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 IN SIX CANTOS, 
 
 BY 
 
 J. ROBY. 
 
 " These juggling fiends 
 
 That palter with us in a double sense ; 
 That keep the word of promise to our ear, 
 And break it to our hope." 
 
 SECOND EDITION. 
 
 UonHott: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY W. SIMPKIN AND R. MARSHALL, 
 4, STATIONERS' COURT. 
 
 1817.
 
 T. Rogerson, 
 Printer, Manchester.
 
 PR. 
 
 /g/7 
 
 SIR BERTRAM. 
 
 CANTO FIRST. 
 
 858094
 
 SIR BERTRAM, 
 
 CANTO FIRST. 
 
 I. 
 
 "See o'er yon ivy-crested tower 
 
 The slanting sun-beams softly play ; 
 But far behind dark tempests lower; 
 
 Haste ere we lose the closing day." 
 Sir Bertram cried each prancing steed 
 
 His rider's heel impatient bore, 
 And snorting, stemm'd the foaming Clyde, 
 
 Whose angry waves with hollow roar 
 Still louder lash'd the rugged shore. 
 
 B
 
 10 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO I. 
 
 II. 
 
 The dangerous torrent scarce was cross'd, 
 
 Or scarce was felt the welcome strand ; 
 When o'er the heaving waters toss'd, 
 A form sometimes half seen, half lost, 
 
 Was struggling hard to gain the land. 
 'Twas now far off the friendly shore 
 
 Each warrior bold began to pray, 
 But still the rolling billows bore 
 
 The sinking sufferer far away ! 
 
 III. 
 
 Each hardy veteran anxious stood 
 And gaz'd, yet durst not tempt the flood, 
 
 But breath'd a lengthened sigh. 
 Sir Bertram brush'd his sun-burnt cheek, 
 His quivering lips essay'd to speak, 
 
 He shudder'd but he knew not why. 
 Oft had he seen th' ensanguin'd plain 
 Strewn thick with bloody corses slain,
 
 CANTO I.] SIR BERTRAM. 11 
 
 And felt nor fear nor dread ; 
 Yet now he prayed, and round his heart 
 Soft pity crept, with chilling smart, 
 
 And all his courage fled! 
 
 IV. 
 
 But lo! he doffs his armour bright, 
 And headlong to his followers' sight 
 
 Plunges amid the wave : 
 Soon o'er the surges they descry 
 His sinewy form approaching nigh ; 
 
 Can he the struggling victim save 1 
 See o'er him yon rude billow breaks 
 
 As high it rears its foam-crown'd head ; 
 He sinks Sir Bertram dauntless seeks 
 
 His form deep in the watery bed. 
 
 V. 
 
 Engulph'd amid the closing waves, 
 The deepening torrent now he braves,
 
 12 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO I. 
 
 Nor fears he death's alarms : 
 The sinking wretch he soon beholds 
 Within his grasp, and quick enfolds 
 
 The stranger in his arms. 
 Slow to the surface now they rise, ^ 
 
 Loud acclamations greet the skies 
 
 From off the distant strand : 
 High o'er the waves he proudly rides, 
 And onwards still he safely guides 
 
 His burden towards the land. 
 Half breathless now he gains the shore, 
 And in one powerful arm he bore 
 
 A youth of comely mien : 
 Of golden hue, his streaming hair 
 Part hid his pallid cheek so fair, 
 
 That on his breast did lean. 
 One clay-cold hand convulsive grasp'd 
 The Knight's broad arm, the other clasp'd
 
 CANTO I.] SIR BERTRAM. 13 
 
 A silken scarf to his heaving breast, 
 An highland kelt hung round his waist, 
 A mantle gay his shoulders grac'd, 
 
 All o'er with richest colours drest. 
 
 VI. 
 
 His eyes he op'd then rais'd his head, 
 
 And spread his mantle wide ; 
 " Emma, I come" he faintly said, 
 
 Then bow'd his head, and died ! 
 
 VII. 
 
 They laid his body on the strand, 
 His locks wav'd on the yellow sand, 
 
 Each warrior o'er him hung : 
 The sea-mew scream'd, and hover'd around, 
 They heard the hollow death-note sound, 
 
 And his dirge the winds mournfully sung !
 
 14 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO I. 
 
 O never again will those eye-lids unclose, 
 
 His spirit for ever is fled ; 
 Or ended his joys, or ended his woes, 
 
 On the green sod which pillows his head !* 
 
 VIII. 
 
 They made a grave deep in the sand, 
 And bath'd his corse with many a tear ; 
 
 His mourners were the warrior band, 
 Their glittering falchions were his bier ! 
 
 IX. 
 
 His scarf the Knight from his shoulders unbound, 
 The warm blood quick to his dark cheek came, 
 
 As in fairest silks embroider'd around 
 With dread surprize he spied his name ! 
 
 * Alluding to the ancient custom of laying something green 
 under the head of a corpse.
 
 CANTO I.] SIR BERTRAM. 15 
 
 Aghast he stood then round he gaz'd* 
 
 But the tempest now was gathering fast, 
 
 The angry lightnings fiercely blaz'd, 
 
 And the thunder rode on the stormy blast. 
 
 X, 
 
 " Haste, haste, some shelter we must gain, 
 
 'Tis a fearful storm." Sir Bertram cried, 
 " The night draws on, and madly vain 
 
 Th' attempt to near Loch Lomond's side. 
 Yon ruin'd tower, that rears its head 
 
 High beetling o'er the rocky steep, 
 It's rugged walls we'll make our bed, 
 
 And on a moss-clad pillow sleep." 
 
 XL 
 
 He said, then spurr'd his courser on, 
 And soon the rock's steep verge he won. 
 It was a scene of doubt and dread, 
 With fragments huge the path was spread ;
 
 16 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO I. 
 
 The massy walls lay scatter'd wide 
 In mouldering heaps once all the pride 
 Of former days, of times long past, 
 When discord blew her loudest blast, 
 
 And o'er the scene, tremendous rear'd 
 Her blood-stain'd banner waving high ; 
 
 And in her red right arm she bar'd 
 The murderous brand with furious joy, 
 Uplifted, glittering to the sky. 
 
 XII. 
 
 Nearer the angry tempest roll'd, 
 
 With pealing roar each rude crash brake ; 
 Appall'd each warrior's heart so bold, 
 
 And made the stoutest bosom quake. 
 A pitchy darkness veil'd the sky, 
 Save when before each startled eye, 
 Athwart the dank and dusky air, 
 The forky flashes quivering glare ;
 
 CANTO I.] SIR BERTRAM. 17 
 
 And on each object darting bright 
 A sudden and a treacherous light, 
 With dazzling lustre fierce they shone. 
 Instant were seen then instant gone ! 
 
 XIII. 
 
 Sir Bertram still his courser led, 
 And up the dangerous path he sped, 
 When by the lightning's glare he spied 
 Within the wall an opening wide ; 
 Joyful he thro' the chasm sprung, 
 Then o'er one arm his bridle slung, 
 And loud his bugle he did blow ; 
 Each warrior answered from below: 
 For he had far outstripp'd their speed, 
 And rested there his weary steed. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 The inner gate secure they pass'd, 
 And gain'd the ponderous door at last, 
 c
 
 18 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO I. 
 
 Loose on one time-worn hiuge it hung, 
 With every blast it idly swung ; 
 And as each gust howl'd dismal thro' 
 The dreary void, it shook anew, 
 And seem'd to threaten hoarse and high, 
 To crush the foe that ventur'd nigh. 
 
 XV. 
 
 Now slow a ruin'd arch they pass'd, 
 Round many a fearful glance was cast, 
 
 But darkness veil'd the scene : 
 Sir Bertram felt round the clammy wall, 
 It seem'd a spacious lofty hall, 
 
 Where many a revel once had been ; 
 Where minstrels gay, in bright array, 
 Had tun'd their merry roundelay, 
 And lord and knight and ladye fair, 
 Had once so proudly wanton'd there !
 
 CANTO I.] SIR BERTRAM. 19 
 
 XVI. 
 
 A welcome shelter now they gain, 
 Each courser shook his dripping mane 
 
 And neigh'd aloud for joy ; 
 A light was rais'd, and soon was found 
 A broken rafter on the ground, 
 
 And bright the crackling faggots fly. 
 Whilst seated round the cheerful blaze, 
 The spacious chamber each surveys 
 
 With half averted eyes ; 
 But scarce the curling flames illume, 
 Or penetrate the murky gloom 
 
 Which far around them lies : 
 Huge columns prop the vaulted roof, 
 And as the blaze streams high aloof, 
 
 The blackened arches dim are seen ; 
 And thro' the gloom, each straining eye 
 -Fancies strange forms are flitting by, 
 
 As the dark shadows intervene.
 
 20 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO I. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 Sir Bertram 'gainst a pillar lean'd, 
 Whilst on his armour palely gleam'd 
 
 The dying embers' fitful blaze ; 
 His drowsy followers sunk to rest, v 
 
 And he with heavy cares oppress'd, 
 
 Listless observ'd the flickering rays 
 
 With vacant and unmeaning gaze. 
 The distant thunder faintly roll'd, 
 But still the tempest loudly howi'd 
 
 In lengthened gusts around : 
 The raven croak'd its dismal note, 
 And oft the narrow casement smote, 
 
 A sad portentous sound. 
 
 Sir Bertram starts looks round with fear, 
 
 A step he fancied sounded near ; 
 
 Some stranger voice he heard ; 
 Their last sad gleam the embers bright 
 Now shot a momentary light 
 
 Flash'd forth and disappear'd.
 
 CANTO I.] SIR BERTRAM. 21 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 The blast was hush'd, and still as death, 
 And scarce he drew his tightened breath, 
 
 Or scarce a whisper stirr'd ; 
 When faint and low a half-drawn sigh, 
 Smote on his ear and sounding nigh 
 
 A footstep light was heard : 
 His trusty sword he firmly grasp'd, 
 His plumed casque he quickly clasp'd, 
 
 And listening anxious stood ; 
 Nearer the cautious footsteps drew 
 He gaz'd, yet nothing met his view, 
 
 That sound did seem to chill his blood : 
 'Tis now close on his startled ear, 
 He moves he hears soft breathings near, 
 
 As if with fear suppress'd ; 
 Sudden he on th' intruder springs, 
 A shriek throughout the chamber rings, 
 And on the slippery floor he flings 
 
 A form in female garments dress'd ! 
 
 v
 
 22 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO I. 
 
 XIX, 
 " A light, a light" Sir Bertram cries, 
 The waking warriors rub their eyes 
 
 With senseless wild amaze ; 
 Again the Knight impatient cries 
 In louder tones "quick or she dies" 
 
 And straight th' extinguished faggots blaze. 
 
 XX. 
 
 Scarce had the light flash'd thro* the hall, 
 Or scarce around the pillars tall, 
 
 The reddening flames 'gan play ; 
 Or scarce the sparkling drop so bright, 
 Had instant to the startled sight 
 
 Reflected back the ray, 
 Ere on his knee Sir Bertram fell, 
 He seem'd transfix'd by magic spell, 
 
 Or senseless struck with wild surprize ; 
 " And is it thee my Emma dear, 
 Unfriended do I meet thee here?" 
 
 Th' astonish'd warrior cries ;
 
 CANTO I.] SIR BERTRAM. 23 
 
 Then quickly darting from tbeir sight, 
 He braves that dark tempestuous night 
 
 To gain some friendly stream ; 
 Whilst round the prostrate female stand 
 With wondering looks, the warrior band, 
 Who think some wizard waves his wand, 
 
 Or yet scarce wakened, still they dream ! 
 
 XXI. 
 
 Senseless still the fair one lay, 
 
 Pale was her cheek, and cold as clay 
 
 Her lily hand, so soft and fair ; 
 Her cheeks where roses once had blown, 
 Were chang'd as if to breathless stone, 
 
 And loosely hung her golden nair. 
 
 XXII. , 
 Sir Bertram from the court yard hies 
 And through the ruin'd gateway flies
 
 24 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO I. 
 
 He gains that chamber wide ; 
 One arm his plumed helmet bore, 
 With hasty stride he cross'd the floor, 
 
 And stood by the ladye's side ; 
 Her face he sprinkled o'er and o'er, 
 Her cheeks a brighter colour wore 
 
 As she drew a lengthened sigh ; 
 When slowly from her eyes she rais'd 
 Their trembling lids, and on him gaz'd 
 
 O how his bosom thrill'd with joy. 
 
 XX1IL 
 
 " Bless'd image of my lover dear, 
 Thy sainted form still hovers near, 
 
 Yet leave me not so soon ; 
 Thy presence oft hath sooth'd my grief, 
 O stay it gives my heart relief, 
 
 Thine Emma craves the boon" 
 She faintly cried, then sunk her head 
 Again upon its mossy bed ;
 
 CANTO I.] SIR BERTRAM* 
 
 The Knight he press' d her to his heart, 
 " Leave thee ! no never whilst I've breath, 
 I'm thine and only thine till death, 
 
 We never, never more will part I" 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Again >he rais'd her azure eyes, 
 Returning life her bosom warms ; 
 
 " He lives ! he lives !" the maiden cries ; 
 She gaz'd and sunk into his arms. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 He rais'd her from the damp cold ground ; 
 
 The stranger's scarf he wrapp'd around 
 Her aching head, with tender care ; 
 
 When with a wild and trembling look, 
 
 She started, as the rose forsook 
 Again her lovely cheek so fair, 
 And left the lily drooping there !
 
 26 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO I. 
 
 " Where where my love did you receive 
 That well-known gift ? haste, O relieve 
 
 My anxious heart with one rude blow !" 
 " I took it from a stranger's arm, 
 But say, whence comes this strange alarm-r- 
 
 Didst thou that pretty stripling know V 
 " He is my trusty page, O say 
 What chance befel him on his way V 
 " Beneath yon yellow sand he lies, 
 The screaming gull o'er his cold bed flies, 
 And the salt wave sighs o'er his pillow ; 
 
 I saw him sinking 'mid the wave, 
 
 His life I sought, I wish'd to save, 
 And struggling stemm'd the heaving billow, 
 
 But ladye 'twas too late ; 
 His senseless body from the flood 
 I snatch'd, but death had chill'd his blood, 
 
 And clos'd for aye his hapless fate I"
 
 CANTO I.] SIR BERTRAM. 27 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 " Generous youth" fair Emma cried, 
 " It was for me that Edwy died ; 
 This eve in haste he left me here, 
 To seek some habitation near, 
 Some peasant's cot, or humble shed, 
 
 Where I might rest my weary head. 
 
 Seem'd to forebode my sinking heart, 
 
 That we for ever then did part ; 
 
 Oh 'twas a long a sad farewell 
 
 But now I'm faint I cannot tell 
 
 The healing tear hath ceas'd to flow, 
 
 My head my brain, turns wild with woe !" 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 The Knight her tottering footsteps led, 
 And pillow'd soft her aching head ; 
 Her broken slumbers through the night 
 He watch'd, and ever in his sight
 
 28 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO I. 
 
 Her lovely form did keep ; 
 Sometimes a smile her face illum'd, 
 As sudden then her pale cheek gloom'd, 
 
 And sad and bitter she would weep : 
 One half-clench'd hand she then would raise* 
 And on the vacant air would gaze 
 
 With wild and wondering eye ! 
 Sir Bertram soothes, and chides her grief, 
 His welcome voice affords relief, 
 
 And bids the troubling phantoms fly. 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 Joyful to Bertram's anxious sight, 
 The first faint gleam of morning light 
 Through pointed casements high aloof, 
 Streams soft and faint o'er the vaulted roof; 
 Brighter it shone, as by degrees 
 Before the cheerful day -light flees
 
 CANTO I.] SIR BERTRAM, 
 
 Each lengthen'd shadow dark and drear, 
 
 And dissipates each childish fear. 
 
 The warriors from their hard couch rose - 
 
 The blessings of a calm repose 
 
 Were well enjoyed, and every eye 
 
 Sparkled with thankfulness and joy.
 
 SIR BERTRAM. 
 
 CANTO SECOND.
 
 SIR BERTRAM. 
 
 CANTO SECOND. 
 
 I. 
 
 r ar to the west the blue mist sunk away, 
 
 And far the angry tempest roll'd ; 
 The sun had brighten'd every hill so gay, 
 
 And ting'd each airy cliff with radiant gold. 
 
 II. 
 
 The pearly dew-drop sparkled bright 
 On many a leaf, and flower so fair ; 
 
 The violet sweet had woo'd the light, 
 
 And shed fresh fragrance thro' the morning air, 
 
 E
 
 34 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO II. 
 
 When winding down the steep were seen, 
 Dimly thro' the hawthorns green, 
 Prancing steeds, and armour bright 
 Glittering in the morning light. 
 The startled peasant stops to gaze 
 With fearful looks, and oft surveys 
 His distant cot, with anxious dread, 
 And follows slow with cautious tread ; 
 He fears 'tis some ferocious band 
 To devastate his fruitful land, 
 And rob him of his little store 
 Of hard-earn'd wealth his eyes implore 
 Help and protection from on high, 
 With hands uplifted to the sky 
 But whilst he prays the voices die, 
 Nor heard again, till the soft breeze 
 Rustles thro' yonder shady trees, 
 And o'er the fields of waving com 
 Skims the faint breath of balmy morn ; 
 Then deeply on its bosom borne, 
 Th' unwelcome sounds again return
 
 CANTO II.] SIR BERTRAM. 35 
 
 In fitful murmurs on his ear 
 
 He listening stops looks round with fear 
 
 Some armed horde again he fancies near. 
 
 III. 
 
 'Twas Bertram and his hardy train, 
 Who cross the wide wild barren plain, 
 With quickened pace pursue their way 
 The journey's long yet ere that day 
 Draws to its close, they now intend 
 Their long and toilsome march to end. 
 Before her Knight fair Emma rode, 
 The generous courser felt the load ; 
 His arched neck he proudly bent, 
 Champ'd the froth'd bit and as he went 
 The base earth spurn'd with haughty mien, 
 As conscious beauty's fairest queen, 
 Sat on his neck as if enthron'd, 
 The pride of Caledonia's land !
 
 3(J SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO II. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Sir Bertram check'd his courser's pace, 
 
 And thus, with half-averted face 
 
 Her story did the maid unfold, 
 
 And all her hope and fear and love she told ! 
 
 V. 
 
 " I need not tell the tender flame 
 My bosom warm'd, when first you came 
 A stranger to our castle door, 
 From proud Italia's distant shore ; 
 Your vessel on our dangerous coast 
 You said was wreck'd, and all were lost, 
 Save you alone, who yet remaiu'd 
 To tell the news O how it gain'd 
 My listening ear, when the sad tale 
 You shivering told, with looks so pale 
 And downcast eye 'twas pity then 
 Prorated the ready aid but when
 
 CANTO II.] SIR BERTRAM. 37 
 
 The tender look the pitying eye 
 
 Of soft condolence, or the sigh 
 
 Of kind and cheering sympathy, 
 
 You needed now no more, 'twas then my heart 
 
 A soothing something felt a tender smart 
 
 That pity's softest voice could ne'er impart." 
 
 VI. 
 
 What floods of joy thrill'd thro' my soul, 
 Scorning sage reason's just controul, 
 When first my noble father plac'd 
 This hand in your's, and with it grac'd 
 The dear-bought boon with loud acclaim, 
 And louder blessings on your name, 
 When from the flood my life you sav'd, 
 The tempest-beaten surge had brav'd 
 With desperate haste to my relief; 
 When on the shore with frantic grief 
 You saw him beat his aged brain, 
 As on the angry heaving main
 
 38 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO II. 
 
 He view'd our little vessel toss'd 
 And knew one precious moment lost 
 We ne'er again should reach that coast ; 
 Save perhaps our corses whiten'd by the wave 
 Disgorg'd perchance from out a restless grave !" 
 
 VII. 
 
 " We should suspect some danger nigh, 
 When most we feel the draught of joy 
 Earth's pleasures give 'tis but a taste a sweet 
 That makes more nauseous still the poisonous 
 
 cheat : 
 From lighter tints deep shades their gloom do 
 
 borrow, 
 So joy that's past increases present sorrow I" 
 
 VIII. 
 " We parted to a distant land 
 
 Some urgent business call'd you hence, 
 Love could not stay the dread command, 
 
 Or hasten your departure thenee ;
 
 CANTO II.] SIR BERTRAM. 3| 
 
 A sad foreboding fill'd my heart, 
 Something did whisper, we must part 
 For ever ! I remember well 
 How all my fancied courage fell, 
 As a long lingering look I cast, 
 And view'd your form receding fast 
 
 From out my sight and as you near'd 
 That jutting rock, there you did stay 
 Your courser's speed, as if to say 
 
 A last adieu ! then turn'd and disappear'd V 
 
 IX. 
 
 " I seem'd at once of all bereft, 
 Nor hope, nor joy, nor comfort left. 
 My straining eyes essay'd in vain 
 To view your well-known form again ; 
 I gaz'd but nothing met my sight, 
 Save the dark vapours of the night 
 Slow rolling o'er the dreary plain : 
 A giddy tumult seiz'd my brain,
 
 40 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO II. 
 
 Perception fled dark grew the night, 
 Yet gazing still in wild affright ; 
 Still at my lonely tower I stood 
 In mute despair at length a flood 
 Of welcome tears began to flow, 
 And lull'd my pain, and eas'd my woe." 
 
 X. 
 
 " A summons from my father came, 
 And wak'd me from some troubled dream ; 
 The festive board I sullen sought, 
 And soon his angry glance I caught : 
 My swollen eyes and heaving breast, 
 Proclaim'd a bosom ill at rest : 
 He chid my grief, and frowning cried, 
 ' Emma, come near thy father's side, 
 ' We'll teach thee to forget thy fears, 
 ' We soon can dry a woman's tears/ 
 Slow I obey'd, when every knight 
 Arose, and fill'd his goblet bright ;
 
 CANTO II.] SIR BERTRAM. 41 
 
 ' A health/ my father cried, 
 * My daughter and her future spouse, 
 ' A few short hours we but carouse, 
 
 ' Ere she's a blushing bride.' 
 A wild expression fill'd his eye, 
 I shudder'd, wish'd, but durst not fly, 
 
 My footsteps fear had bound ; 
 The dark-brow'd Malcolm rais'd his head, 
 A ghastly scowl his face o'erspread ; 
 
 And at my sire he frown'd, 
 I thought Lord Ullin look'd abash'd, 
 As angrily the lightnings flash'd 
 
 From Malcolm's piercing eye ; 
 But yet perchance the sudden fright 
 Might then deceive my trembling sight, 
 
 For quick he rais'd on high 
 His foaming cup, and loudly laugh'd, 
 Then hastily the juice he quaff'd, 
 
 And drank the goblet dry.*'
 
 42 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO II. 
 
 XI. 
 
 " Malcolm arose from off his seat, 
 ' Go saddle me my courser fleet,' 
 
 Unto his page he cried, 
 Then whisper'd in my father's ear 
 Somewhat that made him start with fear* 
 
 And straight he left my side ; 
 I saw them in the distant gloom 
 That part obscur'd the inner room, 
 
 Swift pacing to and fro ; 
 In earnest converse oft they seem'd, 
 And as the distant light faint gleam' d 
 
 Upon each wrinkled brow, 
 Matter of moment seem'd to claim 
 Their speedy care I heard your name 
 
 Whisper'd in accents low ; 
 Scarce could I breathe I ventur'd near 
 Listening with anxious, cautious fear, 
 But the loud shouts of boisterous mirth 
 To which some gay conceit gave birth,
 
 CANTO II.] SIR BERTRAM. 43 
 
 Prevented other sound beside 
 Gaining mine ear, and soon I spied 
 Proud Malcolm hastening away, 
 None crav'd or wish'd his longer stay." 
 
 XII. 
 
 u Lord Malcolm, chief of Ulva's isle, 
 
 Bertram, you knew him well ; 
 At his proud looks you oft would smile, 
 
 And of his stately movements tell ; 
 His visage stern, his wrinkled brow, 
 
 His fix'd and glassy eye, 
 You oft have mark'd, and bending low 
 Have bid me mark its meaning too, 
 
 That chilling glance of wild still vacancy." 
 
 XIIL 
 * At Ullin's hall a constant guest, 
 I was not oft with his absence blest
 
 44 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO II. 
 
 From earliest infancy ; 
 Since Ullin's brother strangely died 
 He ne'er has had a friend beside 
 
 This knight of dark-brow'd mystery ; 
 Oft by the glimpses of the moon, 
 Till morn's faint beam hath nigh begun 
 To stream on Erie's gray mist-crown'd tower, 
 A glimmering, " cold, uncertain shower," 
 I've seen them pace that turret where 
 'Tis said strange lights are seen to glare 
 
 At midnight's solemn hour ; 
 And oft to Jura's isle they cross, 
 Tho' furiously the billows toss, 
 
 And the wild-wiug'd tempests lower." 
 
 XIV. 
 
 " One eve, whilst yet the sunny ray , 
 
 Sparkled upon the ocean spray, 
 
 And lightly down the western sky 
 
 The bright gay clouds swift skimmering fly ;
 
 CANTO II.] SIR BERTRAM. 45 
 
 My lonely chamber I forsook, 
 
 And slowly round the turret took 
 
 My custoni'd walk the evening breeze 
 
 Thro' mouldering towers, and tufted trees 
 
 Sung mournful, as it softly play'd 
 
 O'er my flush'd cheek, and often bade 
 
 Some distant chime mine ear invade ; 
 
 The herdsman's call the village bell, 
 
 The gurgling brook, the tinkling rill, 
 
 By turns would seem transported near, 
 
 Soft breathing on the listening ear. 
 
 From many a vale and coppice broke 
 
 In blue-clad wreaths, the curling smoke, 
 
 Unruffled with the breath of eve ; 
 
 Whilst in the west the brightening waye 
 
 It's parting radiance trembling gave, 
 
 And to the straining eye in Ulle's glade, 
 
 A sparkling line of glittering light convey'd."
 
 46 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO II. 
 
 XV. 
 
 ' With rested arm, on some rude stone 
 
 Awhile I paus'd, each charm was flown, 
 
 T' arrest my scattered thoughts I strove, 
 
 Still wafted on the wings of love 
 
 From this gay scene they oft would rove, 
 
 And into climes far distant fly, 
 
 And there to fancy's wondering eye 
 
 Conjure up forms and shapes unknown, 
 
 And with these phantoms mix your own; 
 
 Till haply rous'd quick from my view 
 
 The scene would fade but soon anew 
 
 A livelier image still would start 
 
 Across my soul, then sudden dart 
 
 From my lost gaze, and nought I view'd 
 
 Save chance that rugged stone with tears bedew'd. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 " The sun had sunk behind the main, 
 And night had sent her dusky train
 
 CANTO II.] SIR BERTRAM. 47 
 
 Of shadows drear, ere I arose 
 
 And watch'd the crimson day-light close 
 
 Over the glowing deep ; 
 The sun his last bright radialice gave, 
 The breeze brush'd lightly o'er the wave, 
 
 And each rude blast was lull'd to sleep ; 
 The noisy billow now no more 
 Fretted against the pebbly shore, 
 Or o'er the sea sands slowly wash'd, 
 Or 'gainst the rock impetuous dash'd ; 
 All was serene, no sound t' affright 
 The hallowed silence of the night, 
 All, all was peaceful, all was still, 
 Save in this breast, a wilder thrill 
 Of painful sorrow often rush'd, 
 As oft the trembling tear unbidden gush'd." 
 
 XVII. 
 
 " As listless o'er the tower I lean'd, 
 Sudden into the court-yard gleam'd
 
 48 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO II. 
 
 A red and wavering light, 
 On tower and buttress high it glanc'd, 
 And on each soldier's helmet danc'd, 
 
 And kiss'd each piume of snowy white ; 
 Soon by a flaming torch I spied 
 Lord Malcolm at my father's side 
 
 Enter the gloomy barbican ; 
 The massy draw-bridge creaking fell 
 Sudden, as if by magic spell, 
 
 And o'er it two foot-pages ran ; 
 A soldier follow'd in one hand 
 Flash'd wide around the smoky brand, 
 And quickly Malcolm's form appear'd 
 O'er the dark chasm, as I heard 
 
 My father's voice in high command 
 * Unmoor the bark/ he loudly cried, 
 ' O'er the still deep to-night we ride 
 
 1 To Jura's rocky shore, 
 ' And ere on Ullin's lordly towers, 
 ' The morning light, profusely pours, 
 
 ' We reach again our castle door.'
 
 CANTO II.] SIR BERTRAM. 49 
 
 Then o'er the trembling bridge he hied, 
 And soon they gain the water side 
 
 Where yet the vessel lay, 
 The sail unfurl'd, each seiz'd an oar, 
 And slow the rippling waters bore 
 
 Their fading forms away ; 
 Long dancing o'er the waves was seen 
 The glimmering torch's lengthened beam, 
 
 As on the sail it shone ; 
 Till lessening to the aching sight 
 It seemed a point of wavering light 
 Gemming the face of dusky night 
 
 I turn'd my eye to the mouldering stone, 
 
 I gaz'd again, but the beam was gone \" 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 " Slow I return'd, long musing why 
 
 So oft at this untimely hour 
 My father from his home should fly, 
 G
 
 50 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO II. 
 
 To that inhospitable shore ; 
 Oft had I heard old crones relate 
 That there a mighty wizard sate, 
 
 Deep versed in magic lore ; 
 In a dark cave of dreaded name, 
 By a blue taper's mystic flame, 
 He practised oft unholy rites 
 To conjure up soul-harrowing sights ; 
 But would my noble father seek 
 The man of whom I'd heard him speak 
 
 With laughter and with scorn ; 
 His brave and yet unbending soul 
 To yield to magic's high control, 
 
 I knew was never born. 
 Lost in conjectures wild and vain, 
 My late pressed couch I soon did gain, 
 And ere the midnight bell had toll'd, 
 
 And to each watchman's anxious ear 
 The signal of relief foretold, 
 
 All hush'd in sleep was every fear :
 
 CANTO II.] SIR BERTRAM. 51 
 
 Cheerful thro' my lattice broke 
 Morn's fervid beam ere I awoke 
 The bark which now at anchor lay, 
 Bedeck'd with gallant streamers gay, 
 Proclaim' d my father's quick return, 
 Safe o'er the briny billows borne." 
 
 XIX. 
 
 " Slow pass'd the lagging hours away, 
 
 Nor ought reliev'd this heart's dull apathy ; 
 
 Save that one faint, one languid beam 
 
 Of half-extinguished hope would gleam 
 
 Athwart the gloom a sad and sickly light, 
 
 Yet could not cheer that dark unchanging night l" 
 
 XX. 
 
 " Oft have I watch'd the dark brow of that rock, 
 And gaz'd till eve's deep shades would mock
 
 52 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO II. 
 
 The straining glance of this faint sunken eye ; 
 Unseen unheeded pass'd each object by ; 
 The form that cheer'd this bosom's burning void 
 
 Alone was seen all else was dim beside." 
 
 w 
 
 XXI. 
 
 " The long appointed hour now past, 
 
 You came not ! was that hour the last 1 
 
 Days, weeks and months still fled away, 
 
 And lengthen'd yet your longer stay. 
 
 Oh dread suspense, thy torturing power 
 
 Endured thro' many a weary hour, 
 
 Surpasses far the ills that hang 
 
 On sure conviction's keenest pang ; 
 
 Thro' many an agonizing day 
 
 Trembling and tossing long I lay, 
 
 Doubt and despair, and hope love pride 
 
 disdain 
 Flashing by turns across my aching brain."
 
 CANTO II.] SIR BERTRAM. 53 
 
 XXII. 
 " My father seem'd to feel my woe, 
 And oft a scalding tear would flow 
 
 Down his dark furrowed cheek ; 
 Then would he groan, and wildly start, 
 And press me fondly to that heart 
 
 Which throbb'd as if 't would break ; 
 A secret sorrow there I thought 
 
 Did seem to weigh his spirit down, 
 His sleepless couch oft have I sought 
 
 And in his grief forgot my own." 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 " But sorrow's like the morning cloud 
 That soonest flees, when in a flood 
 Of dewy tears it prone descends ; 
 It does not break that soonest bends ! 
 The same rude blast that fell'd yon oak, 
 Hath scarce a leaf, or tendril broke
 
 64 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO II. 
 
 From yon tall poplar by its side ; 
 And yet would press that pelting storm 
 Down to the dust its upright form 
 But let those wilder winds subside, 
 'Twill rise again unhurt its towering pride. * 
 But did that stern front bend beneath the blast 1 
 No it stood fix'd firm fearless to the last ; 
 'Twas like some iron heart's unchanging brow, 
 Where pale fear sits not joy nor pain nor woe ; 
 All are alike till with wing'd fury driven 
 The tempest bursts it bares its front to heaven, 
 Nor stoops, nor bends till from earth's bosom 
 riven !" 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 " Lord Ullin soon forgot his woe, 
 The bitter tear had ceased to flow, 
 
 His sullen pride returned; 
 Again he knit that frowning brow 
 Which love nor pity seemed to shew, 
 
 His grief was not to joyaunce turned !
 
 CANTO II.] SIR BERTRAM. 55 
 
 Malcolm again, his only friend, 
 His hated presence seemed to lend 
 
 To Ullin's brow a haughtier frown ; 
 Oft from th' unsocial board I fled, 
 But tears of woe and anguish shed, 
 
 Could ne'er that weight of sorrow drown !" 
 
 XXV. 
 
 " One morn as from my couch I rose, 
 After a night of calm repose 
 That seldom visited my bed, 
 Or seldom eased this weary head ; 
 My father his foot-page did send 
 To say that I must quick attend 
 His private chamber soon I went, 
 Surprize and hope new vigour lent ; 
 I wish'd yet fear'd and hop'd to hear, 
 That tidings of your fate were near."
 
 66 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO II* 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 " As with a beating heart I laid 
 
 On the rais'd latch my trembling hand, 
 One moment paus'd, and listening staid 
 
 My lifted arm 'gainst the postern lean'd , 
 An icy chiU crept thro' my frame, 
 
 As Malcolm's hated voice I beard 
 Within the room repeat your name, 
 
 Again no other murmur stirr'd : 
 I heard no more but sudden burst 
 
 With frantic haste the yielding door ; 
 A letter met mine eye at first, 
 Open unguarded on the floor." 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 " Eager I suatch'd the tell-tale wild, 
 
 And glanc'd its contents o'er ; 
 That sickening sight my heart had chill'd, 
 
 I stagger'd fell but know no more !"
 
 CANTO II.] SIR BERTRAM. 57 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 " Too soon I wak'd to feel my woe, 
 
 Reason too soon return'd ; 
 'Twas then I felt what recks it now, 
 If the dark tide of grief reflow : 
 'Twere vain th' attempt again to shew 
 
 The grief that is to gladness turn'd." 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 " That letter was by Carrol penn'd 
 
 From Italy's far distant shore, 
 The man Lord Ullin's care did send 
 To be your guide, your trusty friend, 
 
 When last you left our castle door ; 
 As thro' a lonely wood, he said, 
 
 At midnight's sad and silent hour, 
 Your weary drooping steeds you led 
 
 To gain the path to a distant tower ; 
 
 H
 
 58 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO II. 
 
 Sudden from out a thicket rush'd 
 
 Four armed men of savage mien, 
 But soon by death their hopes were crush'd, 
 
 Each bosom felt your broad sword keen ; 
 Yet not before a dagger's blade 
 
 Was deeply buried in your side, 
 And ere life's ebbing flood was stay'd, 
 
 On that same spot you sunk and died !" 
 
 XXX. 
 
 By Lomond's wave awhile they rest j 
 Each warrior bares his mailed breast 
 
 And throws his weapons by ; 
 On heathery bush and moss-clad stone, 
 A cool repast is careless thrown, 
 Whilst each partakes the frugal fare, 
 The tir'd steed crops the herbage bare;
 
 CANTO II.] SIR BERTRAM, 59 
 
 Ere yet they climb those mountains high, 
 
 That seem to peer into the sky 
 Thro' many a cloud of varying hue, 
 In heaven's bright arch of lovely blue.
 
 SIR BERTRAM. 
 
 CANTO THIRD.
 
 SIR BERTRAM. 
 
 CANTO THIRD. 
 
 I. 
 
 Each warrior dons his glittering mail 
 And mounts his steed of dapple grey ; 
 
 O'er heath-grown hill and flowery vale 
 With hasty speed they bend their way. 
 
 II. 
 
 On Bertram's bosom Emma lay, 
 A smile on her soft lips would play
 
 64 
 
 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 As a mantling blush arose ; 
 Her half-clos'd eyes so lovelily had beam'd, 
 But sparkling thro' their silken lashes seera'd 
 
 A soften'd radiance to disclose ; 
 Then from her lips so sweetly fell 
 Those melting tones which softly tell 
 
 A nameless something to the ear ; 
 Sir Bertram gazes doubts his bliss, 
 Then steals a soul-enrapturing kiss 
 
 That quick hath caught the falling tear. 
 
 III. 
 " I need not now repeat the tale, 
 'Tis idle o'er past grief to wail 
 
 O'er woes long since gone by ; 
 If e'er true love hath warm'd your heart, 
 You know that chill and sickly smart 
 
 Which heaves the love-lorn sigh ;
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 6& 
 
 All I can tell ere this, you've known, 
 For every tear and every groan 
 
 From this wild throbbing bosom press'd, 
 Another tear hath fill'd your own, 
 
 Another sigh hath wrung your breast." 
 
 IV. 
 
 " One morn before Lord Ullin's bed 
 
 I stood, ere he awoke, 
 And watch'd the look of livid dread 
 
 His shorten' d slumbers broke 
 " Now, father, grant my last sad boon, 
 
 " Deny me not I pray ; 
 " For 'neath yon cold pale marble, soon 
 
 " My drooping form must lie : 
 " Then let my fainting steps incline 
 
 " To some lone convent wall, 
 " There at its holy hallow'd shrine 
 
 " My bended knees may fall ; 
 i
 
 <J6 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 *' There thro' the cloisters' mournful pale, 
 " My feet unconscious oft may rove ; 
 
 " And there with joy the summons hail, 
 " That calls my soul to realms above." 
 
 . 
 
 V. 
 
 ** ' And why this grief, my Emma dear, 
 ' Is there no hope no comfort near 1 
 
 * Still sorrow is in vain ; 
 
 The flower that's pluck'd, the sweetest shower 
 ' That on its withering form may pour 
 
 ' Ne'er lifts to life again ; 
 ' Then cease these plaints, there's yet in store 
 
 Some earthly good, some hidden joy, 
 ' And ere we quit life's troubled shore, 
 
 That tear of sorrow will be dry : 
 ' Another lover thou mayest find, 
 
 * Another friend as kind and true, 
 
 1 He'll quickly heal that wounded mind, 
 
 * And chase that dark cloud from thy brow.' "
 
 CANTO III.] SIB BERTRAM. 67' 
 
 VI. 
 
 ' Never thafsun-shine may appear 
 " Hope's brightest tints are dark and drear, 
 
 " To me they beam in vain ; 
 " If broken once the crystal vase, 
 " Can artist's skill its parts replace, 
 
 " Or make it whole again 1" 
 
 VII. 
 
 " * Emma, this idle dream will fade 
 
 'At reason's early dawn, 
 * Till then, that voice must be obey'd 
 
 ' That guides thy footsteps safely on ; 
 ' Now mark my words, ere thrice the sun 
 
 ' Hath touch'd yon mountain's misty brow ; 
 ' Ere that day's joyful course is run, 
 
 ' That trembling tear must cease to flow 
 ' That glistening cheek will soon be dried, 
 ' The morn that sees thee Malcolm's bride !' *
 
 68 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 VIII. 
 u I heard no more nor felt the stroke^ 
 Till in my chamber I awoke 
 
 To hopeless misery again ; 
 Then on my bended knees I strove 
 With tears his flinty heart to move, 
 
 But vows and prayers alike were vain ; 
 Soon from his sight in fix'd despair 
 I flew resolvM his wrath to dare 
 
 And madly brave the worst ; 
 And part with liberty, or life 
 To live the hated Malcolm's wife, 
 
 My moments must be doubly curst." 
 
 IX. 
 
 " Softly the evening shadows fell 
 O'er covert green, and woodland dell, 
 As through my casement still I gaz'd 
 With streaming eyes to heaven uprais'd ;
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 69 
 
 When sudden floating, trembling near, 
 
 A harp's wild tones struck on mine ear; 
 From Minto's weli-remember'd vale, 
 
 Borne soft and free on the swelling gale ; 
 Instant my scatter'd senses caught 
 The thrilling notes, and every thought 
 Again was tun'd to harmony, 
 And every sorrow seem'd to flee- 
 Nearer the unseen minstrel came, 
 Astonish'd then I heard my name 
 
 Repeated in his song ; 
 In vain my straining eyes essay'd 
 To catch a glimpse, tho' half afraid 
 
 His skill could not that strain prolong." 
 
 X. 
 
 " 'Twas underneath that turret high, 
 Which seems to prop the vaulted sky
 
 70 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 From out the distant vale, 
 
 I heard the harper's notes again, 
 *As he pour'd forth his minstrel strain, 
 And warbled many a roundelay 
 Of lord, and knight, and ladye gay, 
 
 And shrouded ghosts, and bleeding spectres 
 pale." 
 
 XI. 
 
 " Nearer and loud the music grows, 
 Beneath my casement soon it rose, 
 I listening stood with glad surprize 
 
 Borne on the breeze with fanning wings, 
 Methought some spirit from the skies 
 
 With heavenly grace had swept the strings ; 
 So soft the melting accents fell 
 My soul scem'd chain'd by magic spell, 
 As the wild chords again so sadly rung, 
 And thus again the unseen minstrel sung."
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 71 
 
 >ong, 
 
 " ' Why do the breezes softly sigh 
 
 As rustling thro' yon leafy wood? .* 
 
 With plaintive moan they start and die, 
 
 Or gently skim the curling flood. 
 
 Why does the ocean's troubled wave 
 
 In hollow murmurs lash the shore ; 
 Why do we seek the lonely cave, 
 
 Or why the forest wild explore 1 
 
 Is grief congenial to the soul 
 
 That even pleasure we should find, 
 When stormy billows wildly roll, 
 
 And sadly sighs the whistling wind 1 
 
 Why should nature love to mourn, 
 And waft her sorrows to mine ear ; 
 
 Why on the wings of zephyrs borne, 
 So plaintive swells the notes I hear?
 
 72 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 Is there a charm in sorrow's voice, 
 
 Is happiness e'er found in grief; 
 In weeping may we yet rejoice, 
 
 Or from our miseries find relief? 
 
 # 
 Yes, there's a ray of bliss divine 
 
 Beams from sorrow's languid eye, 
 A mournful pleasure there doth shine, 
 
 Surpassing far all earthly joy ! 
 
 A heavenly radiance lights thy way, 
 
 'Twill bear thy sinking spirits up ; 
 I'd rather feel that kindling ray 
 
 Than taste of pleasure's jocund cup. 
 
 Then O forbear, nor idly grieve. 
 Nor let thy bosom heave with woe ; 
 
 'Tis from our sorrows we receive 
 The purest bliss that's found below !' *'
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 73 
 
 XII. / 
 
 " He paus'd the passing centinel 
 
 Had raark'd the minstrel's music well, 
 
 And leaning on his grounded spear 
 
 Seem'd still those thrilling notes to hear. 
 
 The harper now admittance crav'd 
 In trembling accents faint and low, 
 
 He said of home, and friends bereav'd, 
 
 Unshelter'd, and unknown he brav'd 
 The summer heat, and winter snow, 
 No pitying hand the ready aid to shew." 
 
 XIIL 
 
 " I heard the massy draw-bridge fall, 
 And soon within the castle wall 
 
 Shelter and food got he ; 
 And 'fore Lord Ullin's jovial train, 
 Loud, loud he poured the warlike strain, 
 And sung of valiant heroes slain, 
 
 And feats of love and chivalry \" 
 K
 
 74 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 XIV. 
 " Softly I stole from out my room, 
 And in the gallery's thickest gloom 
 , Which screens the pillar'd arches high, 
 Whose towering forms yon scarce can spy 
 
 From out the warrior's hall, 
 'Twas there a distant glance I caught 
 Of Edwy's form, and a wild thought 
 
 Quick glanc'd across my soul ; 
 The youth perchance might aid my flight 
 I thought, ere that dread morning's light 
 
 Illum'd old Ullin's towers; 
 And in a convent's safe retreat 
 Secure, my father's rage might meet, 
 
 And spend in peace life's lingering hours." 
 
 XV. 
 
 " A billet hastily I penn'd 
 To know if Edwy could attend
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 75 
 
 The armoury that coming morn, 
 
 When that he heard my father's horn 
 
 Proclaim the time to every ear, 
 
 He went to chase the fallow deer ; 
 
 My trusty maid would safely guide 
 
 His cautious footsteps to my side, 
 
 As matter of great moment press'd 
 
 For measures prompt, there we might best 
 
 Mark out some plan, nor danger fear, 
 
 No busy eye would then be prying near." 
 
 XVI. 
 " Agnes the writing unperceiv'd 
 To Edwy gave it part reliev'd 
 
 My beating bosom's anxious dread, 
 When on the morn I heard with joy, 
 The signal that the chase was nigh, 
 
 As to the armoury I sped ; 
 There Edwy sate his blushing face 
 Hung downcast with a modest grace,
 
 76 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 w 
 
 As from his seat he rose ; 
 And on one bended knee he swore, 
 He ne'er would quit my person more 
 
 Till heaven had eas'd my woes ; 
 I thank'd him for his proffer' d aid, 
 But wish'd to know why here he stay'd 
 A stranger to our house and name, 
 Why round our dismal walls he came, 
 And underneath my lattice play'd 
 That mournful melody, and bade 
 My aching bosom weep no more, 
 Heaven still had happiness in store." 
 
 XVII. 
 
 " ' Brief is my tale,' the minstrel said, 
 He wip'd his eye, and bent his head, 
 A moment now to hide the tear 
 Which memory had treasur'd there ; 
 ' An aged harper's son am I, 
 ' Who from his country forc'd to fly
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 77 
 
 ' From persecution's iron hand, 
 
 * An outcast in a foreign land 
 
 ' He long had stray'd ! heaven heard his prayer, 
 
 * And freed his soul from mortal care. 
 
 * Unknown unfriended I was left, 
 ' Of every joy and hope bereft 
 
 ' I sought to gain my native soil, 
 ' Gay smiling Erin's happy isle ; 
 ' But on this coast I've wander'd long 
 ' A helpless hopeless child of song, 
 ' Unshelter'd, and unhous'd I roam, 
 ' No succour near nor friends, nor kin, nor 
 home/ " 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 " ' Weary and faint, 'twas yester-morn 
 ' I heard your noble father's horn 
 
 * O'er mountains wild, through vallies deep, 
 ' Wide echoing from each rocky steep,
 
 78 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 * As in a peasant's lonely cot 
 
 t My hard-earn'd, scanty meal I got ; 
 ' I ask'd the noble huntsman's name, 
 ' 'Twas Ullin's lord, whose martial fame 
 
 * Once far, the raptur'd peasant said, 
 
 ' To foreign climes his prowess spread ; 
 
 * One only daughter then he told 
 
 ' Had bless'd the house of this baron bold, 
 ' And she to constant grief a prey, 
 ' Pining in fruitless tears the day, 
 ' To her cold grave was sinking fast, 
 
 * Ere sixteen smiling summers pass'd ; 
 ' A gallant Knight had won her heart, 
 ' But soon for ever forc'd to part; 
 
 ' To distant lands he sped away, 
 
 ' And ere his parting prayer could say, 
 
 ' By some foul ruffians' hands he fell, 
 
 * No priest to shrive his spirit well, 
 
 ' Nor friendly hand to ring his funeral knell !' "
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 79 
 
 XIX. 
 
 " ' I heard the tale, and anxious thought 
 ' Into the wounded soul to pour, 
 
 * Some healing halm with virtue fraught, 
 
 ' At evening's sad and silent hour; 
 ' I ask'd your name, nor e'er delay'd, 
 
 * Till in the forest's friendly shade 
 
 ' Conceal'd 1 lay, as night's dark veil 
 
 Nature's gay face o'erspread, 
 I then pour'd forth that tender tale 
 
 ' My footsteps to your presence led.' * 
 
 XX. 
 
 " He paus'd then cast an anxious look 
 
 Of mingled pity, hope and dread ; 
 One half-drawn trembling hand I took, 
 
 And soon his bashful fear had fled : 
 Our plan was ripe, and ready soon, 
 
 And ere that welcome night was o'er, 
 The waning glimpses of the moon 
 
 Shew'd Ullin's crested towers no more ;
 
 80 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 Some convent's friendly roof we sought, 
 Tho' wild th' attempt and deep with danger 
 fraught." 
 
 XXI. 
 
 " A weary course we long pursued 
 
 O'er many a wildering pathless wild, 
 And heathy mount, and valley rude, 
 
 Where bounteous plenty ne'er had smil'd ; 
 Beneath some half-starv'd hind's rude shed 
 At night I laid my weary head, 
 Where scant the rushes spread the floor, 
 And every meagre aspect wore 
 The furrowed lines of want and care; 
 Hope's glad beam seldom glimmered there 
 Each peasant well the minstrel knew, 
 And from the ready storehouse drew 
 With many a welcome, kindly rude, 
 Their hard-earn'd stock of homely food; 
 The choicest morsel cheerful sought, 
 And oft the crooked billet brought,
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 61 
 
 And o'er the dying embers cast, 
 That sparkled bright, as every blast 
 Thro' the wide chinks swept uncontrol'dj 
 As wild without, the angry tempest scowl'd." 
 
 XXII. 
 
 " Such was our shelter, such our fare^ 
 But heaven had seal'd the minstrel's doom ; 
 
 Yon salt waves on their bosom bare 
 The generous Edwy to his tomb ! 
 
 Yet, shall our wayward hearts complain, 
 
 The tide of grief ne'er flow'd in vain ; 
 
 That path which leads to pleasure here 
 
 Is often seen thro' sorrow's glistening tear !" 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 She ceas'd whilst in her azure eye 
 
 Trembled a tear of purest joy : 
 
 As in soft ecstacy of soul 
 
 Those sparkling orbs would wildly roll 
 
 L
 
 82 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 The Knight he spake not, hut a sigh 
 Burst ere a tear had dimm'd his eye, 
 And stayed that rising tide of joy, 
 Ere from its bounds the flood might break 
 Or quiver on his burning cheek ; 
 Yet in his manly bosom swell'd 
 
 The torrent with redoubled force, 
 Each truant thought and wish impell'd 
 
 Resistless on, in its impetuous course. 
 
 XXIV, 
 
 Now blushing as the mountain rose 
 At summer evening's mildest close, 
 
 The maiden rais'd her eyes so bright; 
 A smile spread o'er her dimpling cheek 
 As murmuring she essay'd to speak, 
 
 And sportive thus address'd the Knight, 
 " Tell me, my love, " she faintly cried, 
 
 " O tell me where you've stray'd ? 
 Perhaps at some fair damsel's side, 
 
 Long lingering oft your purpose there delay'd."
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 
 
 " Emma, forbear, nor wound my heart, 
 No joy this bosom e'er hath known 
 
 Since that sad hour which saw us part, 
 Was hope's bright beamy vision gone : 
 
 Till from those rosy lips again 
 
 I heard the well-known accents fall, 
 
 Chill was each thought, and feebly vain 
 
 Was pleasure's voice to cheer my soul." 
 
 ********* 
 
 XXV. 
 
 " 'Twas on the confines of a wood 
 
 That prone o'erhangs proud Arno's flood, 
 
 As past its dreary verge I flew, 
 
 My home just bursting on my view, 
 
 A band of ruffians stay'd my course, 
 
 I desperate urg'd my panting horse, 
 
 But vain again was urg'd his slackening speed, 
 
 He fell, but rose no more that generous steed
 
 84 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 'Twas by that menial villain's aid 
 Your father sent a treacherous guide, 
 Soon was o'ercome this single arm, 
 No power to work the villains harm 
 My Weeding limbs they quickly bound, 
 The blood well'd fresh from every wound, 
 As on the foremost courser laid ; 
 Thro' many a wild and pathless glade 
 I long was led a tedious way, 
 Nor halted ere 'twas break of day." 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 " 'Twas near a cavern's broken arch, 
 
 Conceal'd by art from every passing eye, 
 The ruffians stay'd their rapid march, 
 
 And enter'd 'neath its portal huge and high 
 Shut out for ever from the gladsome day, 
 No glimmering taper sheds a cheering ray, 
 Nor genial warmth its vasty bosom knows, 
 Save as the narrow entrance may unclose
 
 CANTO III. SIR BERTRAM. 85 
 
 A passing beam just glances 'thwart the void 
 Yet scarce can pierce the murky darkness wide, 
 Or scarce against its broken rugged side 
 The streaming light falls faint and dim, 
 Ere quickly flies the treacherous beam, 
 And dreary night amid the lightest day, 
 Here undisturb'd resumes her sovereign sway." 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 " Still helpless cross the steed I lay. 
 And as I view'd with dread dismay 
 Night's thickest shadows round us close, 
 To my affrighted fancy rose 
 Shapeless forms, and phantoms grim, 
 Hovering ghastly faint, and dim, 
 As past my eyes they seem'd to glide 
 In rapid march, and darting wide 
 Their wither'd fleshless arms around, 
 Each pointed to a gaping wound,
 
 86 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III, 
 
 And in thin air did seem to melt away : 
 An icy chill crept thro' my soul, 
 As o'er my spell-bound senses stole 
 
 A thrill of horror and of wild dismay, 
 And on the wings of fell despair 
 My tortur'd fancy flew but ere 
 From my parch'd lips a quivering groan 
 Again might burst the scene was gone, 
 Perception fled, and on the earth 
 I sunk, ere fear had given it birth !" 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 " Twas long, ere from this death-like trance 
 
 Each slumbering sense awoke, 
 And yet alas too soon perchance, 
 On senseless blissful ignorance 
 
 The first faint beam of knowledge broke ; 
 Twas by a cavern's rugged side, 
 
 As on a rushy couch I lay, 
 That reason, long a truant guide, 
 
 Shed on my soul a glimmering ray.
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 87 
 
 In silent horror, there I view'd 
 The spacious vault around bedew'd 
 With noisome damps, and mildew'd o'er 
 
 In many a shade of dreary hue ; 
 Whilst o'er the moist and slippery floor 
 
 Foul reptiles slow their loathsome bodies drew: 
 An half-trimm'd lamp beside me lay, 
 That shed its wan unsteady ray 
 On objects oft discern'd anew, 
 Amid the damp unwholesome dew 
 That hid their forms, and o'er them threw 
 A hideous garb of fearful die 
 To frighted fancy's fervid eye 
 Each varying shape did seem to wear ; 
 And oft around them would appear 
 A thousand shapes uncouth and grim, 
 As trembling flash'd the lamp's uncertain beam."
 
 08 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III* 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 " I strove to rise, but from each wound 
 Stream'd the red flood, and racking pain 
 
 Shot thro' my limbs on the cold ground 
 Helpless I fell, and sought in vain 
 My wet and chilly couch to gain ; 
 
 As on the damp cold floor I lay, 
 
 The tear of speechless agony 
 
 Slow rolling down my burning cheek, 
 
 Sudden I heard loose hinges creak, 
 
 And clanking chains unbarring near 
 
 Smote dismal on my startled ear 
 
 I turn'd to gaze, and there I spied, 
 
 Pacing across the cavern wide, 
 
 A form I knew yet could it be 1 
 
 I gaz'd again sure it was he ! 
 
 It near'd scarce could I draw my breath, 
 
 My bosom chill'd as if in death ; 
 
 I thought 'twas Malcolm but the gleam 
 
 Of that pale lamp's expiring beam
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 89 
 
 Deceiv'd mine eyes yet in his face 
 As near he came with measur'd pace, 
 Each well-known feature you might trace, 
 Each line, each deep particular mark 
 That stamps proud Malcolm's visage dark ; 
 And that wild something lurking there, 
 Was imag'd in his face as fair !" 
 
 XXX. 
 
 " Silent he rais'd me from the ground, 
 And kindly to each festering wound 
 A cooling balsam he applied ; 
 Soon did that racking pain subside 
 As in his sinewy arms he led 
 My fainting steps, and slow we sped 
 Thro' frightful chasms dark and drear, 
 
 Thro' many a wildering winding maze; 
 When sudden as if bursting near 
 
 As quick we turn'd with dread amaze 
 
 M
 
 90 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 I saw a broad red stream of light 
 Shoot o'er our path, with glory bright 
 And shouts of boisterous mirth and glee, 
 And pealing notes of minstrelsy 
 Re-echo'd through the dungeon wide 
 ' Here rest we,' cried the stranger guide." 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 " 'Twas past a cavern's yawning mouth, 
 Where ruder bandits' forms uncouth, 
 
 Their drunken noisy revels held ; 
 To a small chamber quick he led 
 My lagging steps, each wondering dread 
 
 Soon vanish'd as I there beheld 
 A table with hot viands spread, 
 A blazing hearth and curtain'd bed 
 He press'd me oft to taste the cheer, 
 Said I had nothing more to fear,
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. dl 
 
 And this, would all the worst reveal ; 
 But yet in prison I must stay 
 Long ere I view'd the welcome day, 
 
 Or might the sun's warm influence feel ; 
 Some tedious years would lingering roll 
 Slow o'er this head, and oft might howl 
 
 The wintery storm around, 
 Ere Ullin's towers I view'd again, 
 Or paced through Minto's misty glen, 
 
 Or trod on Scottish ground. 
 Aghast I stood with fear I gaz'd 
 O'er his dark face, and wildly rais'd 
 My hands to heaven in mute despair 
 A broad terrific sickening glare 
 Of the dread truth, had sudden flash'd 
 Across my soul, and quick had dash'd 
 From my parch'd lips the cup of joy 
 While yet the cooling draught was nigh, 
 Sudden it vanish'd from my sight 
 And hope's bright sun was set in darkest night !"
 
 92 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 " Long in this drear abode I stay'd, 
 And oft my stern proud keeper pray'd 
 To tell that villain's cursed name 
 At whose all-powerful word I came 
 But prayer and threat alike were vain, 
 No other answer might I gain 
 Save in a robber's cave I lay, 
 By some dark desperate enemy 
 Kept close till deeds of woe were done, 
 Or whilst some prize was lost or won." 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 " I need not tell how oft the thought 
 Fresh torture to my bosom brought, 
 Of the dread anguish thou wouldst feel 
 At my long stay, and perhaps might seal 
 Ere my return that hand and heart 
 Another's ! nay love, do not start,
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM, 93 
 
 I know full well 1 did thee wrong, 
 
 But jealous doubts to true love e'er belong." 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 " One night as from some troubled dream 
 Quick starting, by the lamp's bright beam 
 
 Low bending o'er me as I lay 
 An unknown figure met mine eyes, 
 Wrapp'd in a sable flowing guise 
 And as it loudly cried ' arise/ 
 
 One bare arm motioned me away. 
 I knew the voice, fear quickly fled, 
 My jailor's form stood o'er my bed, 
 ' Thou now art free,' in haste he wildly said, 
 ' To liberty and love, thy footsteps tread.' " 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 " I gaz'd in doubtful wild amaze, 
 And on his half-averted face 
 A deadly image I could trace
 
 94 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 Of wildest horror pictur'd there ; 
 But as I look'd again his features o'er, 
 A ghastly grin of triumph then they wore, 
 And high amid the dank and dusky air 
 His glittering weapon oft was seen to rear." 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 " I follow'd his gigantic stride 
 Thro' many a dreary dungeon wide, 
 Till a huge stone our passage stay'd 
 And further progress stern forbade, 
 Judge my surprize when I beheld 
 The ponderous mass, in chains upheld, 
 Slow rising from its rocky bed 
 Suspended, trembling o'er my head ; 
 I started back, still life was dear, 
 I thought some horrid treachery near ; 
 But scarce the thought was well defin'd 
 That glanc'd athwart my wondering mind,
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 95 
 
 Ere joy, unbounded joy o'ercame 
 All feeling else, (save the bright flame 
 Which fervid play'd around my heart, 
 That ne'er could from this bosom part.) 
 I felt heaven's pure breeze gently blowing, 
 
 Ere from my lips one word might break : 
 And felt the warm tide swiftly flowing 
 
 O'er my wan and withered cheek ; 
 I hail'd again the western star 
 Brightly twinkling from afar, 
 
 And the faint flush of parting day 
 Tinging each airy cloud so gay ; 
 
 And heaven's own purple radiance bright 
 
 Now bless'd again my ravish'd sight. 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 ' ' Freedom is thine, go use it well, 
 ' How gain'd no matter I should tell
 
 96 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 ' O how those flaming eye-balls glar'd, 
 ' For me that wither'd hand was bar'd ; 
 ' My firm soul shrunk, aye to its core 
 
 * My heart did melt, that ne'er might melt before 
 
 * It was a sight but thy young eye hath ne'er 
 
 * Beheld the spectred habitants of air ! 
 
 ' Thy conscience yet unstain'd O would 'twere 
 
 mine 
 ' To know and feel those joys which yet are 
 thine 
 
 ' To know one moment's fleeting bliss again 
 
 ' I cannot may not dare not hope were vain : 
 
 ' A moment ! aye, 'twas but a moment's guilt 
 
 ' That made eternal misery mine, 
 ' And yet by me was never madly spilt 
 
 ' That blood which once had nurtured thine.' "
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 97 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 " ' I saw her ! 'twas that same wild glance, 
 
 ' I knew it well and yet perchance 
 
 ' 'Twas but a dream a dream ! O ne'er 
 
 ' May dreams such real semblance wear 
 
 ' Of waking truth I could not pray, 
 
 ' And yet methought it seem'd to stay 
 
 ' And cry repent repentance can it save, 
 
 ' Or tears ere wash from me that yawning grave 
 
 ' Thy mother's spirit nay, unwrinkle now 
 
 ' That frown quick gathering on thy spacious 
 
 brow, 
 ' Save it for Ullin true, thy deadliest curse 
 
 ' I may deserve, yet not deserve it worse ! 
 
 ********* 
 
 ' List whilst no prying eye is near, 
 
 ' I may reveal it to thine ear 
 
 ' Our chief hath ta'en a bribe I ween 
 
 ' To hold thee close, him thou hast seen, 
 
 N
 
 98 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 ' He met thee on that night of woe 
 
 * And dragg'd thee here nor mayest thou go 
 ' By his command, till message sent 
 
 ' From Ullin ends thy prisonment 
 ' I heard thee, as my daily course 
 
 ' Around these dreary haunts I took, 
 ' My conscience wrung with keen remorse, 
 
 ' I saw thy mother's visage in thy look ; 
 ' Yet then I knew thee not for what thou art 
 ' Proud Ullin's chief why that convulsive start? 
 ' To soothe and cheer each lonely hour 
 ' Hath been my care, 'twas in my power 
 ' Yet more I durst not, for an oath 
 ' Of horrid form binds faith and troth 
 ' For life to our unbending chief, 
 
 * He ne'er forgives, and death may bring relief- 
 ' My last sad welcome duty now is o'er, 
 
 ' I seek his presence ne'er to quit it more.
 
 ^ANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 99 
 
 ' Nay, for thy mother bade me ! 'twas this 
 
 night 
 ' An angel form, enrob'd in glittering white, 
 ' Did drive the pallid spectres from my sight, 
 ' And bade me shew to Ullin's chief the path 
 
 * From maddening bondage, misery and death.' " 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 " ' Go seek the fell usurper of thy right, 
 ' Go dare him boldly to th' unequal fight, 
 
 * But think on me, when vanquish'd blood is spilt 
 ' Gasping he lies, and groans aloud his guilt ; 
 
 ' I ask no more on this world's thorny breast 
 
 ' I then repose not, but I would find rest 
 
 ' Beyond the grave, one prayer mayest thou give, 
 
 ' 'Twill bid this suffering spirit live, 
 
 ' Before heaven's altar will the incense rise, 
 
 ' 'Tis all I ask a willing sacrifice !' "
 
 100 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 XL. 
 
 " ' Away 'tis not thy thanks I crave, 
 ' They ne'er could for one moment save 
 ' A tortur'd mind from memory's sting ; 
 * Can puling praises comfort bring 
 ' Praise but is felt when 'tis deserv'd, 
 
 ' I could not hear my blazon read 
 ' As if from innocence 1 ne'er had swerv'd, 
 
 ' Or from the path of virtue been misled ; 
 ' Conscience would paint that bliss for ever gone 
 ' And tell those joys once fondly decm'd my 
 
 own. 
 
 ********* 
 
 ' Swear I command thee, nay, look on this 
 
 sword, 
 ' My oath is broke, my sacred plighted word, 
 ' My life is forfeited wouldst have me fly 
 ' Afraid to live I'm not afraid to die !
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 101 
 
 ' Swear on this sword on this dark blood-red 
 
 stain, 
 ' Thou ne'er wilt seek this gloomy cave again, 
 ' Or thy departed mother's dread commands 
 ' I dare not now obey see ! there she stands, 
 ' Thy pallid lips she beckons to the sword ; 
 ' Haste, 'tis thy duty calls, she marks thy word 
 * 'Tis register'd above, that holy vow, 
 ' Now leave me gracious heaven have mercy 
 
 now.' " 
 " I saw a bright angelic seraph's form, 
 
 Her glory beam'd too high for mortal sight ; 
 Amaz'd I shrunk, she bade me there perform 
 
 That oath, ere yet to heaven she winged her 
 
 flight !" 
 
 ******** *
 
 102 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 XLI. 
 
 " I saw again my long lost home, 
 
 The yellow woods were waving bright ; 
 I saw old Arno's milk-white foam 
 
 Sparkle again thro' the dusky night ; 
 I laid my foot on the threshold stone, 
 
 All round was wrapp'd in mystic gloom, 
 I shuddering seem'd to stand alone 
 
 On the still verge of some forsaken tomb ; 
 'Twas but too true the thought that rush'd 
 
 So wild and chilly o'er my brain, 
 Oft from my cheek the tear I brush'd, 
 
 And yet a tear would start again." 
 
 XLII. 
 " My friend was dead too late I came, 
 
 His eyes were ever clos'd to me, 
 His last breath murmur'd out my name 
 
 As sprung his soul to immortality !"
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 103 
 
 " It was a packet seal'd with care, 
 The hoary-headed steward bare : 
 He bow'd, and render'd up his trust, 
 The hand was mouldering in the dust 
 That trembling trac'd each hallowed line, 
 Which seeni'd to breathe an air of heaven 
 divine !" 
 
 XLIII. 
 
 " To Scotia's furthest outstretch'd shore 
 Long since his page a message bore 
 For my return, ere death might come 
 And welcome snatch his body to the tomb 
 And yet perchance he wish'd not to depart, 
 Till to mine ear alone he might impart 
 Th' events which left me to a stranger's care, 
 Helpless, unconscious, fate's dark frowns tp 
 bear."
 
 104 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO III. 
 
 XLIV. 
 
 " 'Twas on a dark and stormy night 
 
 A female figure burst his door, 
 Forward she rush'd in wild affright 
 
 And fainting fell on the chequerM floor ; 
 Alarm'd the trusty menials fled 
 
 To Salvo's ear was quickly brought 
 The strange report, he left his bed 
 
 And soon the suffering stranger sought ; 
 Still senseless on the floor she lay, 
 A form of lovely lifeless clay, 
 A death-dew damp'd her forehead cold, 
 Her locks hung loose from their braided hold, 
 No breath might seem from her lips to pass, 
 For it dimm'd not the face of the polished glass ; 
 And yet they thought her breast did heave, 
 It was not her heart that was still as the grave ; 
 They thought from her lips did burst a groan, 
 And yet they were cold as the marble-stone,
 
 CANTO III.] SIR BERTRAM. 105 
 
 But ere one hour of woe was past, 
 Her eyes to heaven were feebly cast : 
 He bade the maidens tend her well, 
 
 She needed much their ready care, 
 For ere had chim'd the midnight bell 
 
 Unconscious then a smiling babe she bare : 
 No form she knew, no word she spake, 
 But sigh'd as if her heart might break, 
 
 And slowly gaz'd around, 
 Then starting as if from some horrible sight, 
 She grasp'd her hands in wild affright 
 
 And madly o'er them frown'd: 
 But ere was seen that morning's blessed light, 
 Her sainted soul to heaven had wing'd its flight !"
 
 # 
 
 >* 
 
 SIR BERTRAM. 
 
 CANTO FOURTH.
 
 SIR BERTRAM. 
 
 CANTO FOURTH. 
 
 I. 
 
 Lord Ronald of Ullin, that baron bold 
 
 As ever cross'd a steed, 
 Great store had he of glittering gold, 
 
 And gay knights good at need. 
 
 II. 
 
 No prince or potentate I ween 
 
 E'er held such lofty state, 
 Nor England's king nor Scotland's queen 
 
 E'er in such splendour sate.
 
 110 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO IV. 
 
 III. 
 
 Full thirty warriors bold and true, 
 
 Sate in that castle hall ; 
 Their armour all of silvery hue, 
 A gorgeous panoply, to view, 
 
 Hung glittering on the wall. 
 
 IV. 
 
 From morn to noon, they chase the deer 
 O'er pathless wild and mountain steep, 
 
 From noon till midnight-time draws near, 
 Their noisy revels oft they keep. 
 
 V. 
 
 Gaily round old Ullin's towers, 
 Swiftly flew the joyous hours, 
 Jocund mirth and boisterous glee 
 End their festive revelry.
 
 CANTO IV.] SIR BERTRAM. Ill 
 
 VI. 
 
 Why pales Lord Ullin's care-worn cheek, 
 
 Why glares his sunken eye ; 
 And why does he struggle as if to speak, 
 Yet ere the half-form'd word may break 
 From his parched lips hath burst a sigh 
 He seems to fear some sudden danger nigh. 
 
 VII. 
 
 Why does he shudder and look around, 
 As if he did start at unwelcome sound ; 
 Did the shouts of the revellers strike on his ear, 
 Or the noise of the tempest-tost wave did he hear; 
 Did the fierce northern blast round the battle- 
 ments howl, 
 Or hoarser screech'd the sullen owl ; 
 Or the raven croak'd an unwelcome note 
 As its dark wing oft on the casement smote, 
 Or was it Emma's morning flight 
 Disturb'd his rest on that fearful night ?
 
 112 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO IV. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 He heard a voice ! he heard a sound ! 
 
 That seeni'd to shake the very ground ; 
 
 Loud it thunder'd on his ear 
 
 Louder still ! and still more near; 
 
 It was not the shout of the mirth-making crew, 
 
 As the rich flowing juice from the goblet they 
 
 drew ; 
 It was not the moan of the tempest-tost wave 
 That beats high o'er the shipwreck'd mariner's 
 
 grave ; 
 Nor was it the roar of a stormy blast, 
 For the moon shone bright, and her gay beams cast 
 On Ullin's towers a brighter ray, 
 That seem'd to mark the rising day ! 
 
 IX. 
 
 Lord Ullin knew the summons well, 
 From whence it came I may not tell ;
 
 f 
 
 CANTO IV.] SIR BERTRAM. 113 
 
 'Twas an unearthly voice I ween, 
 
 For nought was heard, and nought was seen 
 
 By other knight or guest beside, 
 
 Save the dark chief of Ulva's isle, 
 Who proudly sat by Ullin's side ; 
 
 'Tis said his face did, wear a ghastly smile, 
 And his dark eye might seem to view 
 
 Some object that did slowly glide 
 Where clustering pillars darkly threw 
 
 Their lengthen'd shadows o'er the distant void ! 
 
 X. 
 
 Malcolm had long an inmate been 
 
 At Ronald's festive board, 
 And oft in deep discourse were seen 
 
 The dark-brow'd chief and Ullin's lofty lord : 
 'Twas said deep skill'd was he in magic lore, 
 And oft his gloomy visage strangely bore 
 p
 
 114 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO IV. 
 
 A sudden cast of death-like hue, 
 And in his eyes, there might be seen 
 When shadows diram'd the light between, 
 
 A quivering flame of softest blue: 
 'Twas thought to Ullin he had done 
 Some secret service soon he won 
 
 His seeming love, and friendship too, 
 But oft with haughty voice and air, 
 Would dictate more than friend should dare 
 
 Or even foe would care to do : 
 Ne'er might the Baron dare oppose 
 His haughty will yet oft arose 
 
 On Ullin's cheek a livid stain, 
 That told of anger in his breast, 
 
 Yet ere his features you might view again 
 'Twas gone and all appeared at rest. 
 
 XI. 
 
 The bell hath chim'd the midnight hour, 
 
 And they've ta'en the way to the western tower;
 
 CANTO IV.] SIR BERTRAM. 115^ 
 
 On many a flower-carv'd mouldering beam 
 
 Flashes the torch's lingering gleam, 
 
 And forms of hideous uncouth mien 
 
 Thro' rolling vapours dimly seen 
 
 Seem starting from their rocky bed, 
 
 And grimly frowns each ghastly sculptur'd head. 
 
 XII. 
 
 A chapel's dreary aisle they past, 
 And louder seem'd to roar the blast ; 
 Yet bright the lovely moon beams shone 
 Thro' clustering wreaths of polish'd stone, 
 And danc'd in many a chequer'd stain 
 Where saints and warriors long had lain : 
 But say what yonder glimmering light 
 
 That circles the altar around, 
 It waves disappears then again meets the sight, 
 Now flashes on high, gilds the gay roof so bright, 
 
 Now dances along the dark ground.
 
 116 I SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO IV. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 Hush'd is the blast hush'd every sound 
 
 Lord Ullin gasps with fear, 
 He seems fast rooted to the ground, 
 E'en Malcolm shudders, nor looks around, 
 
 An unknown power hath fix'd them there. 
 Softer still the mystic blaze 
 Round the screened altar plays, 
 
 Nor further seems to spread ; 
 Till sudden to their frighted gaze 
 A pointed arch, the blue flames raise 
 
 High o'er the altar's head ; 
 Beneath a female form did rise, 
 It frown'd and pointed to the skies 
 
 And shook one bloodless hand ; 
 No word the ghastly phantom spake, 
 Yet Ullin's heart did strangely quake 
 
 And quickly fell his unsheath'd brand : 
 He seem'd to know that pale face well 
 And once but more I may not tell,
 
 CANTO IV.] SIE BERTRAM. 117 
 
 'Twas long since living eyes I ween 
 
 That beauteous form had wondering seen ! 
 
 XIV. 
 
 The bell tolls one ! the phantom's gone 
 
 And the pale flames disappear ; 
 No forms but earthly forms are seen 
 Near to the altar's fretted screen, 
 
 No light save the red torch blazing near. 
 
 XV. 
 
 " Ronald arise" proud Malcolm cries, 
 
 " One hour of morn is past ; 
 We've much to do, and we may rue 
 Ere yet we brush the morning dew, 
 
 Or hush'd again is that stormy blast ; 
 Come ere thy coming be too late, 
 To-night thou know'st thy distant fate, 
 This is the night I told unto thee, 
 And this is the night was promis'd me."
 
 118 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO IV. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 They've gain'd the turret's highest stair, 
 
 They pause no entrance might be there, 
 
 So firm that massy portal seem'd, 
 
 As on its front the red light gleam'd ; 
 
 Yet ere the eye might glance around, 
 
 Or ere the ear might lose the sound 
 
 Of echo's voice repeating far 
 
 Their latest step the pond'rous bar 
 
 From out its place with grating din 
 
 Mov'd slow ! a faint light shone within 
 
 As far the reeling portal swung 
 
 With heavy sweep, and harshly rung 
 
 A dismal knell to Ullin's ear, 
 
 He rued the cause that brought him there ; 
 
 And yet 'twas but a moment that the gush 
 
 Of tender sorrow mantled round his heart, 
 Twas gone, ere to his frenzied eye might rush 
 
 The big tear wrung by memory's keenest smart.
 
 CANTO IV.] SIR BERTRAM. 119 
 
 XVII. 
 
 Malcolm hath doff'd his armour bright, 
 He shrouds his form in glittering white ; 
 No plumed casque adorns his head, 
 A sable coronet instead 
 
 Around his burning brow is bound, 
 Whilst on his broad and ample waist 
 A zone of jewels rare is plac'd, 
 
 That sheds a sparkling glory round; 
 Yet not the brightest gem that glitters there 
 
 Equals the lustre of his eye, 
 'Tis like some meteor's lurid glare 
 Gleaming athwart the troubled air, 
 
 Dimming the starry twinkling of the sky ! 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 They've made the magic circle wide, 
 They've nine times pac'd it, side by side,
 
 320 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO IV. 
 
 Silent and still they stand, 
 But ere the deadly spell is wound, 
 Malcolm hath kiss'd the charmed ground 
 
 And thrice hath wav'd his hand ! 
 Hark ! they come, on the breezes borne 
 
 Soft music fills each listening sense, 
 It melts away 'tis hush'd yet may return 
 
 To chain the ravish'd ear in sweet suspense ; 
 It seems as if celestial fingers 
 
 Wak'd the thrilling harmony, 
 How soft that dying cadence lingers 
 
 Melting the rapt soul into ecstacy. 
 Again it comes, a sudden swell 
 
 Bursts louder on the wondering ear, 
 Hark ! as that cadence softly fell 
 
 Methought sweet voices floated near ! 
 Tis the sprite of the mountain calls, 
 Swift he wings round Ullin's walls, 
 His kindred elves he now invites 
 To celebrate unhallow'd rites.
 
 CANTO IV.] SIR BERTRAM. 121 
 
 Proud man, I would not feast with thee 
 On such aerial minstrelsy ! 
 
 XIX. 
 
 Spirits j&ong. 
 " Come spirit of the rolling deep, 
 Thy troubled billows safely sleep, 
 Forsake old ocean's rocky caves 
 And lightly skim o'er the dancing waves. 
 
 Thou who rulest when tempests blow, 
 Wing thine airy flight below ; 
 Angry storms drive far away 
 Whilst we keep our holiday. 
 
 Come spirit of each bubbling brook, 
 
 Your lonely streams are now forsook, 
 
 It is a dark malignant hour, 
 
 And evil beings now have power 
 
 To work strange wonders and display 
 
 Their shapeless forms till dawn of day !" 
 
 8
 
 122 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO IV. 
 
 Gftorug. 
 " Thus while we dance the mystic charm is 
 
 wound, 
 Quick, catch yon dew-drop ere it fall to th' 
 
 ground ; 
 A deadly charm we must distil 
 When the moon-beam dances on yon hill, 
 When the sparkling wave doth fret and moan, 
 And the corpse unburied is heard to groan ; 
 When strange voices speak in the murmuring 
 
 blast, 
 And the traveller hies thro' the forest so fast ; 
 When the wolf howls thro' the gathering gloom 
 And scents the path to the new-made tomb 
 To celebrate unholy rites 
 Assist ye elves and goblin sprites." 
 
 XX. 
 
 The sound hath ceas'd the air is still, 
 And the moon hath brighten'd Ulle's hill,
 
 CANTO IV.] SIR BERTRAM. 123 
 
 In fear and silence now they wait ; 
 Lord Ullin sits by Malcolm's side 
 All in that magic circle wide, 
 
 And quick his throbbing heart doth beat 
 
 XXI. 
 
 Though lightsome seem'd that spacious room, 
 Yet an impenetrable gloom 
 One side obscur'd of dismal hue, 
 To pierce that mystic curtain thro* 
 Lord Ullin' s eye essay'd in vain, 
 
 Till sudden from the blackened scene 
 Thick heavy clouds did seem to roll away, 
 
 And the light intervals between 
 
 A form was indistinctly seen, 
 That seem'd to pass as if in deadly pain ; 
 ' Stay/ Ullin cried, c curs'd spirit stay' 
 The phantom did his call obey,
 
 124 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO IV. 
 
 Slow from its closed lips faint accents broke, 
 
 In hollow groans the tortur'd spirit spoke. 
 
 " Mortal man what would st thou know. 
 
 I come from fiery gulphs below, 
 
 Horrid spells have forc'd me here, 
 
 Mortal man, 'twill cost thee dear !" 
 
 " Tell me," undaunted Ullin cries, 
 
 " If to thy sight the future lies 
 
 Clear and unveil'd reveal my fate, 
 
 Impatient I that sight await" 
 
 The phantom slowly rais'd its head, 
 
 Its pale lips mov'd not whilst it said, 
 
 " To foes thou ne'er shall bow thy head 
 
 Till Oscar's son thy daughter wed !" 
 
 The shadowy form then seem'd to melt away, 
 
 And soon amid the floating vapours gray 
 
 Its shape was lost, no form might there be seen 
 
 Save as thick clouds roll'd o'er the scene again, 
 
 A glimmering radiance might be view'd between.
 
 CANTO IV.] SIR BERTRAM. 125 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Lord Ullin clasp'd his hands for very joy, 
 
 He thought no danger now might e'er be nigh 
 
 " Thou sayest well," the baron cried, 
 
 " A child he never yet possess'd ; 
 My brother once did wed a bride 
 But 'twas a friend that did provide 
 For her and for her babe unborn, 
 Ere it beheld the light of morn, 
 
 A place of quietude and rest. 
 It is not likely now I fear 
 That Oscar the shrill voice should hear 
 Of puling children or an infant heir, 
 For safe he lies ! but 'tis no matter where : 
 And I am safe, while yonder cave 
 
 Its destin'd victim shall contain, 
 Till then life's tempest I may safely brave, 
 
 Nor fear to sink amid the heaving main.
 
 126 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO IV. 
 
 But yet I've heard that spirits oft deceive 
 Man's credulous and unsuspecting ear, 
 (Too prone of promis'd bliss e'er to believe,) 
 
 With sounds that will a double import bear ; 
 I'll ask again while fits the time, 
 It cannot be a deadlier crime, 
 Malcolm, that form once more to raise 
 Why roll thine eye-balls with such wild amaze V 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 Scarce had the thought his pale lips pass'd, 
 Ere towards the place again he cast 
 His wondering eyes, and sudden view'd 
 Three hideous forms with gesture rude, 
 Each with its long and fleshless hand 
 Pointing to a gory brand 
 Then as if by fouler fiends possess'd, 
 To Ullin these mysterious words address'd,
 
 CANTO IV.] SIR BERTRAM. 127 
 
 " Ronald may ne'er his conquror see 
 
 Till one and one shall make up three, 
 
 And one false friend two foes shall be !" 
 
 Then with a wild and dismal shriek 
 
 So loud and shrill, it seem'd to speak 
 
 Portentous to his startled ear, 
 
 The haggard shapes as sudden disappear; 
 
 Yet ere his eye from off the scene might rove, 
 
 A form yet undefined did seem to move 
 
 Sudden the mist before it seem'd to clear, 
 
 And in its place there did appear 
 
 A headless trunk besmear'd with blood 
 
 Aghast the wondering warrior stood, 
 
 And scarce durst draw his tightened breath 
 
 It seem'd the harbinger of death: 
 
 In its pale hand a scroll was plac'd, 
 
 And there in bloody stains was trae'd, 
 
 " To mortal man thou ne'er shalt bend thy knee ! 
 
 No man that lives shall ever conquer thee !'*
 
 128 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO IV. 
 
 XXIV, 
 
 The form recedes it fades 'tis gone ! 
 
 That magic scene for aye is flown, 
 
 And nought may meet the wandering sight 
 
 Save dancing streams of pale moon-light, 
 
 Decking with many a silvery ray 
 
 The blackened walls, so lovely, light and gay. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 Lord Ullin's heart again beat high, 
 His swelling bosom throbb'd with joy ; 
 And yet one sad remembrance there 
 Had wrung his soul with bitter care; 
 A parent's anguish he had known 
 That morn, his only child had flown 
 A tyrant father's stern decree, 
 A parent's dread authority.
 
 CANTO I V.J SIR BERTRAM. 129 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 " I fain would see ray child," he cried, 
 And straight her form was at his side 
 He strove to clasp her in his fund embrace 
 It was the vacant air that in her place 
 He wildly grasp'd, no living thing was there 
 " Where is my child?" he cries, a faint voice 
 answers " where !*' 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 " Tell me does my Emma live, 
 Say will she yet her sire forgive ? 
 I'd rather hear her voice again, 
 Than listen to that melting strain, 
 Or hear those welcome voices say 
 I ne'er must know death's bitter day 
 I cannot taste the sweeten'd draught 
 So dearly is that beverage bought, 
 Still from my parched lips again 
 The cup is snatch'd, I strive in vain 
 R
 
 130 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO IV. 
 
 My thirsty spirits with the sight 
 
 Of promis'd happiness to cheer ; 
 The vision fancy decks with charms so bright, 
 
 Fades as hope's languid eye approaches near ! 
 My child O say on earth shall I e'er view 
 Her face again, ye spirits tell me true 1" 
 From lips unseen a shrill voice cried, 
 " When Ullin knows his daughter near 
 And tidings of her fate shall hear 
 There's death and danger at his side. 
 I see, I see a silvery cloud 
 
 Shining with heaven's own radiance bright, 
 Her future course it doth enshroud, 
 
 And veils the present from my sight ; 
 There is a power above these skies 
 Screens it from unhallow'd eyes, 
 Farewell, some future hour we meet again 
 That future hour may work thee cruel pain !"
 
 CANTO IV.] SIR BERTRAM. 131 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 He heard no more but yet 'tis said 
 Lord Malcolm long in that dark tower staid 
 Weaving many a mystic spell, 
 Whose form and power I may not tell, 
 Yet in the castle hall ere morning came 
 Were seen again those eyes of liquid flame !
 
 SIR BERTRAM. 
 
 CANTO FIFTH.
 
 SIR BERTRAM. 
 
 CANTO FIFTH. 
 
 I. 
 
 Lord Oscar was the baron bold 
 
 Of Ullin's wide domain, 
 That noble name he once did hold 
 
 Unblemished with a stain. 
 
 II. 
 
 A generous chieftain, valiant, true, 
 Old Scotia's pride was he, 
 
 And many a gallant knight o'erthrew 
 In feats of chivalry.
 
 136 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO V. 
 
 III. 
 
 A damsel fair he once did claim 
 
 From out a peasant's shed, 
 To share his fortune and his name, 
 
 To share his bridal bed. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Th' enraptur'd baron saw with joy 
 A father's hopes he soon should know ; 
 
 How oft doth pleasure seem more nigh 
 When darker lower the clouds of woe ! 
 
 V. 
 
 An elder brother once had he, 
 
 That with malicious eyes oft view'd 
 The happiness he might but see, 
 
 But could not feel, that bosom rude 
 And yet by Oscar's generous hand 
 
 This wayward youth Avas cloth'd and fed, 
 His dying father's last command 
 
 Denounced a curse upon his head I
 
 CANTO V.] SIR BERTRAM. 137 
 
 Some heinous crime, none else might know, 
 This wretch had done I wot not how 
 His father's heart the tidings broke, 
 For ne'er might heal that fatal stroke. 
 
 VI. 
 
 Oscar by tenderest pity mov'd, 
 
 Oft sought the rebel to reclaim ; 
 The brother whom he once had lov'd, 
 
 Unworthy still had borne his name 
 With kindest words the wanderer's heart 
 
 He strove to warm, he strove to gain, 
 O'er you dark rock bright sun-beams dart, 
 
 And warm showers sprinkle it in vain 
 His heart was harder than that rock, 
 For to the swift-wing'd tempest's shock 
 It sometime yields that frowning front may 
 
 sever, 
 But could his flinty bosom yield ? no, never ! 
 s
 
 138 
 
 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO V. 
 
 VII. 
 
 The wealth Lord Oscar did enjoy 
 He gaz'd at with an envious eye, 
 
 " From me unjustly it is kept" 
 Oft was the recreant heard to cry 
 
 As when perchance unconscious, then he slept, 
 Yet slept not then his active soul, 
 'Twas ever aiming at the goal 
 
 His hopes still kept in sight ; 
 Deep brooding o'er his treacherous scheme, 
 'Twas imag'd in each fearful dream, 
 And o'er his troubled soul would gleam 
 
 Fierce as the lurid meteors of the night ! 
 
 VIII. 
 
 With Ulva's chief of mighty fame, 
 Ronald a solemn league had made 
 
 A deadlier foe to Oscar's name 
 Ne'er drew his keen and trusty blade
 
 CANTO V.] SIR BERTRAM. 139 
 
 He hop'd lo wreak his vengeance dire, 
 He hop'd to stay that deadly feud ; 
 
 Yet ne'er would quench that foeman's ire 
 Till in his blood that blade was deep imbru'd ! 
 
 IX. 
 
 Peaceful flew the joyous hours 
 
 Unclouded yet serene and bright, 
 'Twas well the lord of Ullin's towers 
 
 Ne'er thought that day's unsullied light 
 
 Would set in such a pitchy night ! 
 Sudden it came the dark clouds rolling 
 
 O'er the scene he just beheld, 
 He hears the angry tempest howling 
 
 By resistless fate impell'd : 
 It fades 'tis gone that scene of past delight 
 Is sudden swept for ever from his sight
 
 140 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO V, 
 
 X. 
 
 'Twas one mild sunny eve, so calm so clear, 
 The light breeze just the blue wave curling ; 
 
 The oar's light splash you scarce might hear, 
 As the white sail in haste was wide unfurling 
 
 Lord Oscar and his fair ladye, 
 
 Gliding o'er the shining sea, 
 
 Tasting the freshness of the evening air, 
 
 No serf or known attendant there 
 
 Save Ronald, who the light oars plied in haste 
 
 To Jura's isle they skim the watery waste. 
 
 XI. 
 
 'Twas the last look that ladye's eye 
 Ne'er glanc'd on Ullin's walls again, 
 
 Unknown, her last sad fate was nigh, 
 The first she knew of woe and pain 
 
 Scarce had they touch'd the yellow sand, 
 
 Ere quick a fierce and armed band
 
 CANTO V.] SIR BERTRAM. 141 
 
 Rush'd from behind a jutting rock 
 The ladye at the first rude shock 
 
 Fell faint and breathless on the strand 
 She saw not Oscar bleeding bound 
 Pierc'd deep with many a gaping wound, 
 Borne from her side perhaps 'twas well, 
 Her spirit from its narrow cell 
 Might else have burst but present grief 
 In dark oblivion found relief 
 
 XII. 
 
 No more she knew some hours pass'd on, 
 They thought her soul to heaven was gone, 
 Till soft and faint, a shivering sigh 
 Proclaim' d returning life was nigh 
 She started round she wildly gaz'd 
 One pale hand to her head was rais'd 
 " Oscar it was a fearful night, 
 But I can banish this affright
 
 142 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO V. 
 
 Within thy arms heavens hast thou fled, 
 Oscar ray husband why hast left thy bed 
 Again he answers not why this delay 
 When Ellen call'd, once Oscar could not stay ! 
 I cannot think why beats this burning brain 
 Hark ! sure he comes I did not call in vain 
 Some form stands by my side, yet 'tis not he, 
 Protect me heaven 'tis Malcolm's form I see, 
 Malcolm ! again too true I did not dream ; 
 That form, that face those eyes' wild fearful 
 
 gleam." 
 Again she sunk insensible to woe, 
 Twas all of happiness that she might feel below ! 
 
 XIII. 
 
 His hated form (too true she spoke) 
 Beside her stood ere she awoke,
 
 CANTO V.] SIR BERTRAM. 143 
 
 Watching life's faint return 
 With that dread sight return'd each fear, 
 Alas ! no succour might be near, 
 
 From hope, love, joy, and peace for ever torn 
 Unconscious, soon her native shore 
 Is lessening fast she ne'er may view it more ! 
 
 XIV. 
 
 Long have they skimm'd a stormy main 
 Ere yet the destin'd port they gain ; 
 But ne'er the sufferer had known 
 
 One moment's lucid thought the while, 
 In mercy reason seem'd for ever flown, 
 
 And oft her pale face wore a lovely smile ! 
 
 XV. 
 
 Malcolm the hapless Ellen bore 
 
 To Italy's far distant shore ; 
 
 Long had he known and view'd with savage eyes 
 
 Her beauteous form, ere Oscar gain'd the prize,
 
 144 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO V. 
 
 'Twas then he vow'd it was a fearful oath, 
 That ladye fair, one day lie would betroth. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 And was that dread vow kept? heaven heard 
 
 it not, 
 Or if the throne it reaeh'd, perchance a blot 
 Was o'er it cast, and sudden in its place 
 A deadly curse, no prayer might efface, 
 Awful was writ the guilty wretch it crush'd, 
 Who 'fore th' Almighty's throne impetuous rush'd 
 And thought heaven's sacred barrier to climb, 
 And dare that power a witness to his crime ! 
 
 XVII. 
 
 One stormy night as in a spreading wood 
 The weary travellers for shelter stood, 
 The impatient Malcolm press'd her in his arms, 
 Her bosom yet might feel love's chaste alarm*
 
 CANTO V.] SIR BERTRAM. 14# 
 
 A momentary ray of reason beam'd 
 
 Athwart her soul, she fled, and loudly scream'd, 
 
 And ere th' astonish' d villain can pursue, 
 
 She's sudden lost for ever to his view. 
 
 * * * * * * * * 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 A messenger to Ullin came, 
 
 And gladdening news he brought ; 
 " Fair Ellen's number'd with the dead, 
 And Malcolm hath for ever fled 
 The land which bears his hated name. 
 
 What now this world contains he values nought, 
 Too late he feels those maddening stings 
 A moment's short reflection brings 
 When hours of crime and years of pain 
 Are past what doth the recreant gain 
 The promis'd good ere he can clasp, 
 For ever flies his shorten'd grasp, 
 
 T
 
 146 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO V. 
 
 And leaves the wretch bereft of every joy 
 What recks it life if hope for ever die ! 
 'Twas all that bound me to this earth, 
 'Twas that gave each rude passion birth 
 Unloos'd the dark desires of soul 
 And bade them scorn stern reason's just controul. 
 'Tis gone I live ! yet not the same 
 In thought, in action, or in name." 
 
 XIX. 
 
 A moment Ullin's sunken eye 
 
 Sparkled as with a transient joy ; 
 
 'Twas long ere on that cheek's dark dingy hue 
 
 A flush of pleasure play'd, 
 Yet might you now a feverish hectic view, 
 
 Tho' scarce one moment that bright red stain 
 stay'd: 
 He thought no rival now his wealth might share, 
 Free undisturb'd, his soul might know no care.
 
 CANTO V.] SIR BERTRAM. 147 
 
 XX. 
 
 Some months are o'er, and Ullin hath ta'en 
 
 A wife from out his vassal train ; 
 
 It had been better far, I wot, 
 
 She ne'er had left her lonely cot, 
 
 Her heathy couch for stately bed, 
 
 Or peasant lov'd or lord had wed ! 
 
 One future hope alone her breast could cheer, 
 
 And yet that hope was lost in doubt and fear, 
 
 A daughter soon the woe-worn mother bare ; 
 
 It never knew a mother's tender care, 
 
 For on the hour that sweet babe saw the light 
 
 Matilda's eyes were clos'd in endless night.
 
 148 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO V. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 Lord Ullin awakes from a troubled dream, 
 
 And round one fearful glance he threw, 
 A shadow dinnn'd the lamp's last beam 
 
 A form appear'd whose swift glance well he 
 knew ; 
 A colder chill his frame o'erspread 
 " And art thou number'd with the dead 1" 
 
 Th' affrighted Baron cries 
 " Why dost thou thus torment my sight" 
 " Peace, nor thy coward soul affright, 
 
 No fleeting phantom greets thine eyes, 
 'Tis Malcolm safe, from danger free, 
 Proud man I would 'twere so with thee ! 
 Some direful mischief doth impend, 
 'Tis well I once was made thy friend ; 
 I come to warn thee of thy fate, 
 Ere yet that warning be too late ;
 
 CANTO V.] SIR BERTRAM. 149 
 
 On Adria's shores I saw this morn arise, 
 
 'Twas there I saw grey evening veil the skies ; 
 
 I watch'd the twilight set on Helle's wave, 
 
 And heard the blast sigh o'er the warrior's grave ! 
 
 I saw the bright wave wash round Lemnos' shore, 
 
 And heard on Scio's steep the surges roar. 
 
 E'en now I saw the gay moon-beam 
 
 Trembling on Arno's silvery stream, 
 
 From many a dome, and cross so light, 
 
 It darted on my wandering sight 
 
 A dazzling flood of glory bright, 
 
 'Twas but a moment scarce one glance of thought 
 
 My feet this night unto thy castle brought !" 
 
 XXII. 
 
 " That art I've learn'd, I may not tell 
 But I can cast up many a spell 
 To work thee woe, or work thee weal ; 
 Now bend thy stubborn soul to kneel
 
 150 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO V. 
 
 And swear aye on that bended knee, 
 That ever thou wilt faithful be 
 In word and thought alone to me, 
 From every danger art thou free." 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 Lord Ullin hath knelt, and his pale lips have hung 
 
 For a moment on his sword, 
 A deadly voice on his ear hath rung 
 
 'Twas but one harrowing word 
 It seem'd to stay the vital flood 
 
 That circled round his heart ; 
 His frighted soul on death's dark void stood 
 
 Yet might not then depart. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 From Malcolm's eye of living fire 
 
 Shot a wild terrific glare ; 
 Yet did not seem that glance of angry ire, 
 
 A flash of wildest joy seem'd pictur'd there
 
 eANTO V.] SIR BERTRAM. 151 
 
 'Twas like the joy hell's foul funds know 
 
 When past recovery of hope again, 
 A guilty soul to realms of woe 
 
 Hath headlong phing'd in seas of endless pain 
 It was a flash from that raging flame 
 
 Which burns, yet can't consume, 
 When from the troubled hell within it came, 
 
 And seal'd for aye his last unchanging doom !
 
 SIR BERTRAM. 
 
 CANTO SIXTH.
 
 SIR BERTRAM. 
 
 CANTO SIXTH. 
 
 I. 
 
 ** ' Now prithee stay, thou friar grey, 
 
 Nor leave me yet so soon ; 
 The night wind sweeps o'er the blasted heath, 
 
 And the swarth cloud rides o'er the moon/ 
 
 " ' I may not stay, thou ladye gay, 
 
 Nor tarry yet with thee ; 
 Tho* the night wind sweep o'er the blasted heath, 
 
 And thick clouds o'er the moon's face flee.'
 
 15S SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 " * Rest, rest thee now, the storm doth blow 
 
 And the cold rain begins to pour ; 
 Thou canst not speed o'er the haunted heath 
 
 At such untimely hour.' 
 
 * l * The storm may blow, and the waters flow, 
 And the wild wind ride o'er the plain ; 
 
 Yet Blantyre's towers to-night I see, 
 And Tweed's bonny side I gain.' 
 
 " ' If thou wilt stay, thou friar grey, 
 
 Thy bed shall be softest down ; 
 And thou shalt away at break of day, 
 
 When the tempest afar is gone.' 
 
 " ' I break not now mine holy vow, 
 
 Thou art absplv'd and clear ; 
 The elfin band cannot work me woe, 
 
 Nor the sprites shrill shriek I fear.' "
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 157 
 
 II. 
 
 " The friar grey, sped on his way, 
 
 And from that castle hied ; 
 Nor paus'd he once, nor gaz'd around, 
 
 Till he came to a desert wide. 
 
 " His cowl he rais'd as the lightnings blaz'd, 
 And the tempest rode o'er the plain ; 
 
 His sackcloth loose from his shoulders fell, 
 As the band from his waist was ta'en. 
 
 " His staff he threw on the heath so blue, 
 
 And a sword to his side girt he ; 
 Nor seem'd he now a friar grey, 
 
 But a knight of high degree. 
 
 " He whistled twice, he whistled thrice, 
 
 So shrilly and so clear ; 
 A distant rustling now was heard, 
 
 And a steed richly dight did appear.
 
 158 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 ** He leapt so gay, on his courser grey, 
 
 And merrily on rode he ; 
 Yet he took not the road to Tweed's bonny stream, 
 
 Nor to Blantyre priory. 
 
 III. 
 " The evening bell, o'er dale and fell, 
 
 Chimes freely on the gale ; 
 And 'tis Lord Rodolph's bridal day 
 
 With Ellen of the dale. 
 
 * The goblet bright, on that jovial night, 
 
 The pages oft do fill ; 
 But the minstrel's chaunt is feebler grown, 
 
 And the warder's horn is still. 
 
 " ' What means yon noise,' Lord Rodolph cries, 
 And his face seems blanch'd with fear; 
 
 ' The glimmering lights look dim and pale, 
 And a stranger's voice I hear.' "
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 159 
 
 IV. 
 
 " A form in white, bends o'er the night, 
 
 That seems not of this earth : 
 The harrowing sight hath fix'd each eye, 
 
 And hush'd the clamouring shout of mirth. 
 
 " ' Rodolph arise/ the spectre cries, 
 
 ' Nor from my presence flee ; 
 Thou art not now a friar grey 
 
 From Blantyre priory. 
 
 " ' Thy sacred guise deceiv'd mine eyes, 
 
 Thy tongue deceiv'd mine ear ; 
 But now thine hour of woe is come, 
 
 Thy dismal doom is near. 
 
 " ' Thine Ellen gay, chides thy delay, 
 
 And murmuring waits for thee ; 
 But the yawning grave is thy bridal bed, 
 
 And a spectre thy bride shall be !' "
 
 160 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI; 
 
 " Its cold hands rest upon his breast, 
 
 It cleaves closer unto his side ; 
 Its icy touch his blood hath chhTd, 
 
 He groan'd aloud, and died V* 
 
 V. 
 'Twas thus a wandering harper sung 
 
 Before Lord Ullin's castle wall ; 
 As oft the watch o'er the rampart hungj 
 
 A tear-drop on his cheek would fall 
 He humbly crav'd admission there, 
 
 Nor was his boon deny'd ; 
 Banish'd awhile seem'd every care 
 As each rude hind assembled near, 
 
 And gaily danc'd round the court-yard wide. 
 
 VI. 
 
 Lord Ullin heard the distant rout, 
 
 He heard the merry clamouring shout
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM* 161 
 
 He listen'd and an harp's wild tone 
 Struck on his ear quick he hath flown 
 With eager haste, with pleasure wild, 
 He thought to view his absent child, 
 Perchance 'twas Edwy's harp again 
 Pour'd forth its well accustoni'd strain. 
 
 VII. 
 
 But Oh! how bitter was that pang> 
 
 How heavy on his heart it lay ; 
 When he reach'd the place where the loud shout 
 rang 
 
 And merrily danc'd the maidens gay : 
 It was not Edwy's form again 
 
 That met his fix'd and eager glance 
 It was a form whose lofty mien 
 
 Seem'd not to mark the jocund dance
 
 1T32 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 Loud, loud the mirthful chorus rings, 
 
 And fierce and warlike is his lay, 
 He seems to strike the harp's light strings 
 
 Too harsh and loud for a minstrel gay 
 His sinewy arm seem'd fitter far 
 To wield the glittering wand of war, 
 Than idly tune love's amorous lays 
 To fan the dying embers to a blaze, 
 Or with unsteady hand, and glance of fire 
 T' awken love, and kindle deep desire, 
 Or to soft numbers sweep the trembling string, 
 And from the melting eye, the glist'ning tear-drop 
 wring. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 To sing of love-sick ladies gay, 
 
 And gallant knights so trim, 
 And spectres clad in dread array, 
 
 All ghastly, gaunt and grim,
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 1C3 
 
 That voice by nature ne'er was made, 
 
 'Twas fitted for some hardier trade, 
 
 To join the war's wild clamorous shout, 
 
 The midnight reel or revel rout, 
 
 Than with a liquid languid eye 
 
 T' awake the love lorn lingering sigh, 
 
 As joys long past, at some remember'd strain, 
 
 Come wildering o'er each listener's burning brain, 
 
 When busy memory doth again retrace 
 
 The scene-, nor time, nor absence can efface 
 
 And to deformity hath lent a grace, 
 
 When age hath mellow'd o'er each harsher shade, 
 
 And each dark tint from off the scene doth fade 
 
 A fond regret, a soothing nameless joy 
 
 The bosom warms, whilst past the gladdened eye 
 
 The vision flits, array'd in charms divine, 
 
 His soul responds that gay scene once was mine!
 
 164 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 IX. 
 
 Lord Ullin mark'd the minstrel well, 
 A frown on his dark visage fell, 
 Unseen he watch'd his anxious face, 
 Some evil in it he could trace ; 
 Suspicion cross'd his harass'd mind, 
 Some treachery was in the wind, 
 Some plan with deadly mischief fraught 
 That stranger minstrel surely brought. 
 A hideous grin of savage joy 
 His features wore " He's in my power 
 'Tis well but 'tis not yet the hour'' 
 He little reck'd ere that night was done, 
 His castle would be lost and won ! 
 
 X. 
 
 The goblet plac'd by the minstrel's side 
 Hath oft been drain'd, and well supply'd,
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 165 
 
 And each domestic vainly tries 
 
 To chase the sleep from his twinkling eyes 
 
 Till side by side as if in death, 
 
 Each scarce may seem to draw his breath ; 
 
 The careless watch on the rampart high 
 
 No sudden danger can descry, 
 
 Their eyes were seal'd at their midnight post, 
 
 That hour when Ullin's hope was lost ! 
 
 XI. 
 
 The draw-bridge lowers, an armed band 
 Are waiting without the dread command, 
 The path is cross'd, the court-yard won, 
 Their dangerous task is half-way done ! 
 What form is that their footsteps guiding, 
 His weapon round the dark wall sliding 
 An anxious doubt sits on his brow, 
 On his cheek their seems a burning glow,
 
 166 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 Mayhap the torch in his hand uprais'd 
 Hath dazzled mine eye, as with fear I gaz'd, 
 Yet Bertram's form I surely ken 
 Amongst that host of warlike men 
 'Tis he ! the torch hath flash'd again, 
 His features still their wonted form retain. 
 
 XII. 
 
 And who is that stalks by his side 
 
 With haughty step and measur'd stride 
 
 'Tis Malcolm ! well that form I know 
 
 'T has work'd to Ullin, bitter woe 
 
 And yet 'tis strange, he seems with toil o'erpress'd 
 
 As if some weary journey he had sped ; 
 Yet this same night ere yet had sunk to rest 
 
 The waning moon upon her glistening bed, 
 On Ullin's wall by that pale silver light 
 I saw him, or his evil-working sprite 
 Pace to and fro his form did hurt my sight.
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 167 
 
 XIII. 
 
 And who is that round his shoulder wears 
 
 A tartan plaid of chequer'd green, 
 His hand no hostile weapon bears, 
 
 'Tis the treacherous minstrel's form I ween ; 
 Twas he that drowsy potion gave, 
 
 'Twas he that narrow draw-bridge lower'd ; 
 No power on earth can Ullin save, 
 
 Soon sinks that sun by envious clouds obscur'd, 
 
 XIV. 
 
 Lord Ullin hears the distant noise, 
 
 He starts from his couch with fear; 
 In haste along the gallery flies 
 
 And gains the turret's highest stair 
 A moment his stout heart did quail, 
 
 He gaz'd on well-known forms below 
 One moment saw his cheek turn deadly pale, 
 
 Another saw it like the furnace glow*
 
 1C8 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI t 
 
 And yet what recks lie of an earthly host, 
 
 It ne'er might 'gainst his arm prevail, 
 This cheering thought his maddening bosom 
 cross'd, 
 
 Should idle fear his stubborn heart assail ] 
 And yet 'twas strange at Bertram's side 
 
 That Malcolm stood, and seem'd a friend, 
 And oft around that court-yard wide 
 
 An anxious prying glance would send. 
 
 XV. 
 
 " Treachery guards awake" the tocsin's rung, 
 In vain his friends around he calls by name, 
 
 Some spell around their drowsy eye-lids hung, 
 Nor Bertram knows, nor Malcolm whence it 
 came
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 169 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Lord Ullin on the northern turret stood, 
 
 His garments loose around him flung ; 
 A torch scarce lit, just glimmer'd in the flood 
 
 That round its ruin'd base a mournful death- 
 dirge sung. 
 He look'd on the hills, he look'd on the wave, 
 
 No help or succour came ; 
 He look'd below, it seem'd the grave 
 
 Where sunk for aye his lofty fame : 
 He look'd above, but there his eye 
 
 In heaven's dark face, no gleam of hope might 
 read ; 
 The powers of hell, and earth, and sky, 
 
 Seem'd to forsake him in that hour of need ! 
 Again those lov'd predictions cross'd his breast, 
 
 Again he seem'd beyond the reach of ill 
 He wav'd on high his snowy plumed crest, 
 
 That oft had made the stoutest bosom chill. 
 x
 
 nO SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 " What means this tumult," loud he cried 
 
 The warriors scarce their helms have rais'd 
 Ere whirls a javelin swift at Bertram's side, 
 
 And o'er the summit of his shoulder graz'd-^- 
 " It boots not now with hostile force, 
 
 Ye seek my life, 'tis madly vain 
 The raven croaks both loud and hoarse, 
 
 That warns ye to yon hills again 
 A charmed spell is round me cast, 
 This night may chance to be your last, 
 f< To foes I ne'er may bow my head, 
 Till Oscar's son my daughter wed \" 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 *' We came not here to seek thy life, 
 
 Tho' well that purpose thou may'st fear, 
 
 It was to save thee from the battle strife 
 
 This night we gain'd our easy entrance here ;
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM* 171 
 
 It was thy daughter pray'd for thee* 
 She sits by yonder hawthorn tree 
 Bertram, her husband, Oscar's long lost son 
 Proud lord thy magic charm was dearly won J" 
 
 XIX. 
 
 " 'Tis false your treachery ye shall dearly rue," 
 A ponderous fragment o'er their helmets flew 
 But foil'd again his wrath, and deadly hate, 
 It thundering reel'd against the castle gate* 
 Unhurt, he view'd them mock his angry pride, 
 Again in louder tone, he madly cried, 
 " Ullin may ne'er his conqueror see 
 Till one and one shall make up three, 
 And one false friend two foes shall be !" 
 Scarce had the words his parch'd lips past, 
 Ere round one glance of pride he cast 
 And back recoil'd -Malcolm he spy'd 
 Again was standing at his side
 
 172 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 He gaz'd below and there again he stood 
 
 At Bertram's side it chill'd his angry blood 
 
 The wondering crowd, the well-known vision saw, 
 
 It was a sight of wonder and of awe 
 
 Malcolm his image view'd by Ullin's side, 
 
 He thought some glamour past his sight might 
 
 glide, 
 He trembled fear'd he reck'd not what, nor how, 
 But nameless terror sat upon his brow 
 He turn'd to Bertram, " seest thou yonder form, 
 Its eyes glare fierce as meteors of the storm, 
 Some demon foul, my shape hath strangely ta'en 
 That man's deprav'd and willing soul to gain 
 Hark !" 'twas a voice of thunder spake, 
 Loud, loud these fearful accents brake, 
 " To mortal man thou ne'er shalt bend thy knee, 
 No man that lives shall ever conquer thee !" 
 A dark cloud seem'd to wrap the turret round, 
 
 Loud thunders shook the castle to its base 
 The mist hath clear'd, no form may there be found, 
 
 Nor figure on the turret top the eye may trace !
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 173 
 
 XX. 
 
 Some days are past Lord Ronald's corpse was 
 
 found 
 All blacken'd o'er it shew'd not outward wound, 
 In some wild wither'd brake, and in the night's 
 
 thick gloom 
 'Twas borne in silence drear, to an unhallow'd 
 
 tomb ! 
 
 ********* 
 
 XXI. 
 
 Malcolm had pardon from his chief obtain'd, 
 
 In haste to Scotland's shores he hied ; 
 That night he came, ere Bertram's band had gain'd 
 
 The steep ascent to Ulle's craggy side- 
 He fram'd the plan, 'twas ready at his heart, 
 
 The hour of retribution now was come, 
 He wish'd ere from this world he might depart 
 
 To know and seal the proud usurper's doom.
 
 174 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 " What looks of love again shot from her eye, 
 Once all I madly priz'd of earthly joy; 
 No wish beyond whate'er I then possess'd, 
 Her beamy smile the sun-shine of my breast ; 
 Herself my hope, her arms my surest heaven, 
 What reck'd I, if no other boon were given, 
 The past was mine, the present still was bliss, 
 I brav'd the future, and its dark abyss, 
 Too wild with joy, my dizzy brain upborne 
 With pleasure's fleeting breath, in life's gay morn, 
 I nought might view but glories bright above, 
 All hope, all peace, and happiness and love ; 
 The snares I saw not which beset my path, 
 I heard not rise the distant storm of wrath, 
 My eyes were fix'd on pleasure's brightest sun, 
 Too light, too lovely, ere its race was run
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 175 
 
 Its beam was quench'd in clouds of grim despair, 
 And fled for aye that scene so bright and fair !" 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 " Oh who could part at once with all delight 
 Nor wish the death that ever shuns the sight, 
 A death of soul, a state of nothingness, 
 Oblivion with the heart's chill lifelessness, 
 Rest in the grave, 'tis the frenzied hope 
 That prompts the wretch with death's dark hand 
 
 to cope, 
 And madly fly a coward from the fight, 
 To seek for safety in the shades of night." 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 " This death I wish'd for, sought but sought in 
 
 vain, 
 I knew not hope beyond the present scene ; 
 No joys above the blessings once possessed, 
 And all was reft, I wish'd to be at rst ;
 
 176 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 One feeling from this bosom ne'er might part, 
 Hopeless uncheer'd a bleeding broken heart!" 
 
 Oh 'twas a beam of bliss from angels given, 
 
 A light, a joy ineffable from heaven, 
 
 That met these eyes, on my benighted soul 
 
 A cheering radiance softly glimmering stole, 
 
 Then bursting thro' a flood of dazzling light, 
 
 My Ellen's form again did bless my sight, 
 
 She smil'd, and oh what peace again was there, 
 
 How soon dispell'd those clouds of dark despair; 
 
 She pointed out the path to purest joy, 
 
 She led my soul to seek a world on high, 
 
 A brightening gleam dispelFd the gathering night, 
 
 Fast closing round for ever on my sight, 
 
 A glowing prospect spread before mine eye, 
 
 A sun that set not, and a cloudless sky, 
 
 Where hope ne'er comes, for joy is there complete, 
 
 And all with love and happiness replete."
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 177 
 
 XXV. 
 
 " This frail and busy memory ne'er may lose 
 Her parting word " Thy being may not close, 
 Ere thou art free I sink to earth again 
 Once more the herald of release from pain." 
 Since then what years I've linger'd thro', 
 Nor day-spring seen nor heaven's aerial blue, 
 Nor fields nor floods by memory nigh forgot, 
 Soon o'er its mouldering page time throws a blot ! 
 All, all the dreadful past but now may seem 
 The sooth remembrance of some busy dream, 
 Some ventful tale, at which the feeling breast 
 May weep the woe of others tho' itself at rest ! 
 But that my brother on mine hours would steal, 
 And probe the rankling wound that else might heal; 
 I had known peace amid this dreary cave, 
 And sunk in quiet to my peaceful grave." 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 " 'Twas but within this hour before mine eyes 
 Again she stood, and pointed to the skies,
 
 178 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 Then sunk away, from bondage am I free, 
 She comes the harbinger of liberty : 
 But what is liberty without my love, 
 I have no kindred but the just above ; 
 This cave that once with horror fill'd my heart, 
 I'm loth now from its dark expanse to part 
 It seems akin to me and to my woe, 
 What strange affections in the bosom grow, 
 When none are left to cheer the vacant mind, 
 In lifeless forms we oft may friendship find, 
 At which the pamper'd favorite shrinks with awe 
 These are the scenes from which we comfort draw ; 
 Too prone to fix on something here our love, 
 To which we lingering cleave, nor sigh for bliss 
 above/' 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 'Twas thus a captive told his tale, 
 
 It met no listening ear ; 
 Nor friend had heard his hapless wail, 
 
 No living form was near ;
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 179 
 
 The frowning rock with sullen moan, 
 
 Had oft re-echoed back his groan, 
 
 Till fancy gave it life again, 
 
 It seem'd a friend to soothe his pain 
 
 Its flinty bosom oft might shew 
 
 That pity to a sufferer's woe 
 
 Humanity had long denied 
 
 A suppliant victim to a brother's pride ! 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 In Jura's isle, by Ronald's power, 
 He lay conceal'd a luckless hour 
 For him and for his ladye fair, 
 They went to taste the evening air 
 On the calm deep, so clear and bright 
 Scarce danc'd in air the pennons light, 
 Or scarce a wave might glimmer nigh 
 Where ocean meets the western sky, 
 So smooth its glassy breast might seem, 
 Save that one bright and eddying stream
 
 180 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 That glitter'd in the sun's last ray, 
 Might track the vessel's easy way. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 " And dost thou Malcolm still suppose 
 
 My sire hath 'scap'd his powerful foes ? 
 
 This night we go, unmoor the bark, 
 
 Quick for thy life stop Duncan, hark ! 
 
 Beware thou tellest not abroad 
 
 Why thus to-night we tempt the flood, 
 
 I would not that my ladye's ear 
 
 Should gain the tale, enow she'll hear 
 
 Of crimes her luckless sire hath wrought, 
 
 Of woes that here his guilt hath brought 
 
 If that our speedy search prove vain, 
 
 It ne'er will give her bosom pain ; 
 
 If he returns, her joy will heal 
 
 The anguish else her heart might feel."
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 181 
 
 XXX. 
 
 The light scud swiftly skims the sky, 
 The angry surge beats loud and high, 
 The prow that proudly rides the wave 
 With whitened foam the breakers lave, 
 Wide, wide around the torch's gleam 
 On ocean's restless hills may seem 
 As if the flood's capricious sprite 
 Had tipt each rising wave with light, 
 And lent the bark a gladsome ray, 
 To light her on her trackless way. 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 The blast fills free the swelling sail, 
 The bark bounds light before the gale, 
 With steady eye the seamen mark 
 The hills on Jura's summit dark, 
 And onwards now the vessel urge 
 Where lighter rolls the heaving surge,*
 
 182 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 They near the strand, the sea-fowl's wing 
 Flaps on the mast the mountains ring 
 With owls' and eaglets' varied scream, 
 Scar'd by the torch's dazzling gleam. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 Swift round a cape, the vessel rides, 
 And on a smoother surface glides, 
 A haven shelter'd from the blast 
 Prone from her stern the anchor cast, 
 Lord Malcolm foremost springs to land 
 His knee hath press'd the yielding sand 
 " 'Tis this the spot, I know it well, 
 Where innocence unguarded fell ; 
 In memory's leaf, as fair 'tis trac'rf 
 As tho' 'twere but a moment pass'd 
 What hours of woe a moment's guilt 
 Here, here thy father's blood was spilt, 
 Here let me kneel I cannot pray, 
 Tears may not wash my crime away,
 
 GANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 183 
 
 'Twere cheaply bought if childhood's grief 
 
 Could turn the bolt of wrath aside, 
 But conscience still denies belief, 
 
 Nor may the heart's dark secrets hide." 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 " Each cave and hiding place explore, 
 Ourselves will watch along the shore, 
 This bugle gives the signal shrill, 
 We meet again by yonder hill," 
 Sir Bertram cries, his trusty band 
 Disperse with each a flaming brand ; 
 Himself and Malcolm slowly keep 
 Along the margin of the deep, 
 Where many a sea-form'd cavern wide 
 Yawns drear and dark a hideous void 
 " Malcolm, seest thou yonder light 1 
 Our followers true, are men of might 
 If they so soon outstrip our speed 
 And on yon hill's high summit tread."
 
 184 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 " It is no torch that glimmers there, ' 
 We'll on, some friend or foe is near 
 Something forebodes yon steady ray, 
 Guides us on our uncertain way." 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 They near the place where sprang the beam 
 
 From out a lattice, bright it shone, 
 A cheerful and enlivening ray 
 
 Amidst the desert all alone ; 
 With cautious step, and fearful tread, 
 
 As midnight foe on mischief bent, 
 Slow up the rugged steep they sped 
 
 And on a cot's rude paling leant. 
 With anxious and enquiring eye 
 They watch'd for some lone tenant nigh, 
 But all within appear'd at rest, 
 Forsaken seem'd by earthly guest ; 
 Yet still the blaze stream'd bright and clear : 
 " We'll knock, some entrance may be here."
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 185 
 
 A gentle tap the wanderers gave, 
 But all was silent as the grave, 
 Save faint and low the breakers' roar, 
 That sullen chaf'd the distant shore. 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 " I'll raise the latch, there's mystery here* 
 'Tis my domain, I've nought to fear ; 
 Some secret lurks within this place, 
 I'll see my vassal face to face." 
 He said and burst the wicket wide, 
 They gaze around, from side to side ; 
 They enter all within is still, 
 Sir Bertram's heart felt faint and chill ; 
 He thought to summon near his train, 
 But shame dismiss'd that fear as vain ; 
 We'll tenant this forsaken spot, 
 In sooth 'tis but a lonely cot, 
 This rushy couch will ease our toil, 
 Its guest we'll see ere morning smile ; 
 2 a
 
 186 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 Some spirit whispers in my breast, 
 Here all our weary search doth rest. 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 " Hark, Malcolm, hasty steps I hear 
 
 Beneath the floor, our hope is near, 
 
 That stone sure moves, light glimmers thro' 
 
 Its widening chink" their swords they drew, 
 
 With wonder wild they stood to gaze, 
 
 For faintly shone a lamp's pale rays 
 
 From underneath a ponderous stone, 
 
 That seem'd from ocean's bosom thrown 
 
 It slides aside, and in its place 
 
 Starts sudden forth a grisly face, 
 
 One glance of wonder round it threw, 
 
 Quick, Malcolm to the chasm flew, 
 
 The wretch he seiz'd, ere back recoil'd 
 
 The massy door, and ghastly smil'd ; 
 
 " Does Oscar live ? thy life we save 
 
 But answer true, or here thy grave :"
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 187 
 
 " Lord Oscar's heart is now at peace, 
 His earthly sorrows long did cease." 
 " Then lead us instant to his grave," 
 " 'Tis in the windings of this cave, 
 But ye may safely trust me now, 
 A wretch worn down with want and woe." 
 " Lead on, but mark me ere we go, 
 Suspicion if thou dost but raise, 
 Thy life the meed of treachery pays." 
 Glenfillan rais'd his shaded eye, 
 A lurking something you might spy 
 Of unquell'd hate, and angry fear, 
 And darkly brooding mischief there ; 
 But soon that glance of fear, or pain, 
 Was turn'd in haste to earth again. 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 Silent and slow, with cautious tread, 
 Safe down the steep, their steps he led j
 
 188 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI, 
 
 The wavering light but faintly shew'd 
 The path with rocky fragments strew'd, 
 Chilly and damp, it seem'd as made 
 Fit habitation for the dead 
 A weary length of passage past, 
 
 They enter'd 'neath a cavern wide, 
 Round many a wondering glance was cast, 
 
 That could not reach its rugged side ; 
 Loud every step re-echoed round 
 A startling and uncertain sound, 
 As thro' its dark expanse they trode, 
 And pac'd in doubt their dreary road. 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 Now sudden paus'd the stranger guide, 
 " You enter here," he lowly cried, 
 Then pointed to a closed door 
 
 That yielded to his sinewy arm, 
 " Lead on, we see thee safe before, 
 
 Thou seizest first on unknown harm."
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 189 
 
 Sullen the guide his voice obey'd, 
 Lord Malcolm thought he lingering stay'd, 
 But closely watch'd with keener eye, 
 His every look and movement nigh. 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 " Where is my father's grave, oh say, 
 And on its hallow'd mound I'll lay, 
 And kiss the earth that severs me 
 From what on earth I ne'er may see !" 
 " 'Tis near this dungeon's farthest side, 
 This lamp will there your footsteps guide, 
 I'll wait the sacred tears ye shed 
 O'er Oscar's cold unhallow'd bed." 
 
 XL. 
 
 Sir Bertram sought his father's tomb, 
 But Malcolm still amid the gloom 
 Intently fix'd his piercing eye 
 On that rude form which waited nigh ;
 
 190 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 'Twas but a moment that his look 
 The strict and earnest watch forsook, 
 As quick as ere might glance a thought 
 That form again he sudden sought, 
 The guide was gone, but caught his eye 
 As past the door he glided by, 
 And swift the grating portal drew 
 Towards its close, Lord Malcolm flew, 
 His trusty sword doth intervene 
 
 Between them and their doom, 
 Else had their shrouded eyes ne'er seen 
 
 Beyond a living tomb : 
 In vain the ruffian strives to close, 
 The portal on his wary foes, 
 The weapon stays it from its hold, 
 And foil'd at once his purpose bold ; 
 In flight the miscreant safety seeks, 
 No word Lord Malcolm stays or speaks 
 But snatches quick the torch and hies 
 In swift pursuit the villain tries
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 191 
 
 In vain t' elude the vengeance meet 
 
 That follows on his footsteps fleet ; 
 
 The hot pursuer gains him fast, 
 
 Around one wistful glance he cast, 
 
 The outstretch'd sword is glittering near, 
 
 His nervous limbs are wing'd with fear ; 
 
 Fly for thy life, vile recreant fly 
 
 He knows a place of succour nigh, 
 
 But ere within that door he stood 
 
 Lord Malcolm's sword had drank his blood ! 
 
 He falls his life is ebbing fast, 
 
 His dying doom on earth is pass'd ; 
 
 His fixed eyes are dim in death, 
 
 He struggling seems to gasp for breath, 
 
 He faintly beckons Malcolm near, 
 
 Who forward bends an anxious ear; 
 
 Slow from his lips, short accents broke, 
 
 The dying traitor truly spoke, 
 
 " Lord Oscar lives this passage strait 
 
 Conducts you to his cave but wait
 
 192 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 This key oh ! death forgive my crime 
 Hate cursed hate farewell in time !" 
 The wretch hath drawn his latest breath 
 And sleeps for aye the sleep of death. 
 
 XLI. 
 
 Sir Bertram sought his absent friend, 
 
 He o'er the fallen foe did bend, 
 
 " Thy father lives," Lord Malcolm cries, 
 
 And straight along the passage flies ; 
 
 With eager haste, the key he bore 
 
 Unloos'd the dungeon's massy door ; 
 
 A sudden trembling shook his frame, 
 
 His furrow'd cheek seem'd flush'd with shame, 
 
 " I dare not gaze upon his face 
 
 See there he lies the sleep of peace 
 
 Sits on his brow, light and serene 
 
 As if his sorrows ne'er had been ! 
 
 He smiles how oft I've seen his cheek 
 
 Lit up as thus he strives to speak
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 193 
 
 He calls for Ellen 'tis the cry 
 Of vengeance on bis enemy !" 
 
 XLII. 
 
 Lord Oscar starts, for in his ear 
 A well-known voice rung loud and clear ; 
 A faint remembrance of the past 
 Shot o'er his brain, he sudden cast 
 On Malcolm an enquiring gaze 
 Of anxious doubt and wild amaze 
 Sir Bertram knelt, a sire's embrace 
 He ne'er had known, a father's grace 
 He crav'd, and lowly bending near 
 First whisper'd father in his ear. 
 " A son ! oh heaven, thy goodness still 
 O'erpowers the weight of human ill ! 
 A son ! then welcome liberty, 
 And welcome life again to me 
 2b
 
 194 SIR BERTRAM. [CANTO VI. 
 
 The cloud bath pass'd, my heaven is clear, 
 Hope's bright horizon dawns in glory near. 
 
 XLIII. 
 
 Malcolm hath fled his friends, his bleeding breast 
 Could ne'er amid these scenes again find rest ; 
 It ne'er was known to where he sped away, 
 
 But on that morn he strangely disappear'd 
 Far on the deep, at break of early day 
 
 A light skiff swam, by unknown hands 'twas 
 steer'd ; 
 On that same night, while yet the twilight grey 
 
 On Ullin's walls still faint and feebly shone, 
 Far on the shore a shatter'd pinnance lay, 
 
 By drifting surges on the sea-sands thrown 
 Oft is it said that Malcolm's form is seen 
 On the lone beach, 'mid tangled sea weeds green,
 
 CANTO VI.] SIR BERTRAM. 195 
 
 At early dawn, but silent sinks away 
 
 Ere brighter glow the motley streaks of day; 
 
 His restless spirit haunts not the repose 
 
 Of Bertam's soul, or dims those happier days ; 
 Calm, undisturb'd, in peace life's current flows, 
 
 Scarce ruffled by the breeze that on its bosom 
 plays. 
 
 T. Rogerson, Printer, Manchester.
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
 Los Angeles 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 
 
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