion kind, 
 
 Or call'd the banish'd man to mind;^ 
 
 No, not from those who, at the chase, 
 
 Once held his side the honor'd place, 
 
 Begirt his board, and in the field. 
 
 Found safety underneath his shield ; 
 
 For he, whom royal eyes disown, 
 
 When was his form to courtiers known 1 
 
 XXV. 
 
 The monarch saw the gambols fxag, 
 And bade let loose a gallant stag. 
 
 • MS. 
 ^ MS. 
 =« MS. 
 
 " Ere yaiiies of Douglas' stalwart hand." 
 " Thoufjh xuorn by many a winter storm." 
 " Or called his stately form to mind."
 
 226 Zy/Zi" LADY OF JI/IC LAKE. [Canto V 
 
 Whoso pride the lioliday U) crown, 
 
 Two favorite greyliountls should pull down, 
 
 That vcnsion free, and l^ourdcaux wine, 
 
 Mii^ht serve the archery to dine. 
 
 l-5ut Lufra, — whom from Douglas' side 
 
 Nor bribe nor threat, could ere divide 
 
 The fleetest hound in all the North, — 
 
 Brave Lufra saw, and darted forth. 
 
 She left the royal hounds mid-way, 
 
 And dashin<; on the antler'd prey. 
 
 Sunk her sharp muzzle in his flank. 
 
 And deep the flowing life-blood drank. 
 
 The Kinjjj's stout huntsman saw the sport, 
 
 V>y stran<^e intruder broken short, 
 
 Came up, and, with his leash unbound, 
 
 In anther struck the noble hound. 
 
 — The Douglas had endured, that mom, 
 
 The King's cold look, the nobles' scorn. 
 
 And last and worst to spirit proud. 
 
 Had borne the pity of the crowd ; 
 
 But T.ufra had been fondly bred. 
 
 To share his board, to watch his bed. 
 
 And oft would TCllen, Lufra's neck 
 
 In maiden glee with garlands deck ; 
 
 rhey were such playmates, that with namf.: 
 
 Of Lufra, Lllen's image came. 
 
 llis stifled wrath is brimming high, 
 
 In darken'd brow and Hashing eye;
 
 Canto V.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 22/ 
 
 As waves before the bark divide, 
 The crowd gave way before his stride ; 
 Needs but a buffet and no more, 
 The groom Hes senseless in his gore. 
 Such blow no other hand could deal, 
 Though gr.untleted in glove of steel. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 Then clamor'd loud the royal train, * 
 Aod brandish'd swords and staves amain. 
 But stern the Baron's warning — "Back!" 
 Back, on your lives, ye menial pack ! 
 Beware the Douglas, — Yes ! behold, 
 King James ! The Douglas, doom'd of old, 
 And vainly sought for near and far, 
 A victim to atone the war, 
 A willing victim, now attends. 
 Nor craves thy grace but for his friends" - 
 " Thus in my clemency repaid } 
 Presumptuous Lord ! " the Monarch said ; 
 " Of thy mis-proud ambitious clan. 
 Thou, James of Bothwell, wert the man, 
 The only man, in whom a foe 
 My woman-mercy would not know : 
 
 1 MS. : " Clamor'd his comrades of the train." 
 
 2 MS. : " But stern the warrior's warning — ' Back ! "*
 
 ;28 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 
 
 But shall :i Monarch's presence brook ' 
 Injurious blow, and haughty look? — 
 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, — 
 " ]keak off the sports! " he saiti, and frown'd, 
 " And bid our horsemen clear the ground." 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 Then uproar wild and misarray 
 
 Marr'd the fair form of festal day. 
 
 The horsei'iien prick'd among the crowd, 
 
 Rcpell'd by threats and insult loutl ;^ 
 
 To earth are borne the old and weak, 
 
 The timorous fly, the wc^men shriek ; 
 
 With flint, with shaft, with staff, with bar, 
 
 The hardier urge tumultuous war. 
 
 At once round Douglas darkly sweep 
 
 The royal spears in circle deep. 
 
 And slowly scale the pathway steep: 
 
 While on the rear in thunder j)our 
 
 The rabble with disordered roar. 
 
 With grief the noble Douglas saw 
 
 The Commons rise against the law. 
 
 ' MS. : " r?iit in niv court, injurious blow. 
 
 And hcarck'c] thus, and tlius out-dared? 
 What lio! the Captain of our Guard ! " 
 
 ' M.S.: "Their threats rep.lIM hv iiisult loud."
 
 Canto V.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 229 
 
 And to the leading soldier said, — 
 " Sir Jolm of Hyndford ! 'twas my blade 
 That knighthood on thy shoulder laid ; 
 For that good deed, permit me then 
 A word with these misguided men. 
 
 ^O' 
 
 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. 
 
 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. 
 
 That, for mean vengeance on a foe, 
 
 Those cords of love I should unbind, 
 
 Which knit my country and my kind 
 
 Oh no ! Believe in yonder tower 
 
 It will not soothe my captive hour, 
 
 To know those spears our foes 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 ; 
 
 For me, that orphans weep their sires, 
 
 That patriots mourn insulted laws, 
 
 And curse the Douglas for the cause.
 
 230 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V. 
 
 O let your patience ward such ill, 
 And keep your right to love me still!" 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 The crowd's wild fury sunk again ' 
 In tears, as tempests melt in rain. 
 With lifted hands and eyes, they pray'd 
 For blessings on his generous head, 
 Who for his country felt alone, 
 And prized her blood beyond his own. 
 Old men, upon the verge of life, 
 Bless'd him who stayed the civil strife ; 
 And mothers held their babes on high, 
 The self-devoted Chief to spy, 
 Triumphant over wrongs and ire. 
 To whom the prattlers owed a sire : 
 Even the rough soldier's heart was mo\ed 
 As if behind some bier beloved, 
 With trailing arms and droojiing head, 
 The Douglas up the hill he led. 
 And at the castle's battled verge. 
 With si'dis resiL^Vd his honor'd charge. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 The offended Monarch rode apart, 
 With bitter thought and swelling heart, 
 
 1 MS. : ••Tlio crowd's wild fiirv . Iil/d .Tiiimn 
 111 tears, as Icinpcstb sink in raiu."
 
 Canto V.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 23 1 
 
 And would not now vouchsafe again 
 Through Stirling streets to lead his train. 
 " O Lennox, who would wish to rule 
 This changeling crowd, this common fool? 
 Hear'st thou," he said, "the loud acclaim 
 With which they shout the Douglas name ? 
 With like acclaim, the vulgar throat 
 Strain'd for King James their morning note ; 
 With like acclaim they hail'd the day 
 When first I broke the Douglas' sway ; 
 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, * 
 And fickle as a changeful dream ; 
 Fantastic as a woman's mood. 
 And fierce as Frenzy's fever'd blood. 
 Thou many-headed monster thing, * 
 O who would wish to be thy king! 
 
 ^ MS. : " Vain as the sick man's idle dream." 
 
 '^ " Who deserves greatness, 
 
 Deserves your hate; and your affections are 
 
 A sick man's appetite, who desires most that 
 
 Which would increase his evil. He that depends 
 
 Upon 3'our favors, swims with fins of lead, 
 
 And hews down oaks with rushes. Hang ye! Trust yet 
 
 With every minute you do change a mind ; 
 
 And call him noble, that was now your hate, 
 
 Him vile that was your garland." 
 
 Coriolafius, Act I. Scene I.
 
 ^3- THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V 
 
 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 Hege, your sports keep bound 
 
 Within the safe and guarded ground : 
 
 For some foul purpose yet unknown, — 
 
 Most sure for evil to the throne, — 
 
 The outlaw'd Chieftain, Roderick Dhu, 
 
 Has summon'd his rebellious crew; 
 
 'Tis said, in James of Bothwell's aid 
 
 These loose banditti stand array'd. 
 
 The Earl of Mar, this morn, from Doune, 
 
 To break their muster march'd, and soon 
 
 Your grace will hear of battle fought ; 
 
 But earnestly the luarl besought, 
 
 Till for such danger he provide, 
 
 With scanty train you will not ride."' 
 
 XXX 11. . 
 
 "Thou warn'st me I have done amiss,— 
 I should have earlier looked to this: 
 I lost it in this bustling day. 
 Retrace \vith speed thy former way; 
 Sparc not for spoiling of thy steed, 
 The best of mine shall be thy meed. 
 
 ^ MS. : " On distant chase vou will not riilc."
 
 Canto V.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 233 
 
 Say to our faithful Lord of Mar, 
 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. 
 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 !" 
 He turn'd 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 spurn'd. 
 And to his towers the King return'd. 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 Ill with King James's mood that day, 
 Suited gay feast and minstrel lay ; 
 Soon were dismiss'd the courtly throng, 
 And soon cut short the festal song. 
 Nor less upon the sadden'd town 
 The evening sunk in sorrow down. 
 The burghers'spoke of civil jar. 
 Of rumor'd feuds and mountain war, 
 Of Moray, Mar, and Roderick Dhu, 
 All up in arms :-— the Douglas, too,
 
 234 THE LADY OF TIIF. LAKE. [Canto v. 
 
 They mourn'd him pent within the hold, 
 " Where stout ]i:arl William was of old."* 
 And there his word the speaker staid, 
 And finger on his lip he laid, 
 Or pointed to his dagger blade. 
 But jaded horsemen, from the west, 
 At evening to the Castle press'd ; 
 And busy talkers said they bore 
 Tidings of fight on Katrine's shore ; 
 At noon the deadly fray begun. 
 And lasted till the set of sun. 
 Thus giddy rumor shook the town, 
 Till closed the Night her pennons brown. 
 
 ^ Stabbed by James II. in Stirling Castle.
 
 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, 
 
 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, O ! what scenes of woe, 
 
 Are witness'd by that red and struggling beam ! 
 The fever'd patient, from his pallet low. 
 
 Through crowded hospital beholds its stream ; 
 The ruin'd maiden trembles at its gleam. 
 
 The debtor wakes to thought of gyve and jail, 
 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. 
 
 235
 
 236 Tin-: LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VL 
 
 II. 
 
 At dawn the towers of Stirlinq; raiifr 
 With soldier-step and weapon-elang, 
 While drums, with rolling note, foretell 
 Relief to weary sentinel. 
 Through narrow loop and casement barr'd,' 
 The sunbeams sought the Court of Guard, 
 And, struggling with the smoky air, 
 Deaden'd the torches' yellow glare. 
 In comfortless alliance shone ^ 
 The lights through arch of blacken'd .stone, 
 And show'd wild shapes in garb of war, 
 Faces deformed with beard and scar, 
 All haggard from, the midnight watch, 
 And fcver'd witii the stern debauch ; 
 For the oak table's massive board. 
 Flooded with wine, with fragments stored, 
 And beakers drain'd, and cups o'erlhrown, 
 Show'd in what sport the night had flown. 
 Some, weary, snored on floor and bench ; 
 Some labor'd still their thirst to quench ; 
 Some, chill'd with watching, spread their hands 
 O'er the huge chimney's dying brands, 
 While round them, or beside them flung, 
 At every step their harness rung. 
 
 ' MS. : " Tfiioii<;h hlackoiiM arcli and cast-mcnt barr'd." 
 "* MS. : " 'J'lic lii,'lits in strange alliance shone 
 Bi t(calh llic arch of blacken'd stone."
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 237 
 
 III. 
 
 These drew not for their fields the sword, 
 
 Like tenants of a feudal lord, 
 
 Nor own'd the patriarchal claim, 
 
 Of Chieftain in their leader's name ; 
 
 Adventurers they, from far who roved, 
 
 To live by battle wiiich they loved.' 
 
 There the Italian's clouded face. 
 
 The swarthy Spaniard's there you trace ; 
 
 The mountain-loving Switzer there 
 
 More freely breathed in mountain-air ; 
 
 The Fleming there despised the soil, 
 
 That paid so ill the laborer's toil ; 
 
 Their rolls show'd French and German name ; 
 
 And merry England's exiles came, 
 
 To share, with ill-conceal'd disdain. 
 
 Of Scotland's pay the scanty gain. 
 
 All brave in arms, well train'd to wield 
 
 The heavy halberd, brand, and shield ; 
 
 In camps licentious, wild, and bold ; 
 
 In pillage fierce and uncontroll'd ; 
 
 And now, by holytide and feast, 
 
 From rules of discipline released. 
 
 IV. 
 
 They held debate of bloody fray. 
 Fought 'twixt Loch Katrine and Achray. 
 
 ' See Appendix, Note P.
 
 23S THE LADY OF TUE LAKE. [Canto vi. 
 
 r'iercc was their speech, and, 'mid their words, 
 
 Their hands oft grai)p]ed to their swords; 
 
 Nor sunk their tone to spare the ear 
 
 Of wounded comrades groaning near, 
 
 Whose mangled Hnibs, 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. 
 
 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, 
 
 But still the boldest of the crew, 
 
 When deed of danger was to do. 
 
 He grieved, that day, their games cut short, 
 
 And marr'd the dicer's brawling sport, 
 
 And shouted loud, " Renew the bowl ! 
 
 And, while a merry catch I trowl. 
 
 Let each the buxom chorus bear, 
 
 Like brethren of the brand and spear." 
 
 V. 
 
 soldif.k's .song. 
 Our vicar still preaches that Peter and Poule 
 Laid a swinging long curse on the bonny brown bowl, 
 
 * MS. - " Sad hiwcloii lo iJic nifVinn jest, 
 
 Ami iikIc oaths vented hy the rct>l."
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 239 
 
 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 iipsees ' out, and a fig for the vicar ! 
 
 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. 
 
 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 'tis right of his office poor laymen to lurch. 
 Who infringe the domains of our good Mother Church, 
 Yet whoop, bully-boys ! off with your liquor, 
 Sweet Marjorie's the word, and a fig for the vicar ! ^ 
 
 VI. 
 
 The warder's challenge, heard without, 
 Staid in mid-roar the merry shout. 
 A soldier to the portal went, — 
 " Here is old Bertram, sirs, of Ghent ; 
 
 1 Bacchanalian interjection, borrowed from the Dutch. 
 
 2 "The greatest blemish in the poem is the ribaldrj and dull 
 vulgarity which is put into the mouths of the soldiery in the guard- 
 room. Mr. Scott has condescended to write a song for them, wliich 
 will be read with pain, we are persuaded, even by his warmest
 
 240 THE LADY (V-" THE LAKE. [Cant.. VI. 
 
 /\ikI, — bc.il l<ii jul)ilec llic (irum ! 
 
 A niaitl antl minstrel with him come." 
 
 Bertram, a Flemings gray ami t>carr'cl, 
 
 Was entering now the Court of Guard, 
 
 A harper with him, and, in plaid 
 
 All muffled close, a mountain maid, 
 
 Who backward shrank to 'scape the view 
 
 Of the loose scene and boisterous crew. 
 
 " What news .'' " they roar'd : " I onl)- know, 
 
 From noon till eve we fought with foe, 
 
 As wild and as untameablc 
 
 As the rude mountains where tlicy dwell ; 
 
 On both sides store of blood is lost. 
 
 Nor much success can either boast." — 
 
 "lint whence thy captives, friend.' such spoil 
 
 As theirs must needs reward thy toil.' 
 
 Old dost thou wax, and wars grow sharji ; 
 
 Thou now hast glee-maiden and harp! 
 
 Get thee an ape, and trudge the land. 
 
 The leader of a juggler band." — ' 
 
 admirers; and his whole fjcnius, and even his power of versification, 
 seems to desert him when lie attempts to repeat llieir conversation. 
 Here is some of the stiirt' which has drojiped. in this inauspicious 
 attempt, from tlic pen of one of the first poets of liis age or country," 
 etc., etc. — Jkkkkkv. 
 
 > The MS reads after this : 
 
 " Oct tlicc an ape, and then at once 
 Thou mayst renounce the warder's lance, 
 And trudjfe through borough artd through I:inil, 
 The leader of a juggler band." 
 
 - The jontjlenrs, or ju<;i,'Iers, as we learn from I lie clahoratc work 
 of the late Mr. Stnitt, on the sjiorts and pastimes of tlie pcopli- of 
 England, used to call in the aid of various assistants, to render these
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 241 
 
 VII. 
 
 "No, comrade ; — no such fortune mine. 
 After the fight these sought our Hne, 
 That aged harper and the girl, 
 And, having audience of tlie Earl, 
 Mar bade I should purvey them steed. 
 And bring them hitherward with speed. 
 
 performances as captivating as possible. The glee-maiden was a 
 necessary attendant. Her duty was tumbling and dancing; and 
 therefore the Anglo-Saxon version of St. Mark's Gospel states 
 Herodias to have vaulted or tumbled before King Herod. In Scot- 
 land, these poor creatures seem, even at a late period, to have been 
 bondswomen to their masters, as appears from a case reported by 
 Fountainhall : " Reid the mountebank pursues Scott of Harden and 
 his lady, for stealmg away from him a little girl, called the tumbling 
 lassie, that danced upon his stage; and he claimed damages, and 
 produced a contract, whereby he bought her from her mother for 
 £30 Scots. But we have no slaves in Scotland, and mothers cannot 
 sell their bairns ; and pliysicians attested the employment of tumb- 
 ling would kill her; and her joints were now grown stiff", and she 
 declined to return ; though she was at least a 'prentice, and so could 
 not run away from her master: yet some cited Moses's law, that if a 
 servant shelter himself with thee, against his master's cruelty, 
 thou shalt surely not deliver him up. The Lords, renitente caiicel- 
 Inrio, assoilzied Harden, on the 27th of January (16S7)." — FouN- 
 tainhall's Decisions, vol. i. p. 439.* 
 
 The facetious qualities of the ape soon rendered him an accept- 
 able addition to the strolling band of the jongleur. Ben fonson. in 
 his splenetic introduction to the comedy of " Bartholomew Fair," is 
 at pains to inform the audience '■ that he has ne'er a sword-and- 
 
 * Though less to my purpose, I cannot help noticing a circumstance respecting 
 another of this Mr. Reid's attendants, which occurred during James II. 's zeal for 
 Catholic proselytism, and is told by Fountainhall, with dry Scotch irony: " Januarv 
 17th, 16S7. —Reid the mountebank is received into the Popish church, and one of his 
 hlackamores was persuaded to accept of baptism from the Popish priests, and to 
 turn Christian papist; which was a great trophy; he was called James, after the 
 king and chancellor, and the Apostle James." — Ibid. p. 440.
 
 242 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto IV. 
 
 I'"ui"bcar your luirtli aiul riulc iilarni, 
 
 For none shall do; them shame or harm." 
 
 " Hear ye his boast ? " cried John of ]5rcnt, 
 
 Ever to strife and janj^ling bent ; 
 
 " Shall he strike doe beside our lod<;c, 
 
 And yet the jealous niggard grudge 
 
 To pay the forester his fee ? 
 
 I'll have my share howe'er it be, 
 
 Despite of Moray, Alar, 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 ; 
 
 But Ellen boldly stepp'd between, 
 
 And dropp'd at once the tartan screen : 
 
 So from his morning cloud appears 
 
 The sun of May, through sunnner tears. 
 
 The savage soldiery, amazed,^ 
 
 As on descended angel gazed ; 
 
 Even hardy Brent, abash'd and tametl. 
 
 Stood half admiring, half ashamed. 
 
 buckler man in his Fair, nor a jii:.;,L;lcr witii a wtll-cdiicatcd ape to 
 come over the chainc for the Kinjr of England, and l)aik a^ain for 
 the Prince, and sit still on liis haunches for the I'ope and the King 
 of Spaine." 
 
 ' jSIS. : "Bertram < ^'^, • violence withstood." 
 I such ) 
 
 * MS. : " While the rude soldierv, amazed."
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 243 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Boldly she spoke, — " Soldiers, attend ! 
 
 My father was the soldier's friend ; 
 
 Cheer'd 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." — 
 
 Answer'd De Brent, most forward still 
 
 In every feat of good or ill, — 
 
 " I shame me of the part I play'd : 
 
 And thou an outlaw's child, poor maid ! 
 
 An outlaw I by forest laws, 
 
 And merry N^edwood knows the cause. 
 
 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 v/atch to hall ; 
 
 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 loose speech, or jesting rough : 
 
 Ye all know John de Brent. Enough.'" 
 
 ' MS. : " Should Ellen Douglas suffer wrong." 
 ^ MS. : " ' Mv Rose,' — he wiped his eye and hrow, - 
 ' Poor Rose, — if Rose be living now.' "
 
 11 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 
 
 IX. 
 
 Their Captain came, a p;allant younj:^, — 
 
 (( )f Tulliliardiiic's house he spruny;), 
 
 Nor wore he yet the spurs of kni<;ht ; 
 
 Gay was his mien, liis humor liL;ht, 
 
 And, though by courtesy controH'cl, 
 
 Forward his speech, his bearing bold. 
 
 The high-l)orn maiden ill could brook 
 
 The scanning of his curious look 
 
 And dauntless eye; — and yet, in sooth, 
 
 Young Lewis was a generous youth ; 
 
 Ikit I'^llen's lovely face and mien, 
 
 111 suited to the garb a.id scene, 
 
 Might lightly bear construction strange, 
 
 And give loose fancy scope to range. 
 
 "Welcome to Stirling towers, fair maid! 
 
 Come ye to seek a chamjiion's aid, 
 
 On palfrey white, with harper hoar, 
 
 Tike errant damoscl of yore.' 
 
 Does thy high quest a knight require, 
 
 Or may the venture suit a squire ? " — 
 
 Her dark eye flash'd ; — she paused and sigh'd,- 
 
 " O what have I to do with pride ! — 
 
 — Through scenes of sorrow, shame, and strife, 
 
 A suppliant for a father's life, 
 
 I crave an audience of the King. 
 
 liehold to back my suit, a ring,
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 245 
 
 The royal pledge of grateful claims, 
 Given by the Monarch to Fitz-James." ' 
 
 X. 
 
 The signet-ring young Lewis took, 
 
 With deep respect and alter'd look ; 
 
 And said, — "This ring our duties own : 
 
 And pardon, if to worth unknown. 
 
 In semblance mean obscurely veil'd, 
 
 Lady, in aught my folly fail'd. 
 
 Soon as the day flings wide his gates. 
 
 The King .shall know what suitor waits. 
 
 Please you, meanwhile, in fitting bower 
 
 Repose you till his waking hour ; 
 
 Female attendants shall obey 
 
 Your hest, for service or array. 
 
 Permit I marshal you the way." 
 
 But, ere she follow'd, with the grace 
 
 And open bounty of her race. 
 
 She bade her slender purse be shared 
 
 Among the soldiers of the guard. 
 
 The rest with thanks their guerdon took ; 
 
 But Brent, with shy and awkward look, 
 
 On the reluctant maiden's hold 
 
 Forced bluntly back the proffer'd gold ; — 
 
 " Forgive a haughty English heart, 
 
 And O forget its ruder part ! 
 
 - MS. : " The Monarch gave to James Fitz-James."
 
 2^r) THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto vi. 
 
 The vacant purse shall be my share,' 
 
 Which in my barrct-cap I'll bear, 
 
 Perchance, in jeoparuy of war. 
 
 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 : 
 " My lady safe, O let your grace 
 Give mc to sec 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 
 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 harj:) must soothe the infant heir. 
 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, — 
 A doleful tribute! — o'er his hearse. 
 
 ' MS. : "Till- silken purse shall serve forme, 
 Ami in my barrct-cap shall flee."
 
 CANTO VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 247 
 
 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 ; 
 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, 
 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, 
 A bunch of ponderous keys he took, 
 Lighted a torch, and Allan led 
 Through grated arch and passage dread. 
 Portals they pass'd, where, deep within. 
 Spoke prisoner's moan, and fetters' din ; 
 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 artist formed, who deem'd it shame 
 And sin to give their work a name, 
 
 '^ W$>.: '' Loxv h road vaults:' ^ 
 2 MS. : " Stretching"
 
 £48 THE T.APV OF 77 fK LAKE. [Canto Vl 
 
 They halted at a low-brow'd porch, 
 
 And Brent to Allan gave the torch, 
 
 While bolt and chain he backward roll'd, 
 
 And made the bar unhasp its hold. 
 
 They enter'd : 'twas a prison room 
 
 Of stern security and gloom, 
 
 Yet not a dungeon ; for the day 
 
 Through lofty gratings found its way, 
 
 And rude and antique garniture 
 
 Ueck'd the sad walls and oaken floor ; ' 
 
 Such as the rugged days of old 
 
 Deem'd fit for captive noble's hold. 
 
 "Here," said De Brent, "thou mayest remain 
 
 Till the Leech visit him again. 
 
 Strict is his charge the warders tell, 
 
 To tend the noble prisoner well." 
 
 Retiring then, the bolt he drew, 
 
 And the lock's murmurs growl'd anew. 
 
 Roused at the sound, from lowly bed 
 
 A captive feebly raised his head ; 
 
 The wondering Minstrel look'd, and knew — 
 
 Not his dear lord, but Roderick \)h\\ ! 
 
 For, come from wlicrc Clan-Alpine fought, 
 
 They, erring, deem'd the Chief he sought. 
 
 1 MS.: "Flinty floor." 
 
 ' MS. • ■■ — Thou mayst rctnaiii. 
 
 Ami tluti, rrlirint^, liolt and cliaiil, 
 
 Ami nist\ l)ar, Ik- tirow ayaiii. 
 
 Roused at the sound," etc
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 249 
 
 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 ! 
 
 And oft his fever'd 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 scat ; — 
 
 O ! how unlike her course at sea ! ' 
 
 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 ! 
 
 Have they been ruin'd 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.) 
 
 " Who fought — • who fled }, — Old man, be brief ; 
 
 Some might — 'for they had lost their Chief,, 
 
 Who basely live .-' — who bravely died V — 
 
 "O, calm thee. Chief!" — the Minstrel cried, 
 
 MS. : " O ! how unlike her course on main ; 
 Or his free step on hill and plain! "
 
 250 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VL 
 
 " Ellen is safe ; " — " Vy)X that, tliank I leaven ! ' — 
 
 "And hopes arc lor the Douglas given ; - 
 
 The Lady Margaret too is well, 
 
 And, for thy clan, — on field or fell, 
 
 Has ne\er harp of minstrel told,' 
 
 Of combat fought so true and bold, 
 
 Thy stately Pine is yet unbent. 
 
 Though many a goodly bough is rent." 
 
 XIV. 
 
 The Chieftain rcar'd his form on high. 
 
 And fever's fire was in his eye; 
 
 But ghastly, pale, and livid streaks 
 
 Chcckcr'd 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 ! . . . 
 
 That stirring air that peals on high. 
 
 O'er Dermid's race our victory. — 
 
 Strike it!- — and then, (U)X well thou canst,) 
 
 ' MS. : " Sli.'ill iicxn ii.iiji III iiMii'-ljil U'll, 
 
 Of combat fouglit so fierce ami well." 
 
 ' TluTc are several instances, at least in tradition, of persons so 
 much attached to particular tunes, as to require to iiear them on their 
 (feathhetl. Such an anecdote is mentioned hv the !ate Mr. Riddel of 
 Glenriddel. in his collectif)n of Horder tunes, respeiMini; an air 
 ralleil the " I)andlin<4 of the I'airns," for wln'cli a certain Gallcvidian 
 laird is said to have evinced this stron-,' mark of partialitv, Tt is 
 popularly told of a famous freebooter, tiiiit he composed the tunc
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY' OF THE LAKE- 2? I 
 
 Free from thy minstrel-spirit glanced, 
 
 Fling me the picture of the fight, 
 
 When met my clan the Saxon might. 
 
 I'll 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. 
 
 known hy the name of Macphei-son's Rant, while under sentence of 
 death, and ph\_ycd it at the gallows-tree. Some spirited words have 
 been adapted to it by Burns. A similar story is recounted of a 
 Welsh bard, who composed and played on his deathbed the air 
 called Dafyddy Garregg Wen. But the most curious example is 
 given by Brantome, of a maid of honor at the court of France, 
 entitled, Mademoiselle de Limeuil. "Durant sa maladie, dont elle 
 trespassa, jamais elle ne cessa, ains causa tousjours ; car elle estoit 
 fort grande parleuse, brocardeuse, et tres-bien et fort a propos, et 
 tres-belle avec cela. Qiiand I'heure de sa fin fut venue, elle fit venir 
 a soy son valet (ainsi que le filles de la cour en ont chacune un), qui 
 s'appelloit Julien, et scavoit tres-bien joiier du violon. 'Julien,' luy 
 dit elle, ' prenez vostre violon, et sonnez moy tousjours jusques a ce 
 que me voyez morte (car je m'y en vais) la defaite des Suisses, et le 
 mieux que vous pourrez, et quand vous serez sur le mot, ' Tout est 
 perdu,' sonnez le par quatre ou cing fois le plus piteusement que 
 vous pourrez, ce qui fit I'autre, et ellemesme luy adoit de la voix, et 
 quand ce vint 'tout est perdu,' elle le reitera par deux fois; et se 
 tournant de I'autre coste du chevet. elle dit \ ses compagnes : ' Tout 
 est perdu a ce coup, et a bon escient; ^t ainsi deceda. Voila une 
 morte joyeuse et plaisante. Je tiens se conte de deux de ses compagnes 
 dignes de foi, qui virent jouer ce mystere." — Ocuvres de Brantome, 
 i\\. 507. The tune to which this fair lady chose to make her final 
 exit was composed on the defeat of the Swiss at Marignano. The 
 burden is quoted by Panurge, m Rabelais, and consists of these words, 
 miitating the jargon of ■'he Swiss, which is a mixture of French and 
 German — 
 
 •Tout est verlore 
 La Tintelore, 
 Tout est verlore, bi Got ! "
 
 252 THE LADY OF TjIE LAKE. fCANm VI 
 
 And my free spirit burst away, 
 
 As if it soar'd from battle fray." 
 
 The trembling liard with awe obey'd, — 
 
 Slow on the harp his hand he laid ; 
 
 But soon remembrance of the sight 
 
 He witness'd from the mountain's height, 
 
 With what old Bertram told at night,' 
 
 Awaken'd the full power of song, 
 
 And bore him in career along ; — 
 
 As shallop launch'd on river's tide, 
 
 That slow ar.d fearful leaves the side, 
 
 lUit when it feels the middle stream, 
 
 Drives downward swift as lightning's beam. 
 
 XV. 
 
 I5ATTI.K f)|- liKAI.' AN DLINr..- 
 
 "The Minstrel came onee more to \ iew 
 The eastern ridge of 15envenue, 
 For ere he parted he would say 
 Farewell to lovely Loch Achray — 
 
 ' Tlio MS. li;is not lliis line. 
 
 - A skirinisli actually took place at a pass thus called in tlio 
 Trosaciis, and closeii with the remarkable incitlent mcutioueil in the 
 text. It was greatly posterior in date to the reipii of James V. 
 
 "In this rouyhly-wooded island,* the country people secreted 
 their wives and children, nnii their most valuable efTects from the 
 rapacity of Cromwell's soldiers, during their inroad into this coun- 
 try, in the tinie of the republic, 'i'hese invaders not vcnturin;^ t»» 
 ascend by the ladilers, alouLC the side of the laki-. took a more cir> 
 cuitous road throutjh the heart of the Trosachs, the most frecpiented 
 
 * That at the ca&tcrii extremity of J.,<>ch Katrine, su ufleii ineiiUoiied in the text.
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 253 
 
 Where shall he fijul in foreign land, 
 So lone a lake, so sweet a strand! — 
 There is no breeze upon the fern 
 
 No ripple on the lake, 
 Upon her cyry nods the erne, 
 
 The deer has sought the brake ; 
 The small birds will not sing aloud 
 
 The springing trout lies still. 
 So darkly glooms yon thunder-cloud, 
 That swathes, as with a purple shroud 
 
 Benledi's distant hill. 
 
 path at that time, which penetrates the wilderness about halfway 
 between Binean and the lake, by a tract called Yea-chilleach, or the 
 Old Wife's Bog. 
 
 " In one of the defiles of this by-road, the men of the country at 
 that time hung upon the rear of the invading enemy, and shot one 
 of Cromwell's men, whose grave marks the scene of action, and 
 gives name to that pass.* In revenge of this insult, the soldiers 
 resolved to plunder the island, to violate the women, and put the 
 children to death. With this brutal intention, one of the party, 
 more expert than the rest, swam towards the island, to fetch the 
 boat to his comrades, which had carried the women to their asylum, 
 and lay moored in one of the creeks. His companions stood on the 
 shore of the mainland, in full view of all that was to pass, waiting 
 anxiously for his return with the boat. But just as the swimmer 
 had got to the nearest point of the island, and Avas laying hold of a 
 black rock, to get on shore, a heroine, who stood on the very point 
 where he meant to land, hastily snatching a dagger from below her 
 apron, with one stroke severed his head from the body. His party 
 seeing this disaster, and relinquishing all future hope of revenge or 
 conquest, made the best of their waj' out of their perilous situation. 
 This amazon's great grandson lives at the Bridge of Turk, who, besides 
 others, attests the anecdote." ^ — Sl-ctch of the Scenery near Callen- 
 (fcr, Stirling, 1S06, p. 20. I have only to add to this account, that 
 the heroine's name was Helen Stuart. 
 
 * Beallach an duine.
 
 254 THE T.ADY OF TUF. I.AKF. [Canto M- 
 
 Is it tlic tlnimler's solemn sounci 
 
 That imittcrs deep and dread, 
 Or echoes from the groanhi^ ground 
 
 The warrior's measured tread ? 
 Is it the liglitning's quivering glance 
 
 That on the tliicket streams, 
 Or do they flasli on spear and lance 
 
 The sun's retiring beams? 
 — I sec the dagger-crest of Mar, 
 I sec the Moray's silver star, 
 Wave o'er the cloud of Saxon war, 
 That up the lake comes winding far! 
 To hero boune for battle-strife, 
 
 Or bard of martial lay, 
 'Twcre worth ten years of peaceful life 
 
 One glance at their array. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 "Their Hght-arm'd archers far and near 
 
 Survey'd the tangled ground. 
 Their centre ranks, with pike and spear. 
 
 A twilight forest frown'd. 
 Their barbed horsemen, in the rear, 
 
 The stern battalia crown'd. 
 No cymbal clash' 1, no clarion rang, 
 
 Still were the pi]ie and drum ; 
 Save heavy tread, and armor's clang. 
 
 The sullen march was dumb.
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE- 255 
 
 There breathed 110 wind their erests to shake. 
 
 Or wave their flags abroad ; 
 Scarce the frail aspen seem'd to quake, 
 
 That shadow'd o'er their road. 
 Their vaward scouts no tidings bring, 
 
 Can rouse no lurking foe, 
 Nor spy a trace of living thing 
 
 Save when they stirr'd the roe ; 
 The host moves, like a deep-sea wave> 
 Where rise no rocks its pride to brave. 
 High-swelling, dark, and slow. 
 The lake is pass'd, and now they gain 
 A narrow and a broken plain, 
 Before the Trosach's rugged jaws : 
 And here the horse and spearmen pause. 
 While, to explore the dangerous glen, 
 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 peal'd the banner-cry of hell ! 
 
 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,
 
 25^ THE LADY OF lllE LAKE. [Canto \I. 
 
 And plaids and bonnets vvavinj; hij^h, 
 And broadswords flashing to tlic sky, 
 
 Are maddeninj^ in the rear. 
 Onward they drive in dreadful race, 
 
 I'ursuers and pursued ; 
 Before that tide of fiiy;ht and chase, 
 How shall it keep its rooted i^lace, 
 
 The spearmen's twilii^ht wood ? — 
 ' Down, down,' cried Mar, ' your lances down ! 
 
 Bear back both friend and foe! ' 
 Like reeds before the tempest's frown, 
 That serried grove of lances brown 
 
 At once lay levell'd low ; 
 And closely shouldering side to side, 
 The bristling ranks the onset bide. — 
 '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 
 
 X\TIl. 
 
 "Bearing liefore them, in tlieir c<un"sc. 
 The relics of the archer force, 
 Like wave with crest of sparkling foam, 
 Right onward did Clan-Alpine come. 
 
 ' The MS. li.Ts not this couplet. 
 
 '■^ A circle of s]>ortMneii. who, \>\ Mirroiiiiiiiiii; a Ljrcat sp.n( c, ami 
 T.njliiall V iiarrowiiitj. broiiLthI imiiinisf qitaiil itics of deer loyethcr, 
 whicli UMially tiiaJc desperate elTorts to break IhrouL'li the 'J'iiic/irt.
 
 Canto VI.J THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 2^y 
 
 Above the tide each broadsword bright 
 Was brandishing Hke beam of light, 
 
 Each targe was dark below ; 
 And with the ocean's mighty swing, 
 When heaving to the tempest's wing, 
 They hurl'd them on the foe. 
 I heard the lance's shivering crash, 
 As when the whirlwind rends the ash, 
 I heard the broadsword's deadly clang. 
 As if an hundred anvils rang ! 
 But Moray wheel'd his rearward rank 
 Of horsemen on Clan-Alpine's flank, 
 — * 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. 
 
 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 ! 
 One blast upon his bugle horn 
 Were worth a thousand men. 
 And refluent through the pass of fear ' 
 The battle's tide was pour'd ; 
 
 i MS. : " And refluent down the darksome pass 
 The battle's tide was pour'd ; 
 There toil'd the spearman's struggling spear. 
 There raged the mountain sword."
 
 258 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto V[. 
 
 VanishM the Saxon's struggling spear, 
 
 Vanish'd the mountain sword. 
 As IJrackHnn's chasm, so black and steep, 
 
 Receives her roaring linn, 
 As the dark caverns of the deep 
 Suck the wild whirlpool in, 
 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 fight again. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 " Now westward rolls the battle's din. 
 That deep and doubling pass within, 
 — Minstrel, away ! the work of fate ' 
 Is bearing on : its issue wait, . 
 Where the rude Trosach's dread defile 
 Opens on Katrine's lake and i.sle. — 
 Gray Iknvenue I soon repass'd, 
 Loch Katrine lay beneath me cast. 
 
 The sun is set ; — the clouds are met 
 The lowering scowl of heaven 
 
 An inky view of vivitl blue 
 To the deep lake is given ; 
 Strange gusts of wind from mountain glen 
 Swept o'er the lake, then sunk agen. 
 
 ' MS. : " Away ! away I tlic work of fate ! "
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 259 
 
 I heeded not the eddying surge, 
 Mine eye but saw the Trosach's gorge. 
 Mine ear but heard the 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 ^ 
 The dirge of many a passing soul, 
 
 Nearer it comes — the dim-wood glen 
 The martial flood disgorged agen, 
 
 But not in mingled tide ; 
 The plaided warriors of the North 
 High on the mountain thunder forth 
 
 And overhang its side ; 
 While by the lake below appears 
 The dark'ning cloud of Saxon spears.' 
 At weary bay each shatter'd band. 
 Eyeing their foeman, sternly stand ; 
 Their banners stream like tatter'd sail, 
 That flings its fragments to the gale, 
 And broken arms and disarray 
 Mark'd the fell havoc of the day. 
 
 1 — , " the loveliness in death 
 That parts not quite with parting breath." 
 
 Byron's Giaour. 
 
 ^ MS. : "And seem'd to minstrel ear, to toll 
 The parting dirge of many a soul." 
 
 ■■* MS. : " While by the darken'd lake below, 
 File out the spearmen of the foe."
 
 26o THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto vi 
 
 XX. 
 
 " Viewing the mountain's ridge askance, 
 Tlie Saxon stood in sullen trance, 
 Till Moray pointed with his lance, 
 
 And cried — 'liehold yon isle! — 
 See ! none are left to guard its strand, 
 But women weak, that wring the hand ! 
 'Tis there of yore the robber band 
 
 Their booty wont to pile; — 
 My purse, with bonnet-i:)ieces store. 
 To him will swim a bow-shot o'er. 
 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 corslet rung, 
 
 He plunged him in the wave; — 
 All saw the deed — the purpose knew, 
 And to their clamors ]ienvcnue 
 
 A mingled echo gave; 
 The Sa.xon shout, their mate to cheer, 
 The heljiless females scream for fear. 
 And yells for rage the mountaineer. 
 'Twas then, as by the outcry riven, 
 Pour'd down at once the lowering heaven ; 
 A whirlwind swept Loch Katrine's breast, 
 Her billows rear'd their snowy crest.
 
 Canto VI.l THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 26 1 
 
 Well for the swimmer swcllVl they high, 
 To mar the Highland marksman's eye ; 
 For round him shower'd, 'mid rain and hail 
 The vengeful arrows of the Gael. — 
 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 mark'd Duncraggan's widow'd dame. 
 Behind an oak I saw her stand, 
 A naked dirk gleam'd in her hand ; — 
 It darken'd, — but amid the moan 
 Of waves I heard a dying groan ; — 
 Another flash ! — the spearman floats 
 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. 
 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. 
 Waved, twixt the hosts a milk-white flag. 
 
 ^ MS. reads : " It tinged the boats and lake with flame." The eight 
 closing lines of the stanza are interpolated on a slip of paper.
 
 262 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. I^anto VL 
 
 Clarion and trumpet by his side 
 
 Rung forth a trucc-notc hi_i;h and wide, 
 
 While, in the Monarch's name, afar 
 
 A lierald's voice forbade the war, 
 
 For Bothwell's lord, and Roderick bold, 
 
 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 
 
 How Roderick brook'd 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 sound ; ' 
 
 At length, no more his deafen'd ear 
 
 The minstrel melody can hear ; 
 
 His face grows sharp, — his hands arc clench'd, 
 
 As if some pang his heart-strings wrench'd ; 
 
 Set arc his teeth, his fading eye ^ 
 
 Is sternly fixed on vacancy ; 
 
 Thus, motionless, and moanlcss, drew 
 
 His parting breath, stout Roderick Dim ! — ^ 
 
 ' MS. : " Glowed in his look, as swcll'd tiie song. 
 MS. '-hi' 
 
 f ijlaziiitr 1 
 
 '( fary / 
 
 » "Rob Roy. wliilc on his dcathhcd, li-arncd that a person, willi 
 whom he was at enmity, proposed to vi-it liim. ' Raise me from 
 my bed,' Raid the invalid; 'tlirow my plaid around mc. and bring 
 me mv clavmore, dirk and pistols, — it sliall never he said that a 
 foeman saw Rob Roy .MaeCJreijor defeiueless and unarmed.' I lis 
 focman, conjeclnrcil to be or*: of the MacLarens before and after
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 263 
 
 Old Allan-Bane look'd on aghast, 
 While grim and still his spirit pass'd ; 
 But when he saw that life was fled, 
 He poLir'd his wailing o'er the dead. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 LAMENT. 
 
 "And art thou cold and lowly laid,' 
 
 Thy foeman's dread, thy people's aid, 
 
 Breadalbane's boast, Clan- Alpine's shade ! 
 
 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, 
 
 I'll wail for Alpine's honor'd Pine. 
 
 " What groans shall yonder valleys fill ! 
 What shrieks of grief shall rend yon hill ! 
 What tears of burning rage shall thrill, 
 
 mentioned, entered and paid liis compliments, enquiring after the 
 health of his formidable neighbor. Rob Roy maintained a cold, 
 haughty civility during their short conference; and so sooi as he 
 had left the house, ' Now,' he said, ' all is over — let the piper play, 
 Ha til mi tulidJi'' [we return no more], and he is said to have 
 expired before the dirge was finislied." — Introduction to Rob Roy, 
 Waverley Novels, vol. vii. p. 85. 
 
 1 MS. : " ' And art thou gone,' the Minstrel said." 
 
 2 MS. : " The mightiest of a mighty ling."
 
 264 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VL 
 
 When mourns thy tribe thy battles done, 
 Thy fall before tiie race was won, 
 Thy sword ungirt ere set of sim ! 
 There breathes not clansman of th\- line, 
 ViWX. would have given his life for thine. — 
 O woe for Alpine's honor'd Pine! 
 
 " Sad was thy lot on mortal stage ! — 
 The captive thrush may brook the cage, 
 The prison'd eagle dies for rage. 
 Jkave spirit, do not scorn my strain ! 
 And, when its notes awake again. 
 Even she, so long beloved in vain. 
 Shall with my harp iier voice combine. 
 And mix her woe and tears with mine, 
 To wail Clan Alpine's honor'd I'inc." 
 
 xxiri. 
 
 Ellen, the while, with bursting heart, 
 Rcmain'd in lordly bower apart. 
 Where play'd, with many-color'd gleams, 
 Through storied pane the rising beams. 
 In vain on gilded roof they fall, 
 And lighten'd up a tapestried wall, 
 And for her use a menial train 
 A rich collation spread in vain. 
 The banquet proud, the chamber gray, ' 
 Scarce drew one curious glance astray; 
 
 ' MS. : " Tlic Ii.Tiu|iic"t li.iy, the chamber's pride, 
 Scarce drew one curious glance aside."
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 265 
 
 Or, if she look'd, 'twas but to say. 
 
 With better omen dawn'd the day 
 
 In that lor z isle, where waved on high 
 
 The dun-deer's hide for canopy ; 
 
 Where oft her noble father shared 
 
 The simple meal her care prepared, 
 
 While Lufra, crouching by her side, 
 
 Her station claim'd with jealous pride, 
 
 And Douglas, bent on woodland game,' 
 
 Spoke of the chase to Malcolm Graeme, 
 
 Whose answer oft at random made, 
 
 The wandering of his thoughts betrayed. — 
 
 Those who such simple joys have known, 
 
 Are taught to prize them when they're gone 
 
 But sudden, see, she lifts her head ! 
 
 The window seeks with cautious tread. 
 
 What distant music has the power 
 
 To win her in this woful hour ! 
 
 'Twas from a turret that o'erhung 
 
 Her latticed bower, the strain was srmg. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 LAY OF THE IMPRISONED HUNTSMAN. 
 
 " My hawk is tired of perch and hood, 
 My idle greyhound loathes his food. 
 My horse is weary of his stall, 
 And I am sick of captive thrall. 
 
 I MS, : "Earnest on his game.''
 
 266 THE LADY OF J I IK LAKE. [Canto VI. 
 
 I wish I were as I have l)een, 
 Hunting the hart in forest green, 
 With bended bow and bloodhound free, 
 For that's the life is meet for nie. ' 
 I liate to learn the ebb of time, 
 From yon dull - steeple's drowsy chime. 
 Or mark it as the sunbeams crawl. 
 Inch after incli, 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 mc* 
 No more at dawning morn I rise, 
 And sun myself in ICUen's eyes. 
 Drive the fleet deer the forest through. 
 And homeward wend with evening dew 
 A blithesome welcome blithely meet. 
 And lay my trophies at her feet 
 While fled the eve on wing of glee, — 
 That life is lost to love and mc!" 
 
 XXV. 
 
 That heart-sick lay was hardly said, 
 The list'ncr had not tuin'd her head, 
 
 ' M.S. : " was meant for me." 
 
 2 MS. : " From d.irkcnM steeple's." 
 
 ' MS. : " The li.t-ly lark my matins rnnjj, 
 
 Tlio sable if)ok mv vespers sim-j^." 
 * MS. : " Have not a lial' should harbor nic-
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 267 
 
 It trickled still,^the starting tear, 
 Wlien light a footstep struck her ear, 
 And Snowdoun's graceful knight was near. 
 She turn'd the hastier, lest again 
 The prisoner should renew his strain. 
 " O welcome, brave Fitz-James ! " she said, 
 " How may an almost orphan maid 
 
 Pay the deep debt "O say not so ! 
 
 To me no gratitude you owe. 
 
 Not mine, alas ! the boon to give, 
 
 And bid thy noble father live ; 
 
 I can but be thy guide, sweet maid, 
 
 With Scotland's King thy suit to aid. 
 
 No tyrant he, though ire and pride 
 
 May lay his better mood aside. 
 
 Come, Ellen, come ! — 'tis more than timCj 
 
 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 whisper'd hope and cheer; 
 
 Her faltering steps half led, half stay'd, 
 
 Through gallery fair aiid high arcade, 
 
 Till, at his touch, its wings of pride 
 
 A portal arch unfolded wide.
 
 268 rilE LAPy OF 11 IE I.AKi:. [Canto VI. 
 
 xxvr. 
 
 Within 'twas l)rilliant all and liicht," ' 
 A tlironi^ing scene of figures bright ; 
 It glow'd on Ellen's dazzled sight, 
 As when the setting sun has given 
 Ten thousand hues to summer e\en, 
 And from their tissue, fancy frames 
 Aerial knights and fairy dames. 
 Still by Fitz-James her footing stay'd ; 
 A few faint steps shO forward made, 
 Then slow her drooping head she raised, 
 And fearful round the presence gazed ; 
 For him she sought, who own'd this state,' 
 The dreaded prince whose will was fate! — 
 She gazed on many a princely jiort, 
 Might well have ruled a royal court ; 
 On many a splendid garb she gazed, — 
 Then turn'd bewilder'd and amazed. 
 For all stood bare ; and, in the room, 
 Fitz-James al"ne wore cap and plume, 
 To him each lady's looic was lent ; 
 On him each courtier's eye was lient ; 
 Midst furs and silks and jewels sheen, 
 Kc stood in simple Lincoln green, 
 
 • MS. : " Within 'twas brilli.int all, and brijjht 
 
 The vision ^^lowM on Klk-n'.< siyht." 
 
 2 MS. : " For hii'i wiio owr.'c! this royal stale."
 
 Canio vi.l THE LAT^V OF THE LAKE. 269 
 
 The centre of the glittering ring. — 
 
 And Snowdoun's Knight is Scotland's King!* 
 
 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 Moaarch's feet she lay ; 
 
 No word her choking voice commands, — 
 
 She show'd the ling — she clasp'd her hands. 
 
 O ! not a moment could he brook, 
 
 The generous prince, that suppliant look ! 
 
 Gently he raised her, — and, the while, 
 
 Check'd with a glance the circle's smile ; 
 
 Graceful, but grave, her brow he kiss'd, 
 
 And bade her terrors be dismiss'd : 
 
 " Yes, Fair ; the wandering poor Fitz-James 
 
 The fealty of Scotland claims. 
 
 To him thy woes, thy wishes, bring; 
 
 He will redeem his signet-ring. 
 
 Ask nought for Douglas ; — yester even, 
 
 His prince and he have much forgiven : 
 
 Wrong hath he had from slanderous tongue, 
 
 I, from his rebel kinsmen wrong. 
 
 We would not to the vTalgar crowd 
 
 Yield Vv^hat they craved with clamor loud ; 
 
 1 See Appendix, Note Q^ 
 
 2 MS. — " shrinking, quits her stay.
 
 270 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. [Canto VI. 
 
 Calmly \\c heard ami iiKl<;cd his cause, 
 
 Our council aiticd, and our laws. 
 
 I stanch'd thy father's death-feud stern, 
 
 With stout I)e \'aux and Grey Glencairn; 
 
 And Bothwell's Lord henceforth \vc own 
 
 The friend and bulwark of our Tlirone. — 
 
 Ikit, lovely infidel, how now ? 
 
 What clouds thy misbelieving brow? 
 
 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. 
 
 The sweetest, holiest draught of Power, — 
 
 WHicn it can say, with godlike voice, 
 
 Arise, sad virtue, antl rejoice ! 
 
 Yet would not James the general eye 
 
 On Nature's raptures long should jiry ; 
 
 He stepp'd between — "Nay, Douglas, nay, 
 
 Steal not my proselyte away ! 
 
 The riddle 'tis my right to read, 
 
 That brought this hajipy chance to speed. — 
 
 Yes, Lllen, when, disguised, I stray 
 
 In life's more low but hajipier way,' 
 
 ' MS. : " In l()\vl_\' life's iMoic li;ipp\' w.iy."
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 27 1 
 
 'Tis under name whieh veils my power, 
 
 Nor falsely veils — for Stirling's tower 
 
 Of yore the name of Snowdoun claims/ 
 
 And Normans call me James Fitz-James. 
 
 Thus watch I o'er insulted laws, 
 
 Thus learn to right the injured cause." — - 
 
 Then, in a tone apart and low, 
 
 — "Ah, little trait'ress ! none must know 
 
 What idle dream, what lighter thought, 
 
 What vanity full dearly bought, 
 
 1 William of Worcester, who wrote about the middle of the 
 fifteenth century, calls Stirling Castle Snowdoim. Sir David 
 Lindsay bestows the same epithet upon it in his complaint of the 
 Papingo : 
 
 " Adieu, fair Snawdoun, with thy towers high, 
 Thy chapele-royal, park, and table round ; 
 May, June, and July, would I dwell in thee, 
 Were I a man, to hear the birdis sound 
 Whilk doth againe thy 'royal rock rebound." 
 
 Mr. Chalmers, in his late excellent edition of Sir David Lindsay's 
 works, has refuted the chimerical derivation of Snawdoun from 
 snedding, or cutting. It was probably derived from the romantic 
 legend whicii connected Stirling with King Arthin-, to which the 
 mention of the Round Table gives countenance. The ring within 
 which justs were formerly practised, in the castle park, is still called 
 the Round Table. Snawdoun is the official title of one of the 
 Scottish heralds, whose epithets seem in all countries to have been 
 fantastically adopted from ancient history or romance. 
 
 It appears (see Appendix, Note Q) that the real name by which 
 James was actually distinguished in his private excursions, was the 
 Goodman of Ballcnouich : derived from a steep pass leading up to 
 the Castle of Stirling, so called. But the epithet would not have 
 suited poetry, and would besides at once, and prematurely, have 
 announced the plot to many of my countrymen, among whom the 
 traditional stories above mentioned are still current.
 
 272 
 
 THE LADY OF 7 If/-: LAKE. [Canto VI. 
 
 Join'd to thine eye's dark witchcraft, drew 
 
 My spell-bound steps to Benvenue,' 
 
 In dangerous hour, and almost gave 
 
 Thy Monarch's life to mountain glaive !"- 
 
 Aloud he spoke — "Thou still dost hold 
 
 That little talisman of gold. 
 
 Pledge of my faith, Fitz-James's ring — * 
 
 What seeks fair r:ilen of the king?" 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Inill well the conscious maiden guess'd 
 lie probed the weakness of her breast; 
 J hit, with that consciousness, there came 
 A licrhtening of her fears for Grxme, 
 And 3 more she deem'd the monarch's ire 
 Kindled 'gainst him, who, for her sire 
 Rebellious broadsword boldly drew ; 
 And, to her generous feeling true. 
 She craved the grace of Roderick Dhu. - 
 " I-orbear thy suit : — the King of kings 
 Alone can stay life's parting wings. 
 
 IMS.:" Thy sovereign back ) ^^ Bcnvcni.c." 
 
 Thv sovereign's steps ) 
 2 MS. : " Pledge of Fitz-Jaines's faith, tlie ring." 
 * MS. : '■ Ami in her breast strove inaiden shame; 
 More deep slie dcein'd the Monarcii's ire 
 Kindled 'gainst him. who. for her sire, 
 Against hi^ sovereign broadsword drew; 
 And. with a pleading, warm and true, 
 She craved the grace of Roderick Dhu."
 
 Cant.) VI.] THE LADY OF THE E4KE. 273 
 
 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 ? 
 
 No other captive friend to save ? " 
 
 Blushing, she turn'd her from the King, 
 
 And to the Douglas gave the ring. 
 
 As if she wish'd her sire to speak 
 
 The suit that stain'd her glowing cheek. ■ — 
 
 " Nay, then, my pledge has lost its force, 
 
 And stubborn justice holds her course. — 
 
 Malcolm, come forth ! " — And, at the word, 
 
 Down kneel'd the Graeme ' to Scotland's Lord. 
 
 "For thee, rash youth, nc suppliant sues, 
 
 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 outlaw'd man. 
 
 1 -'Malcolm Grreme has too insignificant a part assigned him, 
 considering the favor in which he is held both by Ellen and the 
 author; and in bringing out the shaded and imperfect character of 
 Roderick Dhu, as a contrast to the pui-er 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, mav perhaps be pardoned 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." — Jeffrey.
 
 74 THE LADY or Till- I.AKR. [Canto VI 
 
 Dishonoriiij^ thus thy loyal iiaiiic. — 
 
 Fetters and warder for the Grxmc ! " 
 
 His chain of gold the King unstrung, 
 The links o'er Malcolm's neck he flung, 
 Then gently drew the glittering band, 
 And laid the clasj) on Ellen's hand.' 
 
 Harp of the North, farewell ! The hills grow dark; 
 
 On }viuple peaks a deeper shade descending ; 
 In twilight copse the glow-worm lights her sjiark, 
 
 The deer, half-seen, are to the covert wending. 
 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, 
 And herd-boy's evening pipe, and hum of hcnising bee. 
 
 ' . . . •• Aiul iK)\v, waivini;; niyM.II", let nic talk to yon ot' the 
 Prince Rcj^cnt. I Ic orcierfcl me to he presented to him at a hall; 
 ifnd after some sayin<(s peculiarly pleasiTi^f from royal lips, as to my 
 own attempts, he talked tome of yon and \-oin- immortalities; he 
 preferred \nn\ to every hard j^ast and present, antl asked which of 
 your works pleased me most. It was a ditlicult question. I answered, 
 I thought the ' L.iy.' Ilesaitl liis own opinion was nearly similar. 
 In speakini^ of the others, I told him that I thoui^ht you more particu- 
 larly the poet of Pn'iircs, as lln y never .ijipeared more fascinalinj^ 
 tlian in ' Marmion," and the ' I.adv of the Lake." lie was pleased 
 to coincide, and to ilwell on the tiescription f)f your James's as no 
 less royal than poetical. He spoke alternately of Homer and your- 
 self, and seemed well acc|uainted with holh," &c. — F.rUrr Jioin 
 Lorti Uvroii to Sir W'al f' > '<■•'' ^f^-t^' f*. i^u. r,\i<(>N>- I II', nnd 
 Worki, vol. ii., p. 156.
 
 Canto VI.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 275 
 
 Yet, once again, farewell, thou Minstrel llarp! 
 
 Yet, once again, forgive my feeble sway, 
 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, 
 
 Throuirh secret woes the world has never known. 
 When on the weary night dawn'd wearier day. 
 
 And bitterer wasj:he grief devour'd alone. 
 That I o'erlive such woes. Enchantress ! is thine own. 
 
 Hark ! as my lingering footsteps slow retire, 
 
 Some Spirit of the Air has waked thy string ! 
 'Tis now a seraph bold, with touch of fire, 
 
 'Tis now the brush of Fairy's frolic wing. 
 Receding now, the dying numbers ring 
 
 Fainter and fainter down the rugged dell. 
 And now the mountain breezes scarcely bring 
 
 A wandering witch-note of the distant spell — 
 And now, 'tis silent all ! — Enchantress, fare thee well ! ' 
 
 ' On a comparison of the merits of this poem with the two former 
 productions of the same unque tioned genius, we are inclined to 
 bestow on it a very decided preference over both. It would perhaps 
 be difficult to select any one passage of such genuine inspiration, as 
 one or two that might be pointed out in the Lay of the Last 
 Minstrel, — and, perhaps, in strength and discrimination of character, 
 It mav fall short ofMarmion; although we are 'oath to resign either 
 the rude and savage generosity of Roderick, the romantic chivalry 
 of James, or the playful simplicity, the affectionate tenderness, the 
 modest courage of Helen Douglas, to the claims of any competitors 
 in the last-mentioned poem. But, for interest and artificial manage- 
 ment in the story, for general ease and grace of versification, and 
 correctness of language, the Lady of th'- Lake must be universally
 
 27C TltE LADY OF THE LAKE. (Canto vl. 
 
 allowed, we think, to excel, ami very far excel, either of her prede- 
 cessors. — Critical Rc-'ic-v. 
 
 "There is nothin-j in Mr. Scott of the severe and majestic style 
 of Milton — or of the terse and line comjiosition ot Pope — or of the 
 elahorate elegance and melody of Campbell — or even of the llqw- 
 ing and redundant diction of SouIIkv, — hut there is a medley of 
 bright images and glowing, set carelessly and loosely together — a 
 diction tinged successively with the careless richness of Shakspeare, 
 the harshness and antique simplicity of the old romances, the home- 
 liness of vulgar ballads and anecdotes, and the sentimental glitter 
 of the most modern poetry — passing from the borders of the 
 ludicrous to those of the sublime — alternately minute and energetic 
 — sometimes artificial, aiul frequently negligent, but always full of 
 spirit and vivacity — abounding in inrages, that are striking at ilrst 
 sight to minds of every contexture — ar' never expressing a senti- 
 ment which it can cost the most ordinary reader any exertion to 
 comprehend. Upon the whole, we are inclined to think more highly 
 of the Lady of the Lake than of either of its author's former publica- 
 tions. We are more sure, however, that it has fewer faults, than 
 that it has greater beauties; and as its beauties bear a strong resem- 
 blance to those with which the public has been already made familiar 
 in these celebrated w(jrks, we should not be sin-prised if its ]iopu- 
 larity were less splendid and remarkable. For our own part, how- 
 ever, we are of opinion, that it will be oftener read hereafter than 
 either of them ; and that if it had appeared first in the series, their 
 reception would have been less favorable than that which it has 
 experienced. It is more polished in its diction, and more regular 
 in its versification ; the story is constructed with infinitely more 
 skill and atliiress; there is a greater proportion of pleasing and 
 tender passages, with much less aiitii]uarian iletail ; and. upon the 
 whole, a larger variety of characters, more artfully and judiciously 
 contrasted. There is nothing so fine, perhaps, as the battle in 
 Marmion — or so picturesque as some of the scattered sketches in 
 the Lay; but there is a richness and a spirit in the whole piece, 
 which does not pervade either of these poems — a profusion of inci- 
 dent, and a shifting brilliancy of coloring, that reminds us of the 
 witchery of Ariosto — and a constant elasticity, ami occasional 
 energy, which seems to belong more peculiarly to the author now 
 before us" — JiiKKREY.
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 TO 
 
 THE LADY OF THE LAKE.
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Note A. 
 
 A gray-liair\i sirc^ vj/iose eye iiitoit 
 Was on the vision^ d futtire bent. — P. 45. 
 
 If force of evidence could authorize us to believe facts 
 mconsistent with the general laws of nature, enough might 
 be produced in favor of the existence of the Second-sight. 
 It is called in Gaelic Taishitaraugh, from Taish, an unreal or 
 shadowy appearance ; and those possessed of the faculty are 
 called Taiskatrm, which may be aptly translated visionaries, 
 Martin, a steady believer in the second sight, gives the fol- 
 lowing account of it : — 
 
 " The second-sight is a singular faculty, of seeing an other- 
 ■^ise invisible object, without any previous means used by the 
 person that used it for that end ; the vision makes such a 
 lively impression upon the seers, that they neither see, nor 
 think of anything else, except the vision, as long as it con- 
 tinues ; and then they appear pensive or jovial, according to 
 the object that was represented to them. 
 
 "At the sight of a vision, the eyelids of the person are 
 erected, and the eyes continue staring until the object vanish. 
 This is obvious to others who are by when the persons happen 
 to see a vision, and occurred more than once to my own 
 observation, and to others that were with me. 
 
 " There is one in Skie, of whom his acquaintance observed, 
 that when he sees a vision, the inner part of his eyelids turns 
 so far upwards, that, after the object disappears, he must 
 draw them down with his fingers, and sometimes employ 
 
 279
 
 28o THE L.iP)- or Till-: l..\KI-:. 
 
 others to draw them down, which he finds to be the much 
 easier way. 
 
 "This faculty of the second-sight does not Hneally descend 
 in a family, as some imagine, for I know several parents who 
 are endowed with it, but their children not, and vice versa; 
 neither is it acquired by any previous compact. And, after a 
 strict inquiry, I could never learn that this faculty was com- 
 municable any way whatsoever. 
 
 " The seer knows neither the object, lime, nor place of a 
 vision before it appears ; and the same object is often seen 
 by different persons living at a considerable distance from 
 one another. The true way of judging as to the time and 
 circumstance of an object, is by observation ; for several j^er- 
 sons of judgment, without this faculty, are more capable to 
 judge of the design of a vision, than a novice that is a seer. 
 If an object appear in the dav or night, it will come to pass 
 sooner or later accordingly. 
 
 "If an object is .seen early in tlie morning (which is not 
 frequent), it will be accomplished in a few hours afterwards. 
 If at noon, it will commonly be accom])lished that very day. 
 If in the evening, perhaps that night ; if after candles be 
 lighted, it will be accomplished that night; the latter always 
 in accomplishment, by weeks, months, and sometimes years, 
 according to the time of night the vision is seen. 
 
 " When a shroud is jjerceived about one, it is a sure prog- 
 nostic of death : the time is judged according to the height of 
 it about the person : for if it is seen above the middle, death 
 is not to be expected for the space of a year, and perhaps 
 some months longer; and as it is frequently seen to ascend 
 higher towards the head, death is concluded to be at hand 
 within a few days, if not hours, as daily experience confirms. 
 Examples of this kind were shown me, when the persons of 
 whom the observations were then made enjoyed perfect 
 health.
 
 APPENDIX. 281 
 
 " One instance was lately foretold by a seer, that was a 
 novice, concerning the death of one of my acquaintance ; this 
 was communicated to a few only, and with great confidence : 
 T being one of the number, did not in the least regard it, 
 until the death of the person, about the time foretold, did 
 confirm me of the certainty of the prediction. The novice 
 mentioned abovc, is now a skilful seer, as appears from many 
 late instances ; he lives in the parish of St. Mary's, the most 
 northern in Skie. 
 
 " If a woman is seen standing at a man's left hand, it is a 
 presage that she will be his wife, whether they be married to 
 others, or unmarried at the time of the apparition. 
 
 " If two or three women are seen at once near a man's left 
 hand, she that is next him will undoubtedly be his wife first, 
 and so on, whether all three, or the man, be single or married 
 at the time of the vision or not ; of which there are several 
 late instances among those of my acquaintance. It is an 
 ordinary thing for them to see a man that is to come to the 
 house shortly after ; and if he is not of the seer's acquaint- 
 ance, yet he gives such a lively description of his stature, 
 complexion, habit, etc., that upon his arrival he answers the 
 character given him in all respects. 
 
 " If the person so appearing be one of the seer's acquaint- 
 ance, he will tell his name, as well as other particulars ; and 
 he can tell by his countenance whether he comes in a good or 
 bad humor. 
 
 " I have been seen thus myself by seers of both sexes, at 
 some hundred miles' distance ; some that saw me in this man 
 ner had never seen me personally, and it happened according 
 to their vision, without any previous design of mine to go to 
 these places, my coming there being purely accidental. 
 
 " It is ordinary with them to see houses, gardens, and trees 
 in places void of all three ; and this in progress of time uses 
 to be accomplished : as at Magshot, in the Isle of Skie, where
 
 2S2 77/ A" /..//;]■ O/-' llli: /..IK/-:. 
 
 there were bill a few sorry cowhouses, thatched with straw, 
 yet in a very few years after, the vision, which appeared often, 
 was accomplished, by the buikhng of several good houses on 
 the very spot represented by the seers, and by the planting of 
 orchards there. 
 
 " To see a spark of fire fall upon one's arm or breast, is a 
 forerunner of a dead child to be seen in the arms of those 
 persons, of which there are several fresh instances. 
 
 "To see a seat empty at the time of one's sitting in it, is a 
 presage of that person's death soon after, 
 
 " When a novice, or one that has lately obtained the second- 
 sight, sees a vision in the night-time without doors, and he be 
 near a fire, he presently falls into a swoon, 
 
 '•Some find themselves as it were in a crowd of people^ 
 having a corpse which they carry along with them ; and after 
 such visions the seers come in sweating, and describe the peo- 
 ple that appeared ; if there be any of their acquaintance 
 among 'em, they give an account of their names, as also of 
 the bearers, but they know nothing concerning the corpse, 
 
 "All those who have the second-sight do not alwavs see 
 these visions at once, though they be together at the time, 
 liut if one who has this faculty, designedly touch his fellow- 
 seer at the instant of a vision's appearing, then the second 
 sees it as well as the first ; and this is sometmies discerned by 
 those that are near them on such occasions." — Martin's 
 Dcscrtption of t/ic Western /s/<vi(/s, 17 i6, 8vo,, p. 300, ef sn/. 
 
 To these particulars innumerable e,xam])les might he added, 
 all attested I)y grave and credible authors. 15ut, in despite f)f 
 evidence which neither Jiacon, Hoyle, nor Johnson were able 
 to resist, the Tai.u'/i, with all its visionary properties, seems to 
 be now universally abandoned to the use of poetry. The 
 exquisitely beautiful poem of T,orhi( 1 will M nnrn rcrur to the 
 recollection of every reader.
 
 APPENDIX. 283 
 
 Note B. 
 
 ' My sire's tall form might grace the pari 
 Of Fcrragiis or Ascabart. — P. 50. 
 
 These two sons of Anak flourished in romantic fable. The 
 first is well known to the admirers of Ariosto, by the name of 
 Ferrau. He was an antagonist of Orlando, and was at length 
 slain by him in single combat. There is a romance in the 
 Auchinleck MS., in which Ferragus is thus described : — 
 
 " On a day come tiding 
 Unto Charls the King, 
 
 Al of a doughti knight 
 Was comen to Navers. 
 Stout he was and fers, 
 
 Vernagu he hight 
 Of babiloun the soudan 
 Thider him sende gan, 
 
 With King Charls to fight. 
 So hard he was to-fond ' 
 That no dint of brond 
 
 No greud him. apHght. 
 He hadde twenti men strengthe 
 And forti fet of lengthe, 
 Thilke painim hede,^ 
 And four feet in the face, 
 Y-meten ^ in the place, 
 
 And fifteen in brede.* 
 His nose was a fot and more ; 
 His brow, as bristles wore;* 
 
 He that it seighe it sede. 
 He looked lotheliche, 
 And was swart ^ as an)' piche, ^ 
 
 Of him men might adrede." 
 
 Romance of Charlemagne^ I. 461-484. 
 Atechinleck MS., fol. 265. 
 
 Ascapart or Ascabart makes a very material figure in the 
 History of Bevis of Hampton, by whom he was conquered. 
 
 1 Found, proved. 2 Had. = Measured. •» Breadth. * Were. « Black.
 
 284 THE LAPY OF 1 1 IE LAKE. 
 
 His effigies may be seen guarding one side of a gate at Soiitii- 
 anipion, while the other is occupied by Sir Bevis himself. 
 The dimensions of Ascabart were little inferior tt) those of 
 Ferragus, if the following description be correct : — 
 
 '■ 'I'licy nictten witli a gcaunt, 
 With \ lotliclitlic scmblaunt. 
 He was wondcrliche strong, 
 Kome ' thrctti fote long 
 His herd was liot gret and rowc ; ^ 
 A space of a fot ijetwecne is ^ browe ; 
 His clob was, to yeiic^ a strok, 
 A lite bodi of an oak.* 
 
 " Bcucs hadde of him wonder gret. 
 And askedehini what a het,* 
 ,'\nd yaf ' men of his contrd 
 Were asc nieche ase •» was he 
 ' Me name,' a scde," ' is Ascopard, 
 Graci me sent hidcrward. 
 For to bring this (jucne ayen 
 And the Beucs her of-slen.'" 
 Icham Graci is" champioun. 
 And was i-<.lriiie out of me'* toim 
 Al for that ich was so lite.'^ 
 Eueri man me wolde smite, 
 Ich \v.is so lite and so rnerugh, '* 
 Eucri man m; clcpetlc dweriigli,'* 
 And now icham in this londe, 
 I wax mor " ich undcrstonde, 
 And stranger than other tcnr; '^ 
 And th.it schcl on us be so nc.' " 
 
 Sir linis of limit }■' on, 1. 2512. 
 Aiicfiitilcck MS., fol. 189. 
 
 • Fully. * Kougli. •' His. * Give. * The stem of a little o.ik-lrec. ' lir 
 hight. w.-is callwi. 'If. » Gre.it. » He said, 'o Shy. "His. "My. "Lit 
 lie. '« Lean. '* Dwarf. '^ (ircatcr, taller. " Ten.
 
 APPENDIX. 2^5 
 
 Note C. 
 
 In Holy- Rood a KnigJit he slc-v. — P. 72. 
 
 This was by no means an uncommon occurrence in the 
 court of Scotland ; nay, the presence of the sovereign himself 
 scarcely restrained the ferocious and inveterate feuds which 
 were the perpetual source of bloodshed among the Scottish 
 nobility. The following instance of the murder of Sir Wil- 
 liam Stuart of Ochiltree, called The Bloody, by the celebrated 
 Francis, Earl of Bothwell, may be produced among many; 
 but, as the offence given in the royal court will hardly bear a 
 vernacular translation, I shall leave the story in Johnstone's 
 Latin, referring for farther particulars to the naked simplicity 
 of Birrell's Diary, 30th July, 1588. 
 
 " JSIors improbi hominis non tarn ipsa immerita, qiiain pes- 
 simo exemplo in publicuni, /cede perpetrata. Guliebnus Stu- 
 ar/iis Alkilfrius, Arani f rater, naturd, ac moribus, ciijus sxpiiis 
 mc»tiiu\ vulgo propter sitem sanguinis sanguinarius dictus, a 
 Bothvelio, in Sanctis Criicis Regia exardescente ira, inendacii 
 probro laces situs, obscoenum osculum liberius j-etorqiiebat ; Both- 
 velius hanc contui7ieUavi tacitus tulit, sed ingentum irarum 
 moleni animo concepit. Utrinquc postridie EdiJiburgi conven- 
 tufn, totidcju Jitcmero comitibus armatis pr(zsidii causa, et acriter 
 pugnatum est ; coeteris amicis et clientibus metu torpentibus, ant 
 vi absterritis, ipse Stuartus fortissime di7nicat ; tandem excusso 
 gladio a Bothvelio, Scythica feritate transfoditur, sine cujiis- 
 qua^n misericordia ; habuit itaque quern debuit exitum. Dignus 
 erat Stuartus qui pateretur ; Bothvelius qui faceret. Vulgus 
 sanguinem sanguine prcedicabit, et horuni cruore innocuorum 
 fnanibus egregie parentatum^ — ■Johnstoni Historia Rerutit 
 Britannicarum, ab anno 1572 ad annum 1628. Amstelodami, 
 1655, fob p. 135.
 
 J 86 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 Note I). 
 
 Did., iclf-un$cabbar(lc(i, forcslioxv 
 The footstep of a secret foe. — P. 76. 
 
 The ancient warriors, whose hope and confidence rested 
 chicHy in tlieir blades, were accustomed to deduce omens 
 from them, especially from such as were supposed to have 
 been fabricated by enchanted skill, of which we have various 
 instances in the romances and legends of the time. Tiie 
 wonderful sword Skoknung, wielded by the celebrated firolf 
 Kraka, was of this description. It was deposited in tlic tomb 
 of the monarch at his death, and taken from thence by 
 ijkeggo, a celebrated pirate, who bestowed it upon his son-in- 
 law, Kormak, with the following curious directions: — "'The 
 manner of using it will appear strange to you. A small jjag 
 is attached to it, which take heed not to violate. Let not the 
 rays of the sun touch the ujiper part of th.e handle, nor 
 unsheathe it, unless thou art ready for battle. But when thou 
 comest to the place of fight, go aside from the rest, grasp and 
 extend the sword, and breathe upon it. Tlien a small worm 
 will creep out of the handle ; lower the handle, that he may 
 more casilv return into it.' Kormak, after liaving received 
 the sword, returned home to his mother. He showed the 
 sword, and attempted to draw it, as unnecessarily as inelTcc- 
 tually, for he could not pluck it out of the sheath. His 
 mother, Dalla, exclaimed, ' Do not despise the counsel given 
 to thee, my son.' Kormak, however, repeating his efforts, 
 pressed down the handle with his feet, and tore off the bag, 
 when Skofnung emitted a Jiollow groan ; i.ut still ItV' could not 
 unsheathe the sword. Kormak then went out with IJessus, 
 whfitn he had challenged to fight with him, and drew apart at 
 the place of coniljat. He sat down upon the ground, and 
 ungirding the sword, which he boru above his vestments, did
 
 APPENDIX. 287 
 
 not renicniber to shield the liilt 1 10111 the rays af the sun. In 
 vain he endeavored to draw it, till he placed his foot against 
 the hilt ; then the worm issued from it. But Kormak did not 
 rightly handle the weapon, in consequence whereof good for- 
 tune deserted it. As he unsheathed Skofnung, it emitted a 
 hollow murmur." — Ba?-tholini. de Cans is Contcmpt<z a Danis 
 ad/iuc GcntUibus Mortis^ Libri Ires. Ho/nice, 1689, 4to., p. 574. 
 To the history of this sentient and prescient weapon, I beg 
 leave to add, from memory, the following legend, for which I 
 cannot produce any better authority. A young nobleman, of 
 high hopes and fortune, chanced to lose his way in the town 
 which he inhabited, the capital, if I mistake not, of a German 
 province. He had accidentally involved himself among the 
 narrow and winding streets of a suburb, inhabited by the 
 lowest order of the people, and an approaching thunder- 
 shower determined him to ask a short refuge in the most 
 decent habitation that was near him. He knocked at the 
 door, which was opened by a tall man, of a grisly and fero- 
 cious aspect, and sordid dress. The stranger was readily 
 ushered to a chamber, where swords, scourges, and machines, 
 which seemed to be implements of .torture, were suspended 
 on the wall. One of these swords dropped from its scabbard 
 as the nobleman, after a moment's hesitation, crossed the 
 threshold. His host immediately stared at him with such a 
 marked expression, that the young man could not help 
 demanding his name and business, and the meaning of his 
 looking at him so fixedly. " I am," answered the man, "the 
 public executioner of this city; and the incident you have, 
 observed is a sure augury that I shall, in discharge of my 
 duty, one day cut off your head wiih the weapon which has 
 just now spontaneously unsheathed itself." The nobleman 
 lost no time in leaving his place of refuge ; but, engaging in 
 some of the plots of the period, was shortly after decapitated 
 by that very man and instrument.
 
 2^^, I HE LADY UF THE LAKE. 
 
 Lord J.uvat is said, by llic author of liic " Letters from Scot- 
 land,'' to have aftirined, that a number of swords that lumg up 
 in the hall of t!ic mansion-house, leaped of themselves out of 
 the scabbard at the instant he was born. The story passed 
 current amonij his clan, but, like that of the story I have just 
 quoted, proved an unfortunate omen. — Litters from Scotland, 
 vol. ii., p. 214. 
 
 Note E. 
 
 The best of Loch Lomond lie dead on her side. — P. S2. 
 
 Tin: Lenno.x, as the district is called, which encircles the 
 lower extremity of Loch Lomond, was peculiarly exposed to 
 the incursions of the mountaineers, who inhabited the inac- 
 cessible fastnesses at the upper end of the lake, and the 
 neighboring district of Loch Katrine. These were often 
 marked by circumstances of great ferocity, of which the 
 noted conflict of (Men-fruin is a celebrated insi.:ince. This 
 was a clan-battle, in which the Macgregors, headed b\- Allas- 
 ter Macgregor, chief of tiie clan, encountered the sept of C'ol- 
 cjuhouns, commanded by Sir Humphrey Colquhoun of Luss. 
 It is on all hands allowed tiiat the action was desperately 
 fought, and that the Colquhouns were defeated with great 
 slaughter, leaving two hundred of their name dead upon the 
 field. But popular tradition has added other horrors to the 
 tale. It is said, that Sir IIum|)hrey Colquhoun, who was on 
 horseback, escaped to the castle of IJencchra, or lianochai, 
 and was next day drugged out and murdered by the vic- 
 torious Macgregors in Cf)ld blood. Buchanan of Auchmar, 
 however, speaks of his slaughter as a subsequent event, and 
 as perpetrated by the Macfarlanes. Again, it is reported that 
 the Macgregors murdereil a number of youths, whom report 
 of the intended battle had brought to be spectators, and 
 whom the Colquhouns, anxious for their safety, had shut up
 
 APPENDIX. 289 
 
 111 a bai'u to be out of danger. One account of the Mac- 
 gregors denies this circumstance entirely : another ascribes it 
 to the savage and bloodthirsty disposition of a single individ- 
 ual, the bastard brother of the Laird of Macgregor, who 
 amused himself with this second massacre of the innocents, 
 in express disobedience to the chief, by whom he was left 
 their guardian during the pursuit of the Colquhouns. It is 
 added, that Macgregor bitterly lamented this atrocious action, 
 and prophesied the ruin which it must bring upon their 
 ancient clan. The following account of the conflict, which 
 is indeed drawn up' by a friend of the Clan-Gregor, is alto- 
 gether silent on the murder of the youths. " In the spring of 
 the year 1602, there happened great dissensions and troubles 
 between the laird of Luss, chief of the Colquhouns, and Alex- 
 ander, laird of Macgregor. The original of these quarrels 
 proceeded from injuries and provocations mutually given and 
 rece'v'ed not long before. Macgregor, however, wanting to 
 have them ended in friendly conferences, marched at the 
 head of two hundred of his clan to Leven, which borders on 
 Luss, his country, with a view of settling matters by the 
 mediation of friends : but Luss had no such intentions, and 
 projected his measures with a different view ; for he privately 
 drew together a body of three hundred horse and five hun- 
 dred foot, composed partly of his own clan and their follow- 
 ers, and partly of the Buchanans, his neighbors, and resolved 
 to cut off Macgregor and his party to a man, in case the issue 
 of the conference did not answer his inclination. But mat- 
 ters fell otherwise than he expected ; and though Macgregor 
 had previous information of his insidious design, yet dissem- 
 bling his resentment, he kept the appointment, and parted 
 good friends in appearance, 
 
 "No sooner was he gone, than Luss, thinking to surprise 
 him and his party in full security, and without any dread or 
 apprehension of his treachery, followed with all speed, and
 
 290 TIIK L.UW OF Tin: LAKE. 
 
 came iij) willi liini at a place called ("iknfroon. Macgregor, 
 upon the alarm, divided his men into two parties, the greatest 
 part wherecjf he commanded himself, and the other he com- 
 mitted to the care of his brother John, who, by his orders, led 
 them about another way, and attacked the Colquhouns in 
 ilank. Here it was fought with great bravery on both sides 
 'or a considerable time; and, notwilJistantling the vast dis- 
 proportion of numbers, Macgregor, in the end, obtained an 
 absolute victory. So great was the rout, that two hundred 
 of the Colquhouns were left dead upon the spot, most of the 
 leading men were killed, and a multitude of prisoners taken. 
 IJut what seemed most surprising and incredible in this 
 defeat, was, that none of the Macgregors were missing, ex- 
 cept John, the laird's brother, and one common fellow, though 
 inileed many of them were wounded.'' — ruoFiissoR Ross's 
 History of the Family of Suthcrlaiul, 1631. 
 
 The consequences of the battle of Cllen-fruin was ver}' cala- 
 mitous to the family of Macgregor, who had already been 
 considered as an unruly clan. The widows of the slain Col- 
 (juhouns, sixty, it is said, in number, appeared in doleful pio- 
 cession before the king at Stirling, each riding upon a white 
 palfrey, and bearing in her hand the bloody shirt of her hus- 
 band displayed upon a pike. James VI. was so much moved 
 by the complaints of this "choir of mourning dames," that he 
 let loose his vengeance against the Macgregors, without 
 either bounds or moderation. The very name of the clan 
 was proscribed, and those by whom it had been borne were 
 given up to sword and fire, and absolutely hunted down by 
 bloodhounds like wild beasts. Arg>-le and the Campbells on 
 the one hand, Montrose with the Grahamcs and l?uchanans, 
 on the ocher, are said to have be>^n the chief instruments in 
 suppressing this devoted clan. The T.aird of Macgregor sur- 
 rendered to the former, on condition that he would take him 
 cut of Scottish ground. But. to use Birrell's expression, he
 
 APPENDIX. 291 
 
 kept "a HiL^lilaiuiiuan's promise;" and, although lie fulfilled 
 his word to the lctt(,'r, by carrying him as far as Berwick, he 
 afterwards brought him back ' to Edinburgh, where he was 
 executed with eighteen of his clan (Birrel's Diary, 2d Octo- 
 ber, 1603.) The clan Gregor being thus driven to utter 
 despair, seemed to have renounced the laws from the benefit 
 of which they were excluded, and their depredations pro- 
 duced new acts of council, confirming the severity of their 
 proscription, which had only the effect of rendering them 
 still more united and desperate. It is a most extraordinary 
 proof of the ardent and invincible spirit of clanship, that, 
 notwithstanding the repeated proscriptions providently or- 
 dained by the legislature, "for the timcons preventing the 
 disorders and oppression that may fall out by the said name 
 and clan of Macgregors and their followers," they were in 
 17 1 5 and 1745, a potent clan, and contmue to subsist as a 
 distinct and numerous race. 
 
 Note F. 
 
 Atid -a>hilc ihc Fiery Cross glaticed, like a meteor, round. — P. 105. 
 
 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 extremities in the fire, 
 and extinguished them in the blood of the animal. This was 
 called the Fiery Cross, also Crean Tarigh, or the Cross of 
 Skame, because disobedience to what the symbol impUed 
 inferred infamy. It was delivered to a swift and trusty mes 
 senger, who ran full speed with it to the next hamlet, 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 dispatch to 
 the next village; and thus it passed with incredible celerity 
 . through all the district which owed allegiance to the chief^
 
 '92 THE LAD)- OF 1111 LAKE. 
 
 and also .iiim-iil;' his allies .imi iioiLjhIvJis, ii iIk- il.iii;;;cr was 
 coinnion lo llieni. At sight of the J-icry Cross', every man, 
 from sixteen years old to sixty, capal)le of bearinj^ arms, was 
 obliged instantly to repair, in his best arms and accoutre- 
 ments, to the place of rendezvous, lie who failed to appear 
 suffered tlie extremities of fire and sword, which were em- 
 blematically denounced to the disobedient by the bloody and 
 burnt marks upoi; tliis warlike signal. During the civil war 
 of 1745-C, the Fiery Cross often made its circuit; and ujion 
 one occasion it passed through the whole district of llreadal- 
 bane, a tract of thirty-two n\iles. in three hours. The late 
 Alexander .Stewart, Esq.. of Invcrnahyle, described to me his 
 having sent round the Fiery C'ross through the district of 
 .Appine, during the same commotion. The coast was tiireal- 
 ened by a descent from two English frigates, and the flower 
 of the young men were with the army of I'ritice CMiarles 
 Edward, then in I'jigland, yet the summons was so effectual, 
 that even old age and childhood obeyed it, and a force was 
 collected in a few hours, so numerous and so enthusiastic, 
 that all attempt at the intended diversion upon the country of 
 the absent warriors was in prudence abandoned, as desperate. 
 
 This practice, like some others, is common to the High- 
 landers with the ancient Scandinavians, as will appear by the 
 following extract from Olaus Magnus : — 
 
 "When the enemy is upon the sea-const, or within the lim- 
 its of northern kingdomes, then presently, by the command of 
 the principal governours, with the counsel and consent of the 
 old soldiers, who are notably skilled in such like business, a 
 staff of three hands length, in the common sight of them all, 
 is carried, by the speedy running of some active young man, 
 unto that village or city, with this command, — that on the 3. 
 4. or 8. Hay, one, two, or three, or else every man in par- 
 ticidar, frf>m 15 vears old, shall come with his arms, and 
 expenses for ten or twenty days, u|)on pain that his or their
 
 APPENDIX. 293 
 
 houses shall be burnt (which is intimated by the burning of 
 the staff), or else the master to be hanged (which is signilicd 
 by the cord tied to it), to appear speedily on such a Ijank, or 
 held, or valley, to hear the cause he is called, and to hear 
 orders from tlie said provincial governours what he shall do. 
 Wherefore that messenger, swifter than any post or waggon, 
 having done his commission, comes slowly back again, bring- 
 ing a token with him that he hath done all legally, and every 
 moment one or another runs to every village, and tells those 
 places what they must do." . , . "The messengers, there- 
 fore, of the footmen, that are to give warning to the people to 
 meet for the battail, run fiercely and swiftly, for no snow, no 
 rain, nor heat can stop them, nor night hold them ; but they 
 will soon run the race they undertake. The first messenger 
 tells it to the next village, and that to the next, and so the 
 hubbub runs all over till they all know it in that stift or ter- 
 ritory, where, when and wherefore they must meet." — Olaus 
 Magnus" History of the Goths, englished by J. S. Lond. 1658. 
 book iv. chap. 3, 4. 
 
 Note G. 
 
 That monk, of savage form and face. — P 107. 
 
 The state of religion in the middle ages afforded consider- 
 able facilities for those whose mode of life excluded them 
 from regular worship, to secure, nevertheless, the ghostly 
 assistance of confessors, perfectly willing to adapt the nature 
 of their doctrine to the necessities and peculiar circumstances 
 of their flock. Robin Hood, it is well known, had his cele- 
 brated domestic chaplain, Friar Tuck. And that same curtal 
 friar was probably matched in manners and appearance by 
 the ghostly fathers of the Tynedale robbers, who are thus 
 described in an excommunication fulnfinated against their 
 patrons by Richard Fox, Bishop of Durham, tempore Henrici 
 VII. "We have further uiiderstood, that there are manv
 
 294 THI-: i..\nv or /y//-; i..iki-: 
 
 cliaiilains in the said territories of Tynedalc and Rcdesdale, 
 who are pubhc and open maintainers of concubinage, irre- 
 gidar, suspended, excommunicated, and interdicted persons, 
 and withal so utterly ignorant of letters, that it has been 
 found by those who objected this to them, that there were 
 some who, having celebrated mass for ten years, were still 
 unable to read the sacramental service. ^.Ve have also under- 
 stood there are persons among them who, although not 
 ordained, do take upon them the offices of priesthood ; and, 
 in contempt of (Jod, celebrate the divine and sacred rites, 
 and administer tl\e sacraments, not only in sacred and detli- 
 cated places, but in those which are prophane and interdicted, 
 and most wretchedly ruinous ; they themselves being attired 
 in ragged, torn, and most filthy vestments, altogether unfit to 
 be used in divine, or even in temporal offices. The which 
 said chaplains do administer sacraments and sacramental 
 rites to the aforesaid manifest and infamous thieves, robbers, 
 depredators, receivers of stolen goods, and plunderers, and 
 that without restitution, or intention to restore, as evinced by 
 the act; and do also openly admit them to the riles of eccle- 
 siastical sepulchre, without exacting security for restitution, 
 although they are prohibited from doing so by the sacred 
 canons, as well as by the institutes of the saints and fathers. 
 All which infers the heavy peril of their own souls, and is a 
 pernicious example to the other believers in Christ, as well as 
 no slight, but an aggravated injury, to tlic numbers despoiled 
 and phnidered of their goods, gear, herds, and chattels."' 
 
 To this lively and picturesque description of the confessors 
 
 and churchmen of predatory tribes, there may be added some 
 
 urious particulars respecting the priests attached to the 
 
 ' The Monition ajj.iinst the Rohlxrs of Tyncd.ilc .inel Kcflcsdnlr. with winch I 
 was favored by my friend, Mr. .Surlces of Mainsforth, may be found in llie original 
 Latin, in the Appendix to tlic Introduction to the " Ilordir Minstrelsy," Ncj. VII. 
 vol. i., p. 27^ of the Iuliriburj;li edition, iz vols.
 
 APPENDIX. 205 
 
 several septs of native Irish, during the reign of Queen Eliza- 
 beth. These friars had indeed to plead, that the incursions, 
 which they not only pardoned, but even encouraged, were 
 made upon those hostile to them, as well in religion as from 
 national antipathy ; but by Protestant writers they are uni- 
 formly alleged to be the chief instruments of Irish insurrec- 
 tion, the very well-spring of all rebellion towards the English 
 government. Lithgow, the Scottish traveller, declares the 
 Irish wood-kerne, or predatory tribes, to be but the hounds of 
 their hunting-priest, who directed their incursions by their 
 pleasure, partly for sustenance, partly to gratify animosity, 
 partly to foment general division, and always for the better 
 security and easier domination of the friars.^ Derrick, the 
 liveliness and minuteness of whose descriptions may fre- 
 quently apologize for his doggerel verses, after describing an 
 Irish feast, and the encouragement given by the songs of the 
 bards to its termination in an incursion upon the parts of 
 the country more immediately under the dominion of the 
 English, records the no less powerful arguments used by the 
 friar to excite their animosity : — 
 
 " And more t'augment tiie flame, 
 
 and rancour of their harte, 
 The frier, of his counsells vile, 
 
 to rebelles doth imparte 
 Affirming that it is 
 
 an ahnose deede to God, 
 To make the Enghsh subjects taste 
 
 the Irish rebells' rodde. 
 To spoile, to kill, to burne, 
 
 this frier's counsell is ; 
 And for the doing of the same, 
 
 he warrantes heavcnlie blisse. 
 He telles a holie tale ; 
 
 the white he tournes to blacke ; 
 And through the pardons in his male, 
 
 He workes a knavislic knacke." 
 
 * " Lithgow's Travels," first edition, p. 431.
 
 296 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 The wrcckful invasion of a pari of the English pale is liicn 
 described with some spirit; the burning of houses, driving ofT 
 cattle, and all pertaining to such predatory inroads, are, illus- 
 trated by a rude cut. The defeat of the Irish by a party of 
 English soldiers from the next garrison is then commemo- 
 rated, and in like manner adorned with an engraving, in 
 which the friar is exhibited mourning over the slain chieftain ; 
 or, as the rubric expresses it, 
 
 •' The frier then, that treacherous knave ; with ough ough-hone lament, 
 To see his cousin Dcvil!'s-son to have so foul event." 
 
 The matter is handled at great length in the text, of which 
 the following verses are more than a sufficient sample : — 
 
 " The frier seying this, 
 
 lainentcs that lucklcssc parte, 
 And curseth to tiie pittc of hell 
 
 the death man's sturdic harte 
 Vet for to quight them with 
 
 The frier takcth painc, 
 For all the synnes that ere he did 
 
 remission to obtaine. 
 And therefore serves his Ixxikc, 
 
 the candell and the bell ; 
 Hut thinkc you that such apishe toies 
 
 bring damned souls from hell .' 
 It 'longs not to my parte 
 
 iiifernall things to kuowe ; 
 Hut I iK'levc till later dale, 
 
 thei rise not from bclowc. 
 Yet hope that friers give 
 
 to this rcljcllious rout. 
 If that their souls should cliaunce in hell. 
 
 To bring them quicklie out, 
 Doeth make them lead suclu- lives, 
 
 a.s neither (iod nor man, 
 • Without revenge for their dcsartcs, 
 
 permittc or suffer can. 
 Thus friers arc the cause, 
 
 the fountain, and the spring. 
 Of hurleburk-s in this l.uule, 
 
 «>f eche unhappie thing.
 
 APPENDIX. 297 
 
 Tliei cause them to rebelle 
 
 against their soveraigiie quenc, 
 And through rebellion often tynies, 
 
 their lives doe vanishe clene. 
 So as by friers meanes, 
 
 in whom all follie swimme, 
 The Irishe karne doe often lose 
 
 the life, with hedde and limme." 
 
 As the Irish tribes, and those of the Scottish Highlanders, 
 are much more intimately allied by language, manners, dress, 
 and customs than the antiquaries of either country have been 
 willing to admit, I flatter myself I have here produced a 
 strong warrant for the character sketched in the text. The 
 following picture, though of a different kind, serves to estab- 
 lish the existence of ascetic religionists, to a comparatively 
 late period, in the Highlands and Western Isles. There is a 
 great deal of simplicity in the description, for which, as for 
 much similar information, I am obliged to Dr. John Martin, 
 who visited the Hebrides at the suggestion of Sir Robert 
 Sibbald, a Scottish antiquarian of eminence, and early in the 
 eighteenth century published a description of them, which 
 procured him admission into the Royal Society. He died in 
 London about 17 19. His work is a strange mixture of learn- 
 ing, observation, and gross credulity- 
 
 " I remember," says this author, " I have seen an old lay- 
 capuchin here (in the Island of Benbecula), called in their 
 language Brahir-Bocht, that is, Poor Brother ; which is liter- 
 ally true ; for he answers this character, having nothing but 
 what is given him : he holds himself fully satisfied with food 
 and rayment, and lives in as great simplicity as any of his 
 order : his diet is very mean, and he drinks only fair water; 
 
 ' This curious picture of Ireland was inserted by the author in the republication 
 of Soniers' Tracts, vol. i., in which the plates have been also inserted, from the only 
 impressions known to exist, belonging to the copy in the Advocates' Library. See 
 Soniers' Tracts, vol. i., pp. 591, 594.
 
 29S THE L.inv OF THE LAKE. 
 
 his habit i.^ no less mortifying than that of his brethren else- 
 where : he wears a short coat, which comes no fartiier than 
 his niiclclle, with narrow sleeves like a waistcoat : he wears a 
 plad above it, girt about the middle, which reaches to his 
 Knee : the plad is fastened on his breast with a wooden pin, 
 his neck bare, and his feet often so too ; he wears a hat for 
 ornament, and the string about it is a bit of a fisher's line, 
 niadi of horse-hair. This plad he wears instead of a gown 
 worn by those of his order in other countries. I told him he 
 wanted the flaxen girdle that men of his order usually wear : 
 he answered me, that he wore a leathern one, which was the 
 same thing. Upon the matter, if he is spoke to when at 
 meat, he answers again ; which is contrary to the custom of 
 his order. This poor man frequently diverts himself with 
 angling of trouts ; he lies upon straw, and has no bell (as 
 others have) to call him to his devotions, but only his con- 
 science, as he told me." — Martin's Description of the West- 
 ern Ilij^hlands^ p. 82. 
 
 Note H. 
 
 Son II (if', too. tiad coiiir in iiii(fiiii^/il f>l<ist 
 
 Of cliari^iiii^ sfrrda. carccrim^ fmt 
 
 AfoiiQ' /ifiitiarrov'.< sti/iis^/v side, 
 
 irt/cre morldl lior^iiiiait iiccr iiii<rlit ride. — I*. 1 14. 
 
 A I'KKSAGE of the kind alluded to in the text, is still be- 
 lieved to aimounce death to the ancient Highland family of 
 M'Lean of Lochbuy. The s|)irit of an ancestor slain in bat- 
 tle is heard to galloj) along a stony bank, and then to ride 
 thrice around the family residence, ringing his fairy bridle, 
 and thus intimating the ajiproaching calamity. How easily 
 the eye as well as the ear may l)e deceived upon such occa- 
 sions, is eviflent from the stories of armies in the air, and 
 other sj)eclral phenomena, with which history abounds. Such
 
 APPENDIX. 299 
 
 an apparition is said to have been witnessed upon the side of 
 Southfell niountaiiv between Penrith and Keswick, upon the 
 23d June, 1744, by two persons, William Lancaster of Blake- 
 hills, and Daniel Stricket his servant, whose attestation to the 
 fact, with a full account of the apparition, dated the 21st 
 July, 1745, is printed in Clarke's "Survey of the Lakes.'' 
 The apparition consisted of several troops of horse moving 
 in regular order, with a steady rapid motion, making a curved 
 sweep around the fell, and seeming to the spectators to dis- 
 appear over the ridge of the mountain. Many persons wit- 
 nessed this phenomenon, and observed the last, or last but 
 one, of the supposed troop, occasionally leave his rank, and 
 pass at a gallop to the front, whei: he resumed the same 
 steady pace. This ctirious appearance, making the necessary 
 allowance for imagination, may be perhaps sufficiently ac- 
 counted for by optical deception. — Survey of the Lakes, 
 p. 25. 
 
 Supernatural intimations of approaching fate are not, I 
 believe, confined to Highland families. Howel mentions 
 having seen, at a lapidary's, in 1632, a monumental stone, 
 prepared for four persons of the name of Oxenham, before 
 the death of each of whom the inscription stated a white bird 
 to have appeared and fluttered around the bed while the 
 patient was in the last agony {Familiar Letters.^ edit. 1726, 
 247.) Glanville mentions one family, the members of which 
 received this solemn sign by music, tht sound of which floated 
 from the family residence, and seemed to die in a neighbor- 
 ing wood ; another, that of Captain Wood, of Bampton, to 
 whom th3 signal was given by knocking. But the most 
 remarkable instance of the kind occurs in the MS. Memoirs 
 of Lady Fanshaw, so exemplary for her conjugal affection. 
 Her husband, Sir Richard, and she, chanced, during their 
 abode in Ireland, to visit a friend, the head of a sept, who 
 resided in liis ancient baronial castle, surrounded with a
 
 500 T}[E LADY 01' THE LAKE. 
 
 moat. Al midniglu she was awakened by a ghastly and 
 supernatural scream, and, looking out of bed, beheld, by ilie 
 moonlight, a female face and part of the form, hovering at ilie 
 window. The distance from the ground, as well as the cir- 
 cumstance of the moat, excluded the possibility lliat what she 
 beheld was of this world. The face was that of a young and 
 rather handsome woman, but pale ; and the hair, which was 
 reddish, was loose and dishevelled. The dress, which Lady 
 Fanshaw's terror did not prevent her remarking accurately, 
 was that of the ancient Irish. This apparition continued to 
 exhibit itself for some time, and then vanished with two 
 shrieks similar to that which had first excited Lady Fan- 
 shaw's attention. \n the morning, with infinite terror, she 
 communicated to her host what she had witnessed, and found 
 him prepared not only to credit but to account for the aj^pari- 
 tion. "A near relation of my family," said he, "expired last 
 night in this castle. We disguised our certain expectation of 
 the event from vou, lest it should thro ' a cloud over the 
 cheerful reception which was due you. Now, before such an 
 event happens in this family and castle, the female spectre 
 whom you have seen always is visible. She is believed to be 
 the spirit of a woman of inferior rank, whom one of my ances- 
 tors degraded himself by marrying and whom afterwards, to 
 expiate the dishf)nor done his family he caused to be drowned 
 in the castle moat." 
 
 NOTK L 
 
 T/tc Tai^liairm caJV d : by -i/iir/i, a far, 
 
 Oiir sins Jorcsa-^' //u- izuu/s of war. — P. 14S. 
 
 TnK Highlanders, like all rude people, had various super- 
 stitious modes of iiK|uiring into futurity. One of the most 
 noted was the Tci}^lhxirm. mentionetl in the text. A person 
 was wrappeil up in a bkiu ol a newly .slain bullock, and
 
 APPENDIX. 301 
 
 deposited beside a waterfall, or at the bottom of a precipice, 
 or in some other strange, wild, and unusual situation, where 
 the scenery around him suggested nothing but objects of 
 horror. In this situation he revolved in his mind the ques- 
 tion proposed : and whatever was impressed upon him by his 
 exalted imagination, passed for the inspiration of the disem- 
 bodied spirits, who haunt the desolate recesses. In some of 
 these Plebrides, they attribute the same oracular power to a 
 large black stone by the sea-shore, which they approached 
 with certain solemnities, and considered the first fancy which 
 came into their own minds, after they did so, to be the un- 
 doubted dictate of the tutelar deity of the stone, and, as such, 
 to be, if possible, punctually complied with. Martin has 
 recorded the following curious modes of Highland augury, in 
 which the Taghairm, and its effects upon the person who was 
 subjected to it, may serve to illustrate the text. 
 
 " It was an ordinary thing among the over-curious to con- 
 sult an invisible oracle, concerning the fate of families and 
 battles, etc. This was performed three different ways : the 
 first was by a company of men, one of whom, being detached 
 by lot, was afterwards carried to a river, which was the boun- 
 dary between two villages ; four of the company laid hold on 
 him, and, having shut his eyes, they took him by the legs and 
 arms, and then, tossing him to and again, struck his hips 
 with force against the bank. One of them cried out. What is 
 it you have got here ? another answers, A log of birch-wood. 
 The other cries again. Let his invisible friends appear from 
 all quarters, and let them relieve him by giving an answer to 
 our present demands : and in a few minutes after, a number 
 of little creatures came from the sea, who answered the ques- 
 tion, and disappeared suddenly. The man was then set at 
 liberty, and they all returned home, to take their measures 
 according to the prediction of their false prophets ; but the 
 poor deluded fools were abused, for their answer was still
 
 "?02 TUE LADV OF TIIE LAKE. 
 
 ainbicriunis. 'I'liis was alwavs practist-d in the nit;ht, and may 
 literally l)c called the works of darkness. 
 
 " I had an account from the most inlelli<;ent and judicic lis 
 men in the Isle of h^kie, that about sixty-two jears atjo, the 
 oracle was thus consulted only once, and that was in the 
 parish of Kihnartin, on the east side, by a wicked and mis- 
 ch.ievous race of peopkv who are now extinguished, both root 
 and branch. 
 
 "The second way of consulting the oracle was by a party 
 of men, who first retired to solitary places, remote ft< m ain 
 house, and there they singled out one of their number, and 
 wrapt him in a big cow's hide, which they folded about him; 
 his whole body was covered with it, except his head, and so 
 left in this posture all night, imtil his invisible friends relieved 
 him, by giving a proper answer to the question in hand ; 
 which he received, as he fancied, from several persons thai 
 he found about him all that lime. His consorts returned to 
 him at the break of day, and then he communicated his news 
 to them ; which often proved faial to those concerned in such 
 unwarrantable inquiries. 
 
 "There was a third way of consulting, which was a confir- 
 mation of the second above mentioned. The same company 
 who put the man into the hide, took a live cat. and put him 
 on a spit ; one of the number was employed to turn the spit, 
 and one of his consorts inquired of him, What are you doing? 
 he answered, I roast this cat, until his friends answer the 
 question ; which must be the same thai was proposed by the 
 man shut up in the hide. .And afterwards, a very big cat 
 comes, attended by a number of lesser cats, desiring to 
 relieve the cat turned upon the spit, and then answers the 
 question. If this answer proved the same that was given to 
 
 ' The reader m.iy have met with the story of the " Kins of the Cats," in Lord 
 Littleton's Letters. It is well known in the lliglilands as a nursejy tale.
 
 APPENDIX. 305 
 
 the man in the hide, then it was taken as a confirmation of 
 the other, which, in this case, was baUeved infallible. 
 
 *' Mr. Alexander Cooper, present minister of North- Vist 
 told me that one John Erach, in the Isle of Lewis, assured 
 him it was his fate to have been led by his curiosity with 
 some who consulted this oracle, and that he was a right 
 within the hide, as above mentioned ; during which time he 
 felt and heard such terrible things, that he could not express 
 them ; the impression it made on him was such as could 
 never go off, and he said, for a thousand worlds he would 
 never again be concerned in the like performance, for this 
 had disordered him to a high degree. He confessed it ingen- 
 uously, and with an air of great remorse, and seemed to be 
 penitent under a just sense of so great a crime : he declared 
 this about five years since, and is still living in the Lewis for 
 anything I know." — Description of the Western Isles, p. no. 
 See also Pennant's Scottish Tour, vol. ii., p. 361. 
 
 Note K. 
 
 Alice Bratzd. — P. 159. 
 
 This little fairy tale is founded upon a very curious Danish 
 ballad, which occurs in the Kizmpe Viser, a collection of heroic 
 songs, first published in 1591, and reprinted in 1695, in- 
 scribed by Anders Sofrensen, the collector and editor to 
 Sophia, Queen of Denmark. I have been favored with a 
 literal translation of the original, by my learned friend Mr. 
 Robert Jamieson, whose deep knowledge of Scandinavian 
 antiquities will, I hope, one day be displayed in illustration 
 of the history of Scottish Ballad and Song, for which no 
 man possesses more ample materials. The story will remind 
 the readers of the Border Minstrelsy of the tale of Young 
 Tamlane. But this is only a solitary and not very marked 
 instance of coincidence, whereas several of the other ballads
 
 304 Tin-: L.iPy of rui-: j.aki:. 
 
 in the same collection find exact counteri)arts in tiie A\cm/>e 
 I'isi'r. Which may have been the originals, will be a question 
 lor future antiquaries. .Mr. Jamieson, to secure the power of 
 literal translation, has adopted the old Scottish idiom, which 
 approaches so near to that of the Danish, as almost to give 
 word tor word, as well as line for line, and indeed in many 
 verses the orthography alone is altered. As Wester JhiJ, 
 mentioned in the first stan/as of the ballad, means the West 
 Sea, in opposition to the ])aliic, or Eixst Sea, Mr. Jamieson 
 inclines to be of opinion, that the scene of the disenchant- 
 ment is laid in one of the Orkney or Hebride Islands. I'o 
 each verse in the original is added a buri;len, having a kind 
 of meaning of its own, but not applicable, at least not uni- 
 formly a])plicable, to the sense of the stanza to which it is 
 subjoined; this is very common, both in Danish and Scottish 
 song. 
 
 THE F.I.riN GRAY. 
 
 TRANSLATED FROM TIIK UAMSIl K.KMIK VISKR, PAGE I43, AND lUtST 
 
 ruiiLisiir.ij IN 1591. 
 
 Dcr ligs^cr en void i Vestcr HaJ, 
 
 Drr agter en botttii at byggi . 
 Hand f'orcr did haad> liiig og h'ind, 
 
 Og aglcr dcr i»n vintcrcn at Hggi- 
 (Ub VILDE DIUR Ui; IMURENE UDI SKORVEN. 
 
 I. 
 
 There lijjgs a wold in Wester Ilaf, 
 
 There a huslxinde means fo bit;.!,', 
 And thither he carries bait!) hawk and hound. 
 
 There mcaninij the winter to ligjj. 
 ( The wild deer and daes P the ihaiv oitl.'y 
 
 IT. 
 He talcs wi'him haith honnd and cock, 
 
 The larger he means to stay, 
 The wild deer in the sliaws that .ire, 
 
 May sairly rue the d,iy. 
 ( I'he wild deer, etc.)
 
 APPENDIX. 305 
 
 III. 
 He's hew'd the beech, and he's fell'd the aik, 
 
 Sae has he the poplar gray ; 
 And grim in mood was the grewsome elf, 
 
 That be sae bald he may. 
 
 IV. 
 
 He hew'd him kipples, he hew'd him hawks, 
 
 Wi' niickle moil and haste ; 
 Syne speer'd the Elf i' the knock that bade 
 
 " Wha's hackins; here sae fast ? " 
 
 Syne up and spak the weiest Elf, 
 
 Crean'd as an immert sma ; 
 " It's here is come a Christian man ; — 
 
 I'll tley him or he ga." 
 
 VI. 
 
 It's up syne started the firsten Elf, 
 
 And glowr'd about sae grim : 
 " It's we'll awa to the husbande's house. 
 
 And hald a court on him. 
 
 VII. 
 
 " Here hews he down bai h skugg and shaw, 
 And works us skaith and scorn : 
 
 His huswife he sal! gie to me; — 
 They's rue the day they were born ! 
 
 The Elfen a' i' the knock that were, 
 
 Gaed dancing in a string : 
 They nighed near the husband's house; 
 
 Sae lang their tails did hing. 
 
 The hound he yowls i' the yard, 
 The herd toots in his horn ,
 
 306 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 The earn scraii;hs, aiul tlic cock cr.iws, 
 As the liusbaiide has gi'cii him liis corn.' 
 
 X. 
 
 The Elfen were five score and s. ven, 
 
 Sai laklly and sac grim ; 
 And Ihey the huslxind's guests maun be, 
 
 To cat and drink wi' him. 
 
 XI. 
 
 The husbande, out o' Villcnshaw 
 At iiis winnock tiic Klvcs can see: 
 
 " Help me, now, Jcsu, Mary's son ; 
 Tiiir Eh'cs tlicy niMit at mel " 
 
 XII. 
 
 In every nook a cross lie coost, 
 
 In his chahner maist ava; 
 The IClfen a' were fley'd tlicrcat, 
 
 And Hew to tlic wild-wood shaw. 
 
 XIII. 
 And some flew east, and some flew west, 
 
 And some to the norwart Hew ; 
 And some tlicy flew to the deep dale ;lown. 
 
 There still tluy arc I trow.* 
 
 XIV. 
 
 If was then the weist Elf, 
 
 ki at the door liraids he ; 
 Agitst was the husbande, for that Elf 
 
 l-'or cross nor sign wad flee. 
 
 • This singular quatrain stands thus in the original : - 
 " Ihmden hand gior i gaardcn ; 
 
 Hiordcn tudJ: i sit horn; 
 CErnen skrigcr, og hanen galcr, 
 Som bondcn hafdt gif\ct sit kom. 
 ■' III the Danish : — 
 
 " .Somnit floyfe ostcr, og sommJ; floyb vcstcr, 
 Nogle fliiyt n(>r paa , 
 Nogli; floyt ncd i dNlx-ne dal^, 
 ]cg troucT dc ah der cndnu."
 
 APPENDIX. 307 
 
 XV. 
 
 The huswife she was a canny wife, 
 
 She set the Elf at the board ; 
 She set before him baith ale and meat 
 Wi' niony a weel-waled word. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 " Hear thou, Gudeman o' Villensfiaw, 
 
 What now I say to thee ; 
 Wha bade thee bigg within our bounds, 
 
 Without the leave o' me ? 
 
 XVII. 
 
 " But, an thou in our bounds will bigg, 
 And bide as well as may be, 
 
 Then thou thy dearest huswife maun 
 To me for a lemnian gie." 
 
 XVIIl. 
 
 Up spak the luckless husbande then, 
 
 As God the grace him gae; 
 '' Eline she is to me sae dear, 
 
 Her thou may nae-gate hae." 
 
 XIX. 
 
 Till the Elf he answered as he couth ; 
 
 " Lat but my huswife be. 
 And take whate'er, o' gude or gear 
 
 Is mine, awa wi" thee." 
 
 XX. 
 
 " Thine I'll thy Eline tak and thee, 
 
 Aneath my feet to tread ; 
 And hide thy goud and white monie 
 
 Aneath my dwelling stead." 
 
 XXI. 
 
 The husbande and his househald a' 
 
 In sary rede they join : 
 '' Far better that she be now forfaim, 
 
 Nor that we a' should tyne."
 
 '^oS THE LA in' or the lake. 
 
 XMI. 
 
 Up, will of rede, the liusbande stood, 
 
 \Vi' heart fu' sad and sair; 
 And he has sjien his huswife Eline 
 
 Wi' the young Klfc to fare. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 Then blyth grew he, and sj^rang about 
 
 lie took her in liis arm ; 
 The rud it lett her comely cheek ; 
 
 Her heart was clem'd wi' harm. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 A waefu' woman then she was ane. 
 And the moody tears loot fa' ; 
 
 God rew rr mc, unseely wife, 
 How hard a weird I fa 1 
 
 XXV. 
 
 •' My fay 1 plight to the fairest wight 
 That man on mold mat sec ; — 
 
 Maun I now mell v/i' a laidly El, 
 IJis light Icmman to be!" 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 He minted ance — he minted twice, 
 Wae wax'd her heart that syth : 
 
 Syne the laidliest fiend he grew that I'er 
 To mortal ce did kyth. 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 When he the thirden time can mint 
 
 To Mary's son she pray'd. 
 And the laidly Elf was cle-m awa, 
 
 And a fair knight in his stead. 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 This fell under a linden green, 
 That again his shape he found; 
 
 wae and care was the word nac mair, 
 A' were sac glad that stound. 
 
 XXIX 
 
 " O flearcst Ehne, ho.ir thou this, 
 
 And thou my wife sail be,
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 309 
 
 And a' the goiul in merry England 
 Sae freely I'll gi'c thee ! 
 
 XXX. 
 
 " Whan I was but a little wee bairn, 
 
 My mithcr died me fni ; 
 My stepmither sent me awa fra her ; 
 
 I turn'd till an El/in Gray. 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 " To thy husbande I a gift will gie, 
 
 Wi' mickle state and gear, 
 As mends for Eline his huswife; — 
 
 Thou's be my heartis dear." — 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 " Thou nobil knyght, we thank now God 
 That has freed us frae skaith ; 
 
 Sae wed thou thee a maiden free, 
 And joy attend ye baith ! 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 " Sin I to thee nae maik can be 
 
 My dochter may be thine ; 
 And thy gud will right to fulfill, 
 
 Lat this be our propine." — 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 " I thank thee, Eline, thou wise woman; 
 
 My praise thy worth sail ha'e ; 
 And thy love gin I fail to win, 
 
 Thou here at hame sail stay." 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 The husbande biggit now on his oe. 
 And nane ane wrought him wrang; 
 
 His dochter wore crown in Engeland, 
 And happy lived and lang. 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 Now Eline, the husbande's huswife has 
 Cour'd a' her grief and harms 
 
 She's mither to a noble queen 
 That sleeps in a kingis arms.
 
 310 
 
 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 GLOSSARY TO "THE ELFIN f.RAY." 
 
 STANZA I. 
 
 Wold, a. wood ; woody fastness. 
 
 Hiisbande, from the Danish IiTis, witli, 
 and bonde, a villain, or bondsman, 
 who was a cultivator of the ground, 
 and could not quit the estate to which 
 he was attached, without the permis- 
 sion of his lord. This is the sense of 
 the word in the old Scottish records. 
 In the Scottish " Burghe Laws," 
 translated from the Reg. Majcst. 
 (.\uchinleck MS. in the Adv. Lib.), 
 it is used indiscriminately with the 
 Danish and Swedish bondc. 
 
 Bigg, build. 
 
 Ligg, lie. 
 
 Dacs, does. 
 
 STANZA 11. 
 
 Shnw, wood. 
 Sairly, sorely. 
 
 STANZA III. 
 
 Aik, oak. 
 
 Grcirsomc, terrible. 
 Bald, bold. 
 
 STANZA IV. 
 
 fCifflcs (couples), beams joined at the 
 lop, for supporting a roof, in building. 
 liawkf, balks ; cross beams. 
 .\foil, 1.-ilx)rious industry. 
 S/ccr'd, xskcd. 
 Knock, hillock. 
 
 STANZA V. 
 
 Weiest, smallest. 
 
 Crcan\{, shrunk, diminished ; from the 
 Oaclic, crian, very small. 
 
 hnmcrt, emmet ; ant. 
 
 Christian, used in the Danish Inllads, 
 etc., in contradi-^tinction to dcmoniar, 
 AS it is in En;;l.ind in contr.:distinc- 
 tioii to brute; in which »cnsc, a per- 
 
 son of the lower class in Englard. 
 would call a 'Jcxu or a Turk, a Chris- 
 tian. 
 Flcy, frighten. 
 
 STANZA VI. 
 Glmvr'd, stared. 
 Hald, hold. 
 
 STANZA VII. 
 
 Skitgg, shade. 
 Skaith, harm. 
 
 STANZA VIII. 
 
 Nighcd, approached. 
 
 STANZA IX. 
 
 Yowls, howls. 
 
 Toots. — In tlio Danish /«(/^ is ap]ilied 
 
 both to the howling of a dog, and the 
 
 sound of a horn. 
 Siraic/ic, screams. 
 
 STANZA X. 
 
 Laidly, loathly ; disgustingly ugly. 
 Grim, fierce. 
 
 STANZA XI, 
 
 Winnock, window. 
 Mint, aim at. 
 
 STANZA XII 
 
 Coost cast. 
 Chalmcr, chamber. 
 Maist, most. 
 Ava, of all. 
 
 STANZA XIII. 
 
 Norivart, northward. 
 Tr/rif. Ixriievc. 
 
 STANZA XIV. 
 
 JhiiiJi, strides quickly forward 
 If',/,/, would. 
 
 STANZA XV. 
 
 Ctiiiiiy, adroit. 
 Afotiy, many. 
 IVcel-waitd, well chosen.
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 311 
 
 STANZA XVII. 
 
 An, if. 
 Bide, abide. 
 Lemman, mistress. 
 
 STANZA XVIII. 
 
 Nae-gatt, nowise. 
 
 STANZA XIX. 
 
 Couth, could, Icnew how to. 
 Lat be, let alone. 
 Glides, goods ; property. 
 
 STANZA XX. 
 
 Aneath, beneath. 
 Dwalling-stead, dwelling-place. 
 
 STANZA XXI. 
 
 Sary, sorrowful. 
 Rede, counsel ; consultation. 
 Forfairn, forlorn ; lost, gone. 
 Tyne (verb neuter), be lost ; perish. 
 
 STANZA XXII. 
 
 Wile of rede, bewildered in thought ; in 
 the Danish original, "vildyaadage ;" 
 Lat. " inops consilii ; " Gr. anopov. 
 This expression is left among the 
 desiderata in the Glossary to Rit- 
 son's Romances, and has never been 
 explained. It is obsolete in the Dan- 
 ish as well as in English. 
 
 Fare, go. 
 
 STANZA XXIII. 
 
 Rted, red of the cheek. 
 
 Clem'd, in the Danish, klemt (which, in 
 the north of England, is still in use, 
 as the word starved is with us); 
 brought to a dying state. It is used 
 by our old comedians. 
 
 Harm, grief; as in the original, and in 
 the old Teutonic, English, and Scot- 
 tish poetry. 
 
 STANZA XXIV. 
 Wacfii, woful. 
 
 Moody, strongly and wilfully passionate. 
 Rew, tak? ruth ; pity. 
 
 Unscely, unhappy ; unblest. 
 
 Weird, fate. 
 
 Fa{\^. Dan. and Swed.) take; get; 
 acquire ; procure ; have for my lot. 
 This Gothic verb answers, in its 
 direct and secondary significations, 
 exactly to the Latin capio ; and Allan 
 Ramsay was right in his definition of 
 it. It is quite a different word from 
 /a', an abbreviation of fall, or befall ; 
 and is the principal root in fengan, 
 to fang, take, or lay hold jf. 
 
 STANZA XXV. 
 
 Fay, faith. 
 
 Mold, mould ; earth. 
 
 Mat, mote ; might. 
 
 Maun, must. 
 
 Mell, mix. 
 
 El, an elf. This term in the Welsh, 
 signifies -what has in itself the power 
 of motion ; a tnoving principle ; an 
 intelligence ; a spirit ; an angel. In 
 the Hebrew it bears the same import. 
 
 STANZA XXVI. 
 
 Minted, attempted ; meant ; showed a 
 mind, or intention to. The original 
 is : — 
 
 " Hande miiidte hende forst — og an- 
 den gang ; — 
 
 Hun giordis i hiortet sa vee : 
 
 End blef hand den lediste deifvel 
 
 INIand kunde med oyen see. 
 
 Der hand vilde niinde den tredie 
 gang," etc. 
 
 Syth, tide ; time. 
 
 Kyth, appear. 
 
 STANZA JCXVIII. 
 
 Stoitnd, hour ; time ; moment. 
 
 STANZA XXIX. 
 
 Merry (old Teutonic mere), famous; 
 renowned; answering in its etymo- 
 logical meaning, exactly to the Latin 
 Mactus. Hence mcrry-inen, as the
 
 312 
 
 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 address of a chief to his followers ; 
 meaning, not men of mirth, but of 
 renown. The term is found m its 
 original sense in the Gaelic iiiara, 
 and the Welsh mawr, great ; and in 
 the oldest Teutonic Romances, mar, 
 mcr, and mere, have sometimes tiie 
 same signification. 
 
 STANZA x.xxi. 
 Mentis, amends ; recompense. 
 
 -STANZA XX.XIII. 
 
 Maik, match ; peer ; equal. 
 Proline, pledge ; gift. 
 
 STANZA XXXV. 
 
 Oc, an island of the second magnitude; 
 an island of the first magnitude being 
 called a land, and one of the thtni 
 magnitude a holm. 
 
 STANZA XXXVI. 
 
 Coiir'd, recovered 
 
 THE GIIAIST'S W.\RNING. 
 
 TRANSLATIilJ I-KOM TIIE DANISH K.EMI'E VISER, V \V,V. J2\. 
 
 [By the jjermission of Mr. Jamicson, this ballad is added from the same curious 
 collection. It contains some jiassages of great pathos.] 
 
 Svend Dyring hand rider sig op under ol, 
 
 ( Vari jeg selver ting) 
 Der f(este hand sig saa ven en mob. 
 
 (Mig lystcr udi liinden at ridl,) etc. 
 
 Child Dvring has ridden him up under iic,' 
 
 {.■hill Ogin / ircre young .') 
 There wctldcd he him sae fair * a may. 
 
 ( /' the greenwood it lists me to ride. ) 
 
 Thegither they lived for seven lang year, 
 
 (.ind 0,ete.) 
 And they seven kiirns h.ie gotten in fere. 
 
 (/' the greenwood, etc.) 
 
 ' " Under 6c. — The original expression li.is Ixen preserved here and elsewhere, 
 because no other could be found to supply its pl.icc. There is just as much mean 
 ing in it in the translation as in the original : but it is a st.mdard Danish Iwllar! 
 phrase; and as such, it is hnjufl, will Ix; allowed to pass. 
 
 * '* /•'(;/>." — 'Ihc n.uiish and .Swedish vcn, -.an, or venne, and the (Jaelic bUn, 
 in the oblique cases IdiHn (-;hi), is the origin of the Scottish bonny, which has so 
 much puzzled all the etymologists.
 
 APPENDIX. 3 I 3 
 
 Sae Death's come there intill that stead, 
 And that winsome lily flower is dead. 
 
 That swain he has ridden him up under oe, 
 And syne he has married anithcr may. 
 
 He's married a may, and he's fessen her hame ; 
 But she was a grim and laidly dame. 
 
 When into the castell court drave she, 
 
 The seven bairns stood wi' the tear in tlieir ee. 
 
 The bairns they stood wi' dule and doubt ; — 
 She up wi' her foot, and she kicked them out. 
 
 Nor ale nor meed to the bairnies she gave : 
 " But hunger and hate frae me ye's have." 
 
 She took frae them the bowster blae, 
 And said, " Ye sail ligg i' the bare strae! " 
 
 She took frae them the groff wax-light : 
 
 Says, " Now ye sail ligg i' the mirk a' night ! " 
 
 'Twas lang i' the night, and tlie bairnies grat ; 
 Their mither she under the mools heard that ; 
 
 That heard the wife under the card that lay ; 
 " For sooth maun I to my bairnies gae ! " 
 
 That wife can stand up at our Lord's knee, 
 And " May I gang and my bairnies see ! " 
 
 She prigged sae sair, and she prigged sae lang 
 That he at the last ga'e her leave to gang. 
 
 " And thou sail come back when the cork does craw ; 
 For thou nae langer sail bide awa."
 
 314 THE LAnV OF 77/ ic L.Ik-/:. 
 
 Wi' her banes sae stark a bowt she gae: 
 Slic's riven baith wa' and marble gray." ' 
 
 When near to the dwallinj; she can gang, 
 The dogs tliey wow'd till the lift it rang. 
 
 When she came till the castell yett, 
 Her eldest dochtcr stood thereat. 
 
 1 
 " Why stand ye here, dear dochtcr mine? 
 llow arc sma brithers and sisters thine? " — 
 
 " For sooth yc ru .i woman baith fair and line 
 But yc are na dear mithcr of mine." — 
 
 " Och ! how should I be fine or fair ? 
 
 My check it is pale, and the ground's my lair. — 
 
 " My mithcr was white, wi' check sac red ; 
 But thou art wan, and likcr anc dead." — 
 
 " Och ! how should 1 be white and red, 
 Sae lang as I've been cauld and dead?" 
 
 When she cam till the chalmcr in. 
 
 Down thu bairns' cheeks tlu- tcar^. did riii. 
 
 She buskit the tanc, and she brush'd it there 
 She kcni'd and plaited the tithcr's hair. 
 
 The tl.irden she doo<ird upon her knee, 
 .And the fourthen she dichtcd sac cannilic. 
 
 ' 'l"hc original of this and the following stanza is very fine: 
 " iliin skod op sine niodigt Ijccn, 
 Dcr rcvcncdd miiur og gnui marmorstecn. 
 Der hnn gik igcnnicm den by, 
 Dc hiindi de ttidi saa Iwjt i sky."
 
 APPENDIX. 315 
 
 She's ta'en the fifthen upon her lap, 
 And sweetly suckled it at her pap. 
 
 Till her eldest dochter syne said she, 
 " Ye bid Child Dyring come here to me." 
 
 When he cam till the chalmer in, 
 Wi' angry mood she said to him : 
 
 " I left you routh o' ale and bread ; 
 
 My bairnies quail for hunger and need. 
 
 "I left ahmd me braw bowsters blae ; 
 My bairnies are liggmg i' the bare strae. 
 
 " I left ye sae mony a groff wax-lighf ; 
 My bairnies ligg i' the mirk a' nicht. 
 
 " Gin aft I come back to visit thee, 
 Wae, dowy, and weary thy luck shall be." 
 
 Up spak little Kirstin in bed that lay : 
 " To thy bairnies I'll do the best I may." 
 
 Aye when they heard the dog nirr and bell, 
 Sae ga'e they the bairnies bread and ale. 
 
 Aye when the dog did wow, in haste 
 
 They cross'd and sain'd themselves frae the ghaist. 
 
 Aye whan the little dog yowl'd, with fear 
 
 {And O gin I were young.') 
 They shook at the thought that the dead was near. 
 
 r the greenwood it lists me to ride.) 
 or, 
 
 (Fair words sac mony a Itcarl they cheer.)
 
 -,i6 
 
 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 GLOSSARV TO •TIIM (WIAISTS WAKMNC." 
 
 Miiy, maid. 
 
 Lists, pleases. 
 
 Ukait, place. 
 
 Bairns, cliildrcn. 
 
 Ill fcrc, together. 
 
 Winsome, engaging; giving joy (old 
 
 Teutonic.) 
 Sync, then. 
 
 I'tsscn, fetched, brought. 
 Drave, drove. 
 Ditlc, sorrow. 
 Dotit, fear. 
 
 Bowstcr, bolster ; cushion ; bed. 
 lilac, blue. 
 Strac, straw. 
 
 Groff, great : large in girt. 
 Mark, mirk ; dark 
 Laui; P llic night, late. 
 Grat^ wept. 
 Mools, mould ; cartn. 
 Eard, earth. 
 Gac, go. 
 ^'''iW'^i entreated earnestly and per- 
 
 scvcringly. 
 Gani^, go. 
 Cra7V. crow. 
 Bancs, l>)nes. 
 Stark, strong. 
 Boift. Ixilt ; elastic spriiii,'. like that of a 
 
 bolt, or arrow from a bow. 
 
 Riven, split asunder 
 
 Wa\ wail. 
 
 Woii'd, howled. 
 
 Lift, sky ; Hrniament ; air. 
 
 Yctt, gate. 
 
 Sma, small 
 
 Lire, complexion. 
 
 CalJ, cold. 
 
 Till, to. 
 
 Rin, run. 
 
 Buskit, dressed. 
 
 Kcin\l, combed. 
 
 Tithcr, the other. 
 
 Routh, plenty. 
 
 Quail, are quelled ; die. 
 
 Need, want. 
 
 Ahind, Ix'liiiid. 
 
 Braw, brave ; fine. 
 
 DiTwy, sorrowful. 
 
 Nirr, snarl. 
 
 Bell, bark. 
 
 Sained, blessed : literally, sij;-ncd with 
 the siqn of Ihe cross. Before the 
 introduction of Christianity, Runes 
 were used in sainini;, as a spell 
 against the power of enchantment 
 and evil genii. 
 
 Gliaist, ghost
 
 APPENDIX. 11"] 
 
 Note L. 
 
 Why sounds yon stroke on beech and oak. 
 
 Our moonlight circlets screen F 
 Or -who comes here to chase the deer. 
 
 Beloved of our Elfin ^ueen ? — P. 162. 
 
 It has been already observed, that fairies, if not positively 
 malevolent, are capricious, and easily offended. They are, 
 like other proprietors of forests, peculiarly jealous of their 
 rights of vert and vefiison, as appears from the cause of of- 
 fence taken, in the original Danish ballad. This jealousy was 
 also an attribute of the northern Duergar, or dwarfs ; to many 
 of whose distinctions the fairies seem to have succeeded, if, 
 indeed, they are not the same class of beings. In the huge 
 metrical record of German Chivalry, entitled the Helden- 
 Buch, Sir Hildebrand, and the other heroes of whom it treats, 
 are engaged in one 0/ their most desperate adventures, from 
 a rash violation of the rose-garden of an Elfin, or Dwarf 
 King. 
 
 There are yet traces of a belief in this worst and most mali- 
 cious order of Fairies among the border wilds. Dr. Leyden 
 has introduced such a dwarf into his ballad entitled the Cout 
 of Keeldar, and has not forgotten his characteristic detesta- 
 tion of the chase. 
 
 " The third blast that young Kee'dar blew, 
 Still stood the limber fern, 
 And a wee man, of swarthy hue, 
 Upst?rted by a cairn. 
 
 His russet weeds were brown as heath 
 
 That clothes the upland fell ; 
 And the hair of his head was frizzly red 
 
 As the purple heather-bell.
 
 3lS THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 " An iirchin, clad in prickles red, 
 Cliinj» cow'rinj; to his arm ; 
 Tlie hounds tliey howl'd, and backward fled, 
 As struck by fairy cliarni. 
 
 '"\Vliy rises high the stag-liound's cry. 
 Where stag-hound ne'er sliould Ijc ? 
 Why wakes that horn the silent morn 
 Without the leave of me ? ' — 
 
 ' Brown dwarf, that o'er the moorland strays, 
 
 Thy name to Kceldar tell ! ' — 
 'The Brown Man of the Muirs, who stays 
 
 Beneath the heather-bell. 
 
 " ' 'Tis sweet be.ieath the hcathcr-bell 
 To live in autumn brown ; 
 And sweet to hear the lavVock's swell, 
 I-'ar, far from tower and town. 
 
 '" But woe Ix-tidc tiie shrilling horn. 
 The chase's surly cheer ! 
 And ever that hunter is forlorn, 
 Whom first at morn I hear.' '' 
 
 The poetical picture here j:jiveii of ihc Duergar corresponds 
 exactly with the following Norlh'iinbrian legend, with which 
 I was lately favored by my learned and kind friend, Mr. 
 Surtee.s of Mainsforth, who has bestowed indefatigable labor 
 upon the antiquities of the Knglish ]}order counties. The 
 subject is in itself so curious, that the length of the note will, 
 I hope, be pardoned. 
 
 " I have only one record to offer of the appearance of our 
 Northumbrian Duergar. My narratri.>c is Klizabeth Cock- 
 burn, an old wife of {)ffertf)n, in tliis county, whose credi;. in 
 a case of this kind, will not, I hope, be much im|)eaclK'il, 
 when I add, that she is, by her dull neighbors, supposed to be 
 occasionally insane, but, by her.self, to be at those times en- 
 dowed with a faculty of seeing visions, and spectral appear- 
 ances, which shun the common ken.
 
 APPENDIX. 319 
 
 " In the year before the great rebellion, two young men 
 from Newcastle were sporting on the high moors above 
 Elsdon, and after pursuing their game several hours, sat down 
 to dine in a green glen near one of the mountain streams. 
 After their repast, the younger lad ran to the brook for wa- 
 ter, and after stooping to drink, was surprised, on lifting his 
 head again, by the appearance of a brown dwarf, who stood 
 on a crag covered with brackens, across the burn. This ex- 
 traordinary personage did not appear to be above half the 
 stature of a common man, but was uncommonly stout and 
 broad-built, having the appearance of vast strength. His 
 dress was entirely brown, the color of the brackens, and his 
 head covered with frizzled red hair. His countenance was 
 expressive of the most savage ferocity, and his eyes glared 
 like a bull. It seems he addressed the young man first, 
 threatening him with his vengeance for having trespassed on 
 his demesnes, and asking him if he knew in whose presence 
 he stood ? The youth replied, that he now supposed him to 
 be the lord of the moors ; that he offended through igno- 
 rance ; and offered to bring him the game he had killed. The 
 dwarf was a little mollified by this submission, but remarked, 
 that nothing could be more' offensive to him than such an 
 offer, as he considered the wild animals as his subjects, and 
 never failed to avenge their destruction. He condescended 
 further to inform him, that he was, like himself, mortal, 
 though of years far exceeding the lot of common humanity ; 
 and (what I should not have had an idea of) that he hoped 
 for salvation. He never, he added, fed on anything that had 
 life, but lived in the summer on whortleberries, and in winter 
 on nuts and apples, of which he had great store in the woods. 
 Finally, he invited his new acquaintance to accompany him 
 home, and partake his hospitality ; an offer which the youth 
 was on the point of accepting, and was just going to spring 
 across the brook (which if he had done, says Elizabeth, the
 
 320 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 dwarf would certainly have torn him in pieces), when his foot 
 was arrested by the voice of his companion, who thought 
 he had tarried long : and on looking round again, ' the wee 
 brown man was [\<^(\: The story adds, that he was impru- 
 dent enough to slight the admonition, and to sport over the 
 moors on his way homewards; but soon after his return he 
 fell into a lingering disorder, and died within the year." 
 
 Note M. 
 
 Aitd <f(ii/y s/ii)/(.< the Fairy-land — 
 't'«/ all IS i^lis/cm'iii;^ s//oiv. — P. 165. 
 
 No fact respecting Fairy-land seems to be better ascer- 
 tained than the fantastic and illusory nature of its apparent 
 pleasure and splendor. It has been already noticed in the 
 former quotations from Dr. Graliame's entertaining volume, 
 and may be confirmed by the following Highland tradition : 
 "A woman, whose new-born child had been conveyed by 
 them into their secret abodes, was also carried thither lierself, 
 to remain, however, only until she could suckle her infant. 
 She, one day, during this period, observed the Shi'ichs busily 
 .■mployed in mixing various ingredients in a boiling caldron ; 
 and, as soon the composition was prepared, she remarked 
 that they all carefully anointed their eyes with It, laying the 
 remainder aside for future u.se. in a moment when they 
 were all ai)sent, she also attempted to anoint her eyes wiiii 
 the precious drug, but hatl time to apjily it to one eye only, 
 when the Daoine S/ii' returned. IJut with thai eye she was 
 henceforth enabled to see everything as it really passed in 
 :heir secret abodes she saw every object, not as she hitherto 
 had done, in deceptive splendor and elegance, but in its gen- 
 uine colors and form. The gaudy ornaments of the apart- 
 ment were reduced to the walls of a gloomy cavern. Soon
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 after, having discharged her office, she was dismissed to her 
 own home. Still, however, she retained the faculty of seeing, 
 with her medicated eye, everything that was done, anywhere 
 in her presence, by the deceptive art of the order. One day, 
 amidst a throng of people, she chanced to observe the 
 Shi'ich, or man of peace, in whose possession she had left 
 her child ; though to every other eye invisible. Prompted by 
 maternal affection, she inadvertently accosted him, and began 
 to inquire after the welfare of her child. The man of peace, 
 astonished at being thus recognised by one of mortal race, 
 demanded how she had been enabled to discover him. 
 Awed by the terrible frown of his countenance she acknowl- 
 edged what she had done. He spat in her eye, and extin- 
 guished it forever." — Graham's Sketches, p. 116-118. It is 
 very remarkable, that this story, translated by Dr. Grahame 
 from popular Gaelic tradition, is to be found in the " Otia 
 Imperialia " of Gervase of Tilbury.^ A work of great inter- 
 
 ' This story is still current in the moors of Staffordshire, and adapted by the 
 peasantry to their own meridian. I have repeatedly heard it told, exactly as here, 
 by rustics who could not read. My last authority was a nailer near Cheadle. — R, 
 Jamieson. 
 
 One other legend, in a similar strain, lately communicated by a very intelligent 
 young lady, is given, principally because it furnishes an opportunity of pursuing an 
 ingenious idea suggested by Mr. Scott, in one of his learned notes to the Lady of 
 the Lake : — 
 
 " A young man roaming one clay through the forest, observed a number of per- 
 sons all dressed in green, issuing from one of those rouna eminences which are 
 commonly accounted fairy hills. Each of them in succession called upon a person 
 by name, to fetch his horse. A caparisoned steed instantly appeared ; they all 
 mounted, and sallied forth into the regions of air. The young man, like All Baba in 
 the Arabian Nights, ventured to pronounce the same name, and called for his 
 horse. The steed immediately appeared ; he mounted, and was soon joined to the 
 fairy choir. He remained with them for a year, going about with them to fairs and 
 wetldings, and feasting, though unseen by mortal eyes, on the victuals that were 
 exhibited on those occasions. They had, one day, gone to a wedding, where the 
 cheer was abundant. During the feast, the bridegroom sneezed. The young man, 
 according to the usual custom, said, ' God bless you !" The fairies were offended 
 at the pronunciation of the sacred name, and assured him, that if he dared to re-
 
 322 77//r LAPV OF THE LAKE. 
 
 est might be compiled upon the origin of popular fiction, and 
 the transmission of similar tales from age to age, and from 
 country to country. The mythology of one period would 
 then appear to pass into the romance of the next century, 
 and that into the nursery-tale of the subsequent ages. Such 
 an investigation, while it went greatly to diminish our ideas 
 of the richness of humm Invention, would also show, that 
 these fictions, however wild and childish, possess such charms 
 for the populace, as enable them to penetrate into countries 
 unconnected by manners and language, and having no appa- 
 rent intercourse, to afford the means of transmission. It 
 would carry me far beyond my bounds, to produce instances 
 of this community of fable, among nations who never bor- 
 rowed from each other anything intrinsically worth learning 
 Indeed, the wide diffusion of popular fictions may be com- 
 pared to the facility with which straws and feathers are 
 dispersed abroad by the wind, while valuable metals cannot 
 be transported without trouble and labor. There lives, I be- 
 lieve, only one gentleman, whose unlimited acquaintance with 
 this subject might enable him to do it justice ; I mean my 
 friend Mr. Francis Douce, of the jiritish Museum, whose 
 usual kindness will, 1 hope, ]iar(lon niy mentioning his name, 
 while on a subject so closely connected with his extensive and 
 curious researches. 
 
 peat it, they would punish him. The briflejjroom sneezed a second time. He 
 repeated his l<lessi>if:: they tlireatcncd nmre tremendous vengeance. He sneezed a 
 third time ; he blessed him .is Ix-forc. The fairies were cnw>;ed ; tliey tumblc<l him 
 from a precipice; but he found himself unhurt, and was restorctl to the society of 
 ir.ort.ils. — I)K. Oraiiami's Sl-ele/ies, second edition, pp. 255-7. Sec Note, " Fairy 
 Superstitions," Kob Roy, N. Edit,
 
 APPENDIX. 323 
 
 Note N, 
 
 Sec, here- nil va)itagclc$s I stn>td^ 
 
 Ai-md, like thyself, xvith suiglc brand, — P. 204. 
 
 The duellists of former times did not always stand upon 
 those punctilios respecting equality of arms, which are now- 
 judged essential to fair combat. It is true that, in formal 
 combat in the lists, the parties were, by the judges of the 
 field, put as nearly as possible in the same circumstances. 
 But in private duel it was often otherwise. In that desperate 
 combat which was fought between Quelus, a minion of Henry 
 III. of France, and Antraguet, with two seconds on each 
 side, from which only two persons escaped alive, Quelus com- 
 plained that his antagonist had over him the advantage of a 
 poniard which he used in parrying, while his left hand, which 
 he was forced to employ for the same purpose, was cruelly 
 mangled. When he charged Antraguet with this odds, "Thou 
 hast done wrong," answered he, "to forget thy dagger at 
 home. We are here to fight, and not to settle punctilios of 
 arms." In a similar duel, however, a youngei brother of the 
 house of Aubanye, in Angoulesme, behaved more generously 
 on the like occasion, and at once threw away his dagger when 
 his enemy challenged it as an undue advantage. But at this 
 time hardly anything can be conceived more horribly brutal 
 and savage than the mode in which private quarrels were 
 conducted in France. Those who were most jealous of the 
 point of honor, and acquired the title of Riiffines, did not 
 scruple to take every advantage of strength, numbers, sur- 
 prise, and arms, to accomplish their revenge. The Sieur de 
 Brantome, to whose discourse on duels I am obliged for these 
 particulars, gives the following account of the death and 
 principles of his friend, the Baron de Vitaux : —
 
 "^24 THE LAnV OF THE /..IK I-. 
 
 " J'i^y oui collier h. un Tirciir d'armcs, ciui apprit ^ Millaud 
 a en tircr, lequcl s'apclloit Seigneur le Jacques Ferron, de la 
 ville d'Ast, qui avoit este h nioy, il fut despuis tue c\ Saincle- 
 Hasille en Gascogne, lors que Monsieur du Mayne I'assiegea, 
 lui servant d'Inge'nieur ; et de malheur, je I'avois addresse' 
 audit I^aron quelques irois niois auparavani, jjour I'exercer h. 
 tirer, bien qu'il en s^x'ust prou ; niais il ne'en fit comptQ; et 
 le laissant Millaud s'en servit, et le rendit fort adroit. Ce 
 Seigneur Jacques done me raconta, qu'il s'estoit monte sur 
 un noyer, assez loing, pour en voir le combat, et qu'il nevist ja- 
 mais homme y aller plus bravement, ny plus re'solument, ny de 
 grace plus asseurtfe ny de'termine'e. II commenga de marcher 
 de cinquante pas vers son enemy, rele\'ant souvent ses mous- 
 taches en haut d'une main ; et estant h. vingt pas de son 
 ennemy, (non plustost,) il mit la main il I'espee quil tenoit en 
 la main, non qu'il I'eust tire'e encore ; mais en marchant, il fit 
 voller le founeau en I'air, en le sccouant, ce qui est le beau 
 de cela, et qui monstroit bien un grace de combat bien 
 asseur(fe et froide, et nuUement temeraire, commc il y en a 
 (|ui tirent leurs espe'es de cinq cents pas de I'enncmy, voire do 
 mille, commc j'en ay veu aucuns. Ainsi mourut ce brave 
 JJaron, le parogon de I'Vance, qu' on noinmoit tel, h. bien 
 venger, ses querelles, par grandes et dc'termintfes resolutions. 
 II n'estoit pas seulement estime en France, mais en Italic, 
 Fspaigne, Allemaigne, en P.oulogne et Angleterre; et desiro- 
 ient fort les Fstrangers, vcnanl en France, le voir; car je I'ay 
 veu, tant sa renommee volloii. II estoit fort petit de corps, 
 mais fort grand de courage. Ses ennemis disoient c|u'il ne 
 tuoit pas bien ses gens, cjue par advantages et supercheries. 
 Certes, je tiens de grands capitaines, et mesme d'ltaliens, qui 
 ont estez d'autres fois les jiremicrs vengcurs du mond, in opii 
 moi/o, disoieiit-ils, f|ui ont tenu cette maxime, c|u'iinc supcr- 
 ( heric ne se devoit payer c|ue par semblable monnoye, et n'y 
 alloit point la de deshonneur," — Ocnvrcs <k Brantotne, Paris,
 
 APPENDIX. 325 
 
 1787-8. Tome viii. u. 90-92. it may be necessary to inform 
 the reader, that this jjaragon of France was the most foul 
 assassin of his time, and had committed many desperate 
 murders, chiefly by the assistance of his hired banditti ; from 
 which it may be conceived how little the point of honor of 
 the period deserved its name. I have chosen to give my 
 heroes, who are indeed of an earlier period, a stronger tinc- 
 ture of the spirit of chivalry. 
 
 Note O. 
 
 The burff/icrs hold their sports, to-day. — P. 217. 
 
 Every burgh of Scotland of the least note, but more espec- 
 ially the considerable towns, had their solemn //f^?/, or festival, 
 when feats of archery were exhibited, and prizes distributed 
 to those who excelled in wrestling, hurling the bar, and the 
 other gymnastic exercises of the period. Stirling, a usual 
 place of royal residence, was not likely to be deficient in 
 pomp upon such occasions, especially since James V. was 
 very partial to them. His ready participation in these popu- 
 lar amusements was one cause of his acquiring the title of 
 King of the Commons, or Rex Plcheioruin^ as Lesley has 
 latinized it. The usual prize to the best shooter was a silver 
 arrow. Such a one is prese ved at Selkirk and at Peebles. 
 At Dumfries, a silver gun was substituted, and the contention 
 transferred to lire-arms. The ceremony, as there per- 
 formed, is the subject of an excellent Scottish poem, by 
 Mr. John Mayne, entitled the Silver Gun, 1808, which sur- 
 passes the efforts of Fergusson, and comes near to those of 
 Burns. 
 
 Of James's attachment to archery, Pitscottie, the faithful, 
 though rude recorder of the manners of that period, has 
 given us evidence : —
 
 32(3 THE I.AnV <'/• ////•; LAKE. 
 
 "Ill lliis Near ihcrc c air.c an ciiil)a>satl<ir <>ut of iMisrland. 
 nanicil Lord Walliain Howard, with a bishop with him, with 
 many other gentlemen, to the number of threescore horse, 
 whitli were all able men and waled [picked] men for all kinds 
 of games and pastimes, shooting, louping, running, \vrestlii>g, 
 and casting of the stone, but ihey were well 'saved [essayed 
 or tried) ere they passed out of Scotland, and that by theii 
 own provocation ; but ever they tiv.t : till at last, the Queen of 
 Scotland, the king's mother, favoured the English-men, be- 
 cause she was the King of England's sister ; and therefore 
 she took an enterprise of archery upon the English-men's 
 hands, contrary her son the king, and any six in Scotland that 
 he would wale, either gentlemen or yeomen, that the English- 
 men should shoot against them, either at pricks, revers, or 
 buts, as the Scots pleased, 
 
 "The king, hearing this of his mother, was content, anil 
 gart her pawn a hundred crowns, and a tun of wine, uix)n the 
 r^nirlish-men's hands : and he incontinent laid down as much 
 for the Scottish-men. The field and ground was chosen in 
 St. Andrews, and three landed men and three yeomen chosen 
 to shoot against the luiglish-men, — to wit, David Wemys of 
 that ilk, David Arnot of th.at ilk, and Mr. John Wedderburn, 
 vicar of Dundee; the yeomen, John Thomson, in Leith, Steven 
 Taburner, with a piper, called Alexander Bailie ; they shot 
 very near, and warred [worsted] the English-men of the en- 
 terprise, and wan the hundred crowns and the tun of wine, 
 •which made the king very merry that his men wan the vic- 
 tor)'."
 
 APPENDIX. 327 
 
 Note P. 
 
 These drerv 7iot for thcii' fchh the szvord. 
 Like tenants of a feudal lord. 
 Nor oiviid the patriarchal claim, 
 
 Of Chieftain in their leader s name : 
 Adveiittcrers they P. 237. 
 
 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 patri- 
 archal influence exercised by the heads of clans in the High- 
 lands and Borders was of a different nature, and sometimes 
 at variance with feudal principles. It flowed from the Patria 
 Potesfas, exercised by the chieftain as representing the origi- 
 nal father of the whole name, and was often obeyed in con- 
 tradiction to the feudal superior. James V. seems to have 
 first introduced, in addition to the militia furnished from 
 these sources, the service of a small number of mercenaries, 
 who formed a body-guard, called the Foot-Band. The sati- 
 rical poet. Sir David Lindsay (or the person whe wrote the 
 prologue to his play of the " Three Estaites,") has introduced 
 Finlay of the Foot-Band, who, after much swaggering upon 
 the stage, is at length put to flight by the Fool, who terri- 
 fies him by means of a sheep's scull upon a pole. I have 
 rather chosen to give them the harsh features of the merce 
 nary soldiers of the period, than of this Scottish Thraso, 
 These partook of the character of the Adventurous Compan- 
 ions of Froissart or the Condottieri of Italy. 
 
 One of the best and liveliest traits of such manners is the 
 last will of a leader, called Geffroy Tete Noir, who having 
 been slightly wounded in a skirmish, his intemperance brought 
 on a mortal disease. When he found himself dying, he sum-
 
 3-'.S THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 nioned lo Iiis bedside the adventurers wIkhii he commanded, 
 and tluis addresseil iheni : — 
 
 " Fayre sirs, quod GetYray, I knowe well ye have alwayes 
 ser\'ed and honoured me as men ought to serve their sove- 
 raygne and capitayne, and I shall be the gladder if ye wyll 
 to have to your capitayne one that is descended of my agrc 
 blode. IJeholde here Aleyne Roux, my cosyn, and I'eter his 
 brother, who are men of armes and of my blode. I reciuire 
 you to make Aleyne your capitayne, and to swere to hym 
 taythe, obeysaunce, love, and loyalte, here in my presence, 
 and also to his brother: howe be it, 1 wyll that Aleyne have 
 the soverayne charge. Sir, quod they, we are well content, 
 for ye hauve ryght well chosen. There all the companyons 
 made them breke no poynt of that ye have ordayned and 
 commaunded." — Lord Berners' Froissart. 
 
 Note Q. 
 
 A)i<l SiiD-vdoiiii's l\iii>rlit /.< Scot land's h'imj;. — P. J69. 
 
 This discovery will probably remind the reader of the 
 beautiful Arabian tale of Jl Bondocatii. Vet the incident is 
 not borrowed from that elegant story, but from Scottish tra- 
 dition. 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 op- 
 l>ressed class of his subjects, he was, as we have seen, popu- 
 larly termed the Kin;^ of thr Comtnons. For the jiurjiose of 
 seeing that justice was regularly administered, and frec|uently 
 from the less justifiable motive of gallantry, he used to trav- 
 erse the vicinage of his several palaces in various disguises. 
 The two excellent comic songs, entitled "The (Jaberlunzie 
 Man," and "We'll gae nae mair a roving," are said to have
 
 APPENDIX. 329 
 
 been founded upon the success of his amorous adventures 
 when travelHng in the cUsguise of a beggar. The latter is 
 perhaps the best comic ballad in any language. 
 
 Another adventure, which had nearly cost James his life, is 
 said to have taken place at the village of Cramond, near Ed- 
 inburgh, where he had rendered his addresses acceptable to a 
 pretty girl of the lower rank. Four or five persons, whether 
 relations or lovers of his mistress is uncertain, beset the dis- 
 tinguished monarch as he returned from his rendezvous. 
 Naturally gallant, and an admirable master of his weapon, 
 the king took post on the high and narrow bridge over the 
 Almond river, and defended himself bravely with his sword. 
 A peasant, who was threshing in a neighboring barn, came out 
 upon the noise, and whether moved by compassion or by nat- 
 ural gallantry, took the weaker side, and laid about with flail 
 so effectually, as to disperse the assailants, well threshed, even 
 according to the letter. He then conducted the king into his 
 barn, where his guest requested a basin and a towel, to remove 
 the stains of the broil. This being procured with difficulty 
 James employed himself in learning what was the summit of his 
 deliverer's earthly wishes, and found that they were bounded 
 by the desire of possessing, in property, the farm of Braehead, 
 upon which he labored as a bondsman. The lands chanced 
 to belong to the rrown ; and James directed him to come to 
 the palace of Holyrood, and enquire for the Guidman (/. e. 
 farmer) of Ballengiech, a name by which he was known in 
 his excursions, and which answered to the II Bondocani of 
 Haroun Alraschid. He presented himself accordingly, and 
 found, with due astonishment, that he had saved his monarch's 
 life, and that he was to be gratified with a crown-charter of 
 the lands of Braehead, under the service of presenting a ewer, 
 basin, and towel, for the king to wash his hands, when he 
 shall happen to pass the bridge of Cramond. This person 
 was ancestor of the Howiesons of Braehe id in Mid-Lothian,
 
 330 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 a respectable family, who coiilinuc to hold the lands (now 
 passed into the female line) under the same tenure.' 
 
 Another of James's frolics is thus narrated by Mr. Camjv 
 bell from the Statistical Account : " Iking once benighted 
 when out a-hunting, and separated from his attendants, he 
 happened to enter a cottage in the midst of a m'oor, at the 
 foot of the Ochil hills, near Alloa, where, unknown, he was 
 kindly received. In order to regale their unexpected guest, 
 the guticman (/. c. landlord, farmer) desired the gudc^vifc to 
 fetch the hen that roosted nearest the cock, which is always 
 tile plumpest, for the stranger's supper. The king, highly 
 pleased with his night's lodging and hospitable entertainment, 
 told mine host, at parting, that he should be glad to return 
 his civility, and requested that the first time he came to Stir- 
 ling he would call at the castle, and encjuire for the Gudcman 
 of BallcngKicJi. Donaldson, the landhjrd, did not fail to 
 call on the GiiJcman of BaUngiiich, when his astonishment 
 at finding that the king had been his guest afi'orded no small 
 amusement to the merry monarch and his courtiers; and, to 
 carry on the pleasantry, he was thenceforth designated by 
 James with the title of King of the Moors, which name and 
 designation have descended from father to son ever since, and 
 they have continued in possession of the identical spot, the 
 property of Mr. ICrskine of Mar, till very lately, when this 
 gentleman, with reluctance, turned out ihe descendant and 
 representative of the K'ng of the Moors, on account of his 
 majesty's invincible indolence, and great dislike to reform or 
 innovation of any kind, although, from the spirited example 
 
 ' [Tlic rculiT will liiul tills story fuM at Rrcatcr l<ni;lli, and with the aflditinn 
 in p.irticular of Uii; king Ixin); ricoKnizitl, like the Fitz-JanR>< of the Lady of the 
 I-akc, by bcinK llic only person covercrl, in the First Scries of Talcs of a Grand- 
 father, vol. iii., p. ^7. The heir of Urarhcad discharRr.! his duty at the Iwn- 
 <|uet Riven to King (ieorge IV. in the r.irliameiit Houbc at lidinburgh, in 
 1822. — Ml. .J
 
 APPENDIX. 331 
 
 of his neighbor tenants on the same estate, he is convinced 
 similar exertion would promote his advantage." 
 
 The author requests permission yet farther to verify the 
 subject of his poem, by an extract from the genealogical 
 work of Buchanan of Auchmar, upon Scottish surnames : — 
 
 "This John Buchanan of Auchmar and Arnpryor was 
 afterwards termed King of Kippen,^ upon the following 
 account : King James V., a very sociable, debonair prince, 
 residing at Stirling, in Buchanan of Arnpryor's time, carriers 
 were very frequently passing along the common road, being 
 near Arnpryor's house, with necessaries for the use of the 
 king's family ; and he, having some extraordinary occasion, 
 ordered one of these carriers to leave his load at his house, 
 and he would pay him for it ; which the carrier refused to do, 
 telling him he was the king's carrier, and his load for his ma- 
 jesty's use ; to which Arnpryor seemed to have small regard, 
 compelling the carrier, in the end, to leave his load ; telling 
 him, if King James was King of Scotland, he was King of 
 Kippen, so that it was reasonable he should share with his 
 neighbor king in some of these loads, so frequently carried 
 that road. The carrier resenting this usage, and telling the 
 story, as Arnpryor spoke it, to some of the king's servants, 
 it came at length to his majesty's ears, who, shortly there- 
 after, with a few attendants, came to visit his neighbor king, 
 who was in the mean time at dinner. King James having 
 sent a servant to demand access, was denied the same by a 
 tall fellow with a battleaxe, who stood porter at the gate, 
 telling, there could be no access till dinner was over. This 
 answer not satisfying the king, he sent to demand access a 
 second time ; upon which he was desired by the porter to de- 
 sist, otherwise he would find cause to repent his rudeness. 
 His majesty finding this method would not do, desired the 
 
 1 A small district of Perthshire.
 
 33^ TUE LADY OF TJIE LAKE. 
 
 porter to tell liis master that llic Goodman of I'.allagei^rh de- 
 sired to speak with the King of Kippen. The porter telHng 
 Arp.pryor so much, he, in all humble manner, came and re- 
 ceived the king, and having entertained him with mucli 
 sumptousness and jollity, became so agreeable to King James 
 that he allowed him to take so much of any provision he found 
 carrying that road as he had c;casion for; and seeing he 
 made the first visit, desired Arnpryor in a few days to return 
 him a second to Stirling, which he performed, and continued 
 in very much favour with the king, always thereafter being 
 termed King of Kippen while he lived." — Buchanan's 
 Essay jtpon the Faviily of Biiihanan. Edin. 1775, 8vo, p, 74. 
 The readers of Ariosto must give credit for the amiable 
 features with which he is represented, since he is generally 
 considered as the prototype of Zerbino, the most interesting 
 hero of the Orlando Furioso.