B 3 mt mc^ 
 
 KioTtsvrnLnMM 
 
 'j^^MKKHi-'^- 'T^ita*«*aja-TfiM»Kwmi»/')wn-> 
 
 ::^"ti:^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^^^^^^^^^^^V7 
 
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^Hln '> - 
 
 
 
 
 
 B^^Tf^^^^^^^^^B^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H 
 
 
 ^ i t.f\ 
 
 
 p:: ^ 
 
 
 > |, 
 
 
 II 
 
 
 ■* 1 
 
 'ffi^W'?'^''-. 
 
p= 
 
 Jolm 3\vett 
 
 t-grr-V^-^T-aTlteia 
 
 -;jr 
 
 ^^,.-d' 
 
 ±£i 
 
V 
 
 V 
 
 e. 
 
 1^ 
 
THE 
 
 • • • • • • • 
 
 »•■»•,•• ••• ,« 
 
 «•••* •• •• 
 
 ** » • ••••• ••• «« 
 
 LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 BY 
 
 SIR WALTER SCOTT. 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 EDWIN GINN. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY GIXN, HEATH, & CO. 
 
 1885. 
 

 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1884, by 
 
 EDWIN GINN, 
 in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
 J. S. CusHiNG & Co., Printers, 115 High Street, Boston. 
 
PEEFACE. 
 
 /^N page V, under the heading "Classics for Chil- 
 ^-^ dren," is given the origin and plan of a series of 
 books intended for the young in our public schools. 
 The series will be well printed in large type, on good 
 paper, and firmly bound, and will be furnished at a price 
 so low as to bring within the reach of every pupil in the 
 land these books, which have hitherto been confined to 
 the homes of those in more favored circumstances. 
 
 Scott's writings seem well fitted for children, as the 
 language is simple and graphic, the thought healthful 
 and invigorating, and the events narrated based so 
 largely on real life as to tend to create an interest in 
 historical studies. This poem, with its beautiful de- 
 scriptions of scenery, its vivid pictures of life, and the 
 charming melody of its rhythm is especially well suited 
 to interest the young. 
 
 It has been urged against the use of Shakespeare, 
 Scott, and such writers, in the grammar grades, that it 
 will interfere with the course in the high school, where 
 these authors are studied. If only one out of twenty-five 
 ever reaches the high school, and the twenty-four can 
 read these authors to advantage in the lower grades, 
 would it not be wise to remodel the entire course of 
 study in such a way as to secure the greatest good to 
 the greatest number ? 
 
 Should it seem to some that too many simple words 
 have been defined, it must be borne in mind that the 
 majority of children, nine years of age, attending public 
 
 54! 684 
 
11 PREFACE. 
 
 schools, have read ahiiost nothing, and are not snpplied 
 with dictionaries. We have found it very difficult to 
 define certain words concisely, in language sufficiently 
 simple to be within the comprehension of young children. 
 
 It has been our aim to give the child, having no other 
 sources of information, such help as would enable him 
 to read this poem intelligentl}^ and we count ourselves 
 especially fortunate in being able to draw so largely 
 from Scott's own writings. 
 
 In abridging and quoting from Scott and other 
 writers, we have used their own language without 
 change as far as possible, thinking it better to retain 
 the original vigorous expression, at the risk sometimes 
 of its being a little abrupt, than to restate the thought 
 less forcibly in a smoother connection of sentences. 
 
 We regret that no more space could be allowed for 
 the biography, but Ave trust enough has been given to 
 lead the pupil to read Lockhart's complete biography 
 of Scott. Great as he appears in his works, his real 
 grandeur is shown in his quiet, unassuming life, in his 
 unselfish devotion to the comforts of others, and in his 
 heroic struggle, when crippled with disease, against 
 adverse fortune. 
 
 It is recommended that pupils read the historical 
 sketch about the Highlands and James V., page xli, 
 before and after reading the poem. 
 
 It is hoped that others with more leisure and ampler 
 resources may carry on the work. 
 
 We have availed ourselves, by permission, of Mr. 
 Rolfe's carefully-restored text of the poem. 
 
 E. (jr. 
 
CONTEJSrTS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 en 
 
 Introduction : Classics for Childn 
 Life of A^^\LTER Scott 
 Highlanders and Borderers of Scotland 
 Argument 
 
 Canto I. The Chase . 
 ir. The Island . 
 
 III. The Gathering 
 
 IV. The Prophecy 
 V. The Combat . 
 
 VI. The Gi ard-room 
 Index to Xotes 
 Map .... 
 
 XV 
 
 xli 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 37 
 
 74 
 
 108 
 
 14-2 
 
 178 
 
 211 
 
 220 
 
CLASSICS FOR CHILDREH". 
 
 -«o«- 
 
 THE present volume forms one of a series of standard 
 works, to be edited for the use of children between 
 the ages of nine and fifteen in the Public Schools. It 
 was suggested by seeing the result of setting children of 
 nine and eleven years to reading The Lady of the 
 Lake. They soon became so much interested in it 
 that they began not only to read with greater ease, 
 but voluntarily committed to memory large portions of 
 the poem. 
 
 This result led to making numerous inquiries of 
 thoughtful men and women, in various walks of life, 
 in regard to their early reading. The evidence thus 
 gained shows that children are capable of enjoying 
 good books at an early age, and the chances of forming 
 in them a taste for good literature are then much better 
 than at a later period. 
 
 In order that this course of reading might be removed 
 still further from an experimental basis, a list of ques- 
 tions about the works of standard authors was sent to 
 leading men in the various professions, from whom 
 many valuable answers, suggestions, and offers of assist- 
 ance have been received. The kind of matter having 
 been decided on, the next thing to be considered was 
 the editorial work. It seems best, as far as practicable, 
 to publish complete works; but some, like Scott's novels, 
 
vi CLASSICS FOR CHILDREN. 
 
 contain much matter beyond the years of the children 
 for whom the books are designed, besides being too 
 bulky for our purpose. Though it is not an easy task 
 to abridge Scott, we are fortunate in finding a person 
 equal to it, as Miss Yonge's Quentin jDurward 
 shows. 
 
 It is designed to give such notes at the foot of the 
 page as will enable children to read understandingly 
 without the aid of other books. It may be thought 
 that we have given too many definitions of words 
 readily found ; but these books are designed for chil- 
 dren in the Public Schools, few of whom are supplied 
 with dictionaries. Besides, a pupil having a vague 
 idea of the meaning of a word may not take the trouble 
 to look it up ; but, if a glance at the bottom of the page 
 would give him more definite information, without loss of 
 time or interest, he would be glad to avail himself of it. 
 
 It may be urged that many pupils of this age will 
 not take any interest in such works. Very likely. For 
 such we would prescribe a liberal amount of committing 
 to memory. It may prove quite as interesting to the 
 children, and as valuable, from an educational point 
 of view, as memorizing the ten thousand bays, capes, 
 rivers, islands, lakes, mountains, inlets, counties, towns, 
 and cities now required. The one-tenth that could 
 be recalled by some law of association, as the relation 
 of rivers to mountain chains, the occupations of the 
 people as modified by climate, etc., has been retained and 
 assimilated, but the other nine-tenths have been gotten 
 rid of as useless lumber. It may have had some bene- 
 ficial influence in exercising the memory, but how much 
 better to have used the same amount of effort in 
 
CLASSICS FOR CHILDREN. vii 
 
 memorizing the choicest pages of the best authors, 
 which would have had a lasting influence in forming 
 correct literary tastes, as well as in storing the mind 
 with healthful sentiments, to be recalled always with 
 delight. 
 
 It seems to us a sad abuse of time to require children 
 to learn such facts as the date of election, term of 
 service, and the state in which each of the Presidents 
 and Vice-Presidents of the United States was born, and 
 the details of every unimportant battle or skirmish in 
 the Colonial, French, and Indian wars. Let them but 
 spend the same amount of time in reading such works 
 as Irving's " Life of Washington," Scott's " Tales of a 
 Grandfather," and Macaulay's "History of England," 
 and they will obtain not only more valuable informa- 
 tion, but, what is vastly more important^ they will be 
 acquiring a taste for good reading and a love for history 
 which will be of inestimable value to them in after life. 
 Besides, they will learn to use better English from con- 
 stant use of such models than by studying technical 
 grammar and poring over innumerable examples of 
 true and false syntax. 
 
 The child should have only the best set before him, 
 for otherwise he is more liable to copy the imperfect, 
 or to become confused between the true and the false, 
 than to be guided aright. 
 
 But to arithmetic we must look for the greatest mis- 
 ai:)propriation of time. In the country school it con- 
 sumes about three-fourths of all the time. It is com- 
 mon to find young men who can solve every one of the 
 thousand puzzles in the bulky arithmetics, but cannot 
 write a common letter without making half a dozen 
 
Vlll CLASSICS FOR CHILDREN. 
 
 mistakes in grammar and spelling. The pupils in the 
 Grammar Schools must spend years over the long and 
 tedious examples in compound fractions, compound 
 numbers, compound proportion, profit and loss, part- 
 nership, alligation, involution, square and cube roots, 
 geometrical progression, permutations, annuities, and 
 what not, though they have not time to read a single 
 play of Shakespeare or a volume of history or other 
 standard literature. 
 
 Much valuable time is wasted by reversing the true 
 order of studies, and giving so much attention to ex- 
 hibitions, examinations, and methods. 
 
 The child with a little knowledge and a good mem- 
 ory may make a far better showing than the one who 
 knows a great deal more of the subject. Memory com- 
 mands a premium ; intelligence is at a discount. 
 
 All real progress must be unconscious, and the in- 
 stant the pupil turns his thoughts to what he is doing 
 and how he is doing it, he not only ceases to learn, but 
 has put the greatest bar to his future progress, by 
 emphasizing his self-consciousness and egotism. As 
 Dr. Stanley Hall truly says, such teaching is like the 
 farmer's tearing up his beans from the earth every 
 day, to observe the manner and progress of growth. 
 
 The first lesson we would give would be the reverse 
 of all this. We would never for a moment allow any 
 study with any other idea than simply understanding 
 the subject without thought of answering any ques- 
 tions on it. We would try to get the pupil to forget 
 everything, except his lesson, and utterly to lose himself 
 in that. 
 
 It is not natural for young children to confine their 
 
CLASSICS FOR CHILDREN. ix 
 
 attention very closely or very long to one thing. There 
 is so much to learn, so many novel things, that they 
 must give some time to each. One should not attempt 
 to control too early in life this natural tendency to 
 change ; but, as soon as children begin to use books, 
 they should be taught the value of giving their undivided 
 attentioii to the lesson in hand, at short intervals at first, 
 lengthening the time gradually so as not to tire. We 
 would impress upon them the ivickedness of playing 
 study, giving a listless, partial attention, and allowing 
 their minds frequently to wander to other subjects. 
 This want of concentration of effort is the greatest 
 possible obstacle to advancement in learning, — a fault 
 most common to pupils, and, strange to say, one to 
 which but few teachers give any attention. 
 
 It is necessary for children to read a great deal, to 
 acquire that facility of expression which will enable 
 them to perform the merely mechanical operation of 
 reading without conscious effort. The mind should be 
 entirely free to concentrate itself on the subject-matter. 
 Now, since it is not natural for them to apply them- 
 selves closely enough and long enough to accom2:)lish 
 this work, we should aid them by supplying an abun- 
 dance of interesting material. It is not, therefore, of so 
 much importance, at this stage of the child's education, 
 that the highest moral truths be presented, as that the 
 matter be of such intense interest as to catch and hold 
 the whole attention of the pupil. The highest moral 
 law he should now know is to learn the command of 
 words, and the most effective use of his faculties. Care 
 should be taken that his English should be simple and 
 forcible, and nothing harmful in ethics should be allowed. 
 
X CLASSICS FOR CHILDREN. 
 
 It is a waste of time to try to teach morals, in his read- 
 ing lesson, to a child who has to spell out his words ; 
 and almost as bad to try to teach geography, grammar, 
 arithmetic, and the other subjects. Words are to him 
 as tools to the mechanic. Until he has learned to use 
 them effectively, he should not be put to serious work, 
 where his attention is distracted from his first duty, — 
 the perfecting himself in his trade, the command of 
 words. If a part of the time now given to spelling out 
 words, in geography, arithmetic, grammar, and stupid 
 reading-lessons, were devoted at first, wholly or mostly, 
 to reading only, our children would not only become 
 much better scholars in these various branches, but 
 read more literature in the Grammar Schools than the 
 college student now gets before graduating; besides, 
 they would acquire a literary taste and a love for good 
 reading, of inestimable value to them in their future 
 life, which will never be so busy but that they will find 
 the time for a few moments' gratification of it. People 
 are ignorant, not so much because of being overworked, 
 as from want of a love for good reading. Give the 
 children a chance, a glimpse into the great storehouses 
 of knowledge in books, wherein they may commune 
 with the greatest minds at their best. 
 
 After the child has learned to read with ease simple 
 stories from all sources, the course should assume more 
 definite form, including the standard works of fiction, 
 history, biography, natural history, etc., all well graded, 
 keeping constantly in mind these three points : interest, 
 moral power, and style ; selecting those only which em- 
 body these all in the greatest degree. 
 
 It is of the greatest importance to develop a love for 
 
CLASSICS FOR CHILDREN. xi 
 
 history in early life, as no one can be well read without 
 a fair knowledge of the past. In fact, one must know 
 a people in order to understand their literature. Some 
 of the best thoughts of a writer, depending upon allu- 
 sions to historical persons or events, are entirely lost to 
 the reader not familiar wdth history. Nor is this the 
 only reason of its value. The tracing of great events 
 unfolds the mind. We suffer and enjoy with the 
 struggling mortals of the past, and, as it were, pass 
 through their verj^ experiences, and are able to reap 
 their rewards while w^e avoid their mistakes. One who 
 really loves history will find time to read it, but none 
 for cheap novels. Leading epochs should be selected 
 from the great liistorians, adding such information as 
 may be necessary for a complete understanding of the 
 extracts. The historical novel and biography are espe- 
 cially well calculated to create a love for history, and 
 the whole course should be so graded that biography, 
 natural history, novels, travels, history, and the various 
 departments of literature should be made mutually help- 
 ful and dependent, covering the same periods and illus- 
 trating one another. 
 
 This work cannot be left to the High School, for we 
 find, on a careful examination of the reports from several 
 of our largest cities, where the schools have attained 
 their greatest perfection, that only one in twenty-five 
 of the whole number of pupils ever reaches that grade. 
 
 Besides, only a very limited portion of time is now 
 given to this work in our higher institutions of learning, 
 and there is a prospect of less in the near future. The 
 bread-and-butter theory of education, appealing directly 
 to the needs of the great majority of the people, has 
 
XU CLASSICS FOE CHILDREN. 
 
 always exerted a strong influence against the higher 
 training, and of late it has become alarmingly popular 
 in our very strongholds of a liberal education. 
 
 It may prove a dangerous experiment in education 
 to allow the modei^ to take the place of the ancient 
 languages, which have been for so many centuries the 
 basis of the best training the world has yet known. A 
 single generation may suffice to show our lost ground, 
 but centuries may not afford time to regain it. 
 
 A knowledge of French and German may enable the 
 American trader to extend his commercial relations and 
 rapidly to gain wealth, or the tourist to spend a much 
 more pleasant trip abroad; but this education only enables 
 him to pass readily from one bustling country to another, 
 where he will still find his fellow-traveller snatching his 
 hasty meal, reading his damp newspaper, and content 
 to become the connecting link between the rail-car and 
 the telegraph-wire. When studjdng Latin and Greek, 
 we are forced out of the present, and are obliged to 
 extend our horizon, and, like the near-sighted at sea, 
 attain a more healthy vision. It has a wonderfully 
 calming influence on young America to spend a few 
 years studying those old heathen languages, whicli after 
 two thousand years furnish the whole civilized world 
 their models of expression in language, art, and law. 
 
 Though only a small proportion of the Avhole number 
 of pupils now reach the High School, its elevating in- 
 fluence is felt on all the lower grades; and, as fast as 
 the people learn to value education as increasing one's 
 manhood or womanhood by developing the powers of 
 enjoyment and usefulness rather than as a means of 
 gaining wealth, they will make greater exertions to 
 furnish their children the best possible. 
 
CLASSICS FOK CHILDIIEN. xiii 
 
 It is hoped that this attempt to put standard litera- 
 ture into the hands of young children will receive en- 
 couragement, and that a free discussion of the subject 
 may lead to such changes in the course of instruction 
 in the Public Schools as shall give to each study the 
 proportion of time its im[)ortance may fairly claim. 
 
 Jli. Gr. 
 
1 ' , ' ^ > J 
 
 ) ) ) ) > > 
 
 
 LIFE OF WALTER SCOTT. 
 
 ABRIDGEJ) FROM HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 
 
 -*o*- 
 
 W ALTER SCOTT, m}' father, was born in 1729, and 
 educated to the profession of a Writer to the Signet.^ 
 I was born, as I believe, on the 15th August, 1771. I 
 showed every sign of health and strength until I was 
 about eighteen months old. One night, I have been often 
 told, I showed great reluctance to be caught and put to bed ; 
 and after being chased about the room, was apprehended 
 and consigned to my dormitor}' with some difficulty. It was 
 the last time I was to show such personal agilit}'. In the 
 morning, I was discovered to be affected with the fever 
 which often accompanies the cutting of large teeth. It held 
 me three days. On the fourth, when they went to bathe me 
 as usual, they discovered that I had lost the power of my 
 right leg. M}^ grandfather, an excellent anatomist as well 
 as physician, the late worthy Alexander Wood, and many 
 others of the most respectable of the faculty, were consulted. 
 There appeared to be no dislocation or sprain ; blisters and 
 other topical remedies were applied in vain. The advice of 
 my grandfather. Dr. Rutherford, that I should be sent to 
 reside in the countr}', to give the chance of natural exertion, 
 excited by free air and liberty, was first resorted to ; and 
 before I have the recollection of the slightest event, I was, 
 agreeably to this friendly counsel, an inmate in the farm- 
 house of Sandy-Knowe. 
 
 1 An Edinburgh solicitor. 
 
xvi AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 
 
 It is here at Sandy-Knowe, in the residence of m}^ paternal 
 ^raadfatber, alreaey mentioned, that I have the first con- 
 sciousness oif existence. 
 
 My grandmother, in whose youth the old Border depreda- 
 tions were matter of recent tradition, used to tell me man}' 
 a tale of Watt of Harden, Wight Willie of Aikwood, Jamie 
 Telfer of the fair Dodhead, and other heroes — merrymen 
 all of the persuasion and calling of Robin Hood and Little 
 John. Two or three old books which lay in the window-seat 
 were explored for my amusement in the tedious winter-da3S. 
 Automathes^ and Ramsay's Tea-table Miscellany, were my 
 favorites, although at a later period' an odd volume of 
 Josephus's Wars of the Jews divided my partialit}-. 
 
 My kind and affectionate aunt, Miss Janet Scott, whose 
 memorv will ever be dear to me, used to read these works 
 to me with admirable patience, until I could repeat long 
 passages by heart. The ballad of Hardyknute I was early 
 master of, to the great annoyance of almost our onh' visitor, 
 the worthy clergyman of the parish, Dr. Duncan, who had 
 not patience to have a sober chat interrupted by my shouting 
 forth this ditty. Methinks I now see his tall, thin, emaciated 
 figure, his legs cased in clasped gambadoes, and his face of 
 a length that would have rivalled the Knight of La Mancha's, 
 and hear him exclaiming, "One may as well speak in the 
 mouth of a cannon as where that child is." 
 
 I was in m}* fourth year when m}' father was advised that 
 the Bath waters might be of some advantage to my lameness. 
 M}' affectionate aunt, although such a journey promised to a 
 person of her retired habits anything but pleasure or amuse- 
 ment, undertook as readily to accompany me to the wells of 
 Bladud as if she had expected all the delight that ever the 
 prospect of a watering-place held out to its most impatient 
 visitants. My health was b}' this time a good deal confirmed 
 by the country air and the influence of that imperceptible 
 
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. xvii 
 
 and iinfatigiiing exercise to which the good sense of my 
 grandfather had subjected me ; for, when the day was fine, 1 
 was usually carried out and laid down beside the old shep- 
 herd, among the crags or rocks round which he fed his sheep. 
 The impatience of a child soon inclined me to struggle with 
 my infirmity, and I began by degrees to stand, to walk, and 
 to run. Although the limb affected was much shrunk and 
 contracted, my general health, which was of more importance, 
 was much strengthened by being frequently in the open air ; 
 and, in a word, I, who in a city had probably been condemned 
 to hopeless and helpless decrepitude, was now a healthy, 
 high-spirited, and, my lameness apart, a sturdy child. 
 
 During my residence at Bath I acquired the rudiments of 
 reading, at a day-school kept by an old dame near our lodg- 
 ings, and I had never a more regular teacher, although I 
 think I did not attend her a quarter of a year. An occasional 
 lesson from my aunt supplied the rest. Afterwards, when 
 grown a big boy, I had a few lessons from Mr. Stalker of 
 Edinburgh, and finally from the Rev. Mr. Cleeve. But I 
 never acquired a just pronunciation, nor could I read with 
 much propriety. 
 
 The most delightful recollections of Bath are dated after 
 the arrival of my uncle. Captain Robert Scott, who intro- 
 duced me to all the little amusements which suited m^^ age, 
 and, above all, to the theatre. The play was As You Like 
 It; and the witchery of the whole scene is alive in my mind 
 at this moment. I made, I believe, noise more than enouo-h, 
 and remember being so much scandalized at the quarrel 
 between Orlando and his brother, in the first scene, that I 
 screamed out, " A'n't they brothers?" A few weeks' resi- 
 dence at home convinced me, who had till then been an only 
 child in the house of my grandfather, that a quarrel between 
 brothers was a very natural event. 
 
 After being a year at Bath, I returned first to Edinl)uro-h, 
 
XVlll AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 
 
 and afterwards for a season to Sandy-Knowe ; — and thus 
 the time whiled away till about mj' eighth year, when it 
 was thought sea-bathing might be of service to my lame- 
 ness. 
 
 For this purpose, still under my aunt's protection, I re- 
 mained some weeks at Prestonpans, — a circumstance not 
 worth mentioning, excepting to record my juvenile intimacy 
 with an old military veteran, Dalgetty by name, who had 
 pitched his tent in that little village, after all his campaigns, 
 subsisting upon an ensign's Ixalf-pay, though called by 
 courtesy a Captain. As this old gentleman, who had been 
 in all the German wars, found very few to listen to his tales 
 of military feats, he formed a sort of alliance with me, and 
 I used invariably to attend him for the pleasure of hearing 
 those communications. Sometimes our conversation turned 
 on the American war, which was then raging. It was about 
 the time of Burgoyne's unfortunate expedition, to which my 
 Captain and I augured different conclusions. Somebody 
 had shown me a map of North America, and, struck with 
 the rugged appearance of the countr}-, and the quantity of 
 lakes, I expressed some doubts on the subject of the Gener- 
 al's arriving safely at the end of his journe}', which were 
 very indignantly refuted by the Captain. The news of the 
 Saratoga disaster, while it gave me a little triumph, rather 
 shook my intimacy with the veteran. 
 
 Besides this veteran, I found another ally at Prestonpans 
 in the person of George Constable, an old friend of m}^ 
 father's. He was the first person who told me about Falstaff 
 and Hotspur, and other characters in Shakespeare. What 
 idea I annexed to them I know^ not, but I must have annexed 
 some, for I remember quite w^ell being interested in the sub- 
 ject. Indeed, I rather suspect that children derive impulses 
 of a powerful and important kind in hearing things which 
 they cannot entirely comprehend ; and, therefore, that to 
 
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. xix 
 
 write down to childreu's understanding is a mistake : set 
 them on the scent, and let them puzzle it out. 
 
 From Prestonpans I was transported back to my father's 
 house in George's Square, which continued to be my most 
 established place of residence, until m}- marriage in 1797. 
 I felt the change, from being a single indulged brat to be- 
 coming a member of a large family-, very severely ; for, under 
 the gentle government of my kind grandmother, who was 
 meekness itself, and of ni}- aunt, who, though of an higher 
 temper, was exceedingly attached to me, I had acquired a 
 degree of license which could not be permitted in a large 
 family. I had sense enough, however, to bend m}' temper 
 to my new circumstances ; but, such was the agony which I 
 internally experienced, that I have guarded against nothing 
 more, in the education of my own family, than against their 
 acquiring habits of self-willed caprice and domination. I 
 found much consolation, during this period of mortification, 
 in the partiality of my mother. She joined to a light and 
 happy temper of mind a strong turn to study poetry and 
 works of imagination. 
 
 My lameness and my solitary habits had made me a tolera- 
 ble reader, and my hours of leisure were usually spent in 
 reading aloud to m}- mother Pope's translation of Homer, 
 which, excepting a few traditionary ballads, and the songs 
 in Allan Ramsay's Evergreen^ was the first poetry which I 
 perused. My mother had good natural taste and great feel- 
 ing : she used to make me pause upon those passages which 
 expressed generous and worthy sentiments, and, if she could 
 not divert me from those which were descriptive of battle 
 and tumult, she contrived at least to divide m}' attention 
 between them. M}' own enthusiasm, however, was chiefly 
 awakened bv the wonderful and the terrible — the common 
 taste of children, but in which I have remained a child even 
 unto this day. I got by heart, not as a task, but almost 
 
XX AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 
 
 without intending it, the passages with which I was most 
 pleased, and used to recite them aloud, both when alone and 
 to others — more willingl}^, however, in ni}- hours of solitude, 
 for I had observed some auditors smile, and I dreaded ridi- 
 cule at that time of life more than I have ever done since. 
 
 In [1778] I was sent to the second class of the Grammar 
 School, or High School of Edinburgh, then taught b^' Mr. 
 Luke Fraser, a good Latin scholar and a verj' worthy man. 
 Though I had received, with my brothers, in private, lessons 
 of Latin from Mr. James French, now a minister of the Kirk 
 of Scotland, I was nevertheless rather behind the class in 
 which I was placed both in 3'ears and in progress. This was 
 a real disadvantage, and one to which a boy of livel}' temper 
 and talents ought to be as little exposed as one who might 
 be less expected to make up his lee-wa}', as it is called. The 
 situation has the unfortunate effect of reconciling a boy of 
 the former character (which in a posthumous work I may 
 claim for my own) to holding a subordinate station among 
 his class-fellows — to which he would otherwise affix dis- 
 grace. There is also, from the constitution of the High 
 School, a certain danger not sufficientl}' attended to. The 
 bo3's take precedence in their places^ as they are called, 
 according to their merit, and it requires a long w^hile, in 
 general, before even a clever boy, if he falls behind the class, 
 or is put into one for which he is not quite ready, can force 
 his way to the situation which his abilities really entitle him 
 to hold. But, in the meanwhile, he is necessarily led to be 
 the associate and companion of those inferior spirits with 
 whom he is placed ; for the system of precedence, though it 
 does not limit the general intercourse among the bo3's, has 
 nevertheless the effect of throwing them into clubs and 
 coteries, according to the vicinit}' of the seats they hold. A 
 boy of good talents, therefore, placed even for a time among 
 his inferiors, especially if they be also his elders, learns to 
 
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. XXI 
 
 participate in their pursuits and objects of ambition, which 
 are usually very distinct from the acquisition of learning ; 
 and it will be well if he does not also imitate them in that 
 indifference which is contented with bustling over a lesson 
 so as to avoid punishment, without affecting superiority or 
 aiming at reward. It was probably owing to this circmn- 
 stance, that, although at a more advanced period of life I 
 have enjoyed considerable facility in acquiring languages, 
 I did not make any great figure at the High School ; or, at 
 least, any exertions which I made were desultory and little 
 to be depended on. 
 
 Our class contained some ver}' excellent scholars. As for 
 myself, I glanced like a meteor from one end of the class to 
 the other, and commonly disgusted my kind master as much 
 by negUgence and frivoUty as I occasionally pleased him by 
 flashes of intellect and talent. Among my companions my 
 good-nature and a flow of ready imagination rendered me 
 very popular. Boys are uncommonly just in their feelings, 
 and at least equally generous. My lameness, and the efforts 
 which I made to supply that disadvantage, by making up 
 in address what I wanted in activity, engaged the latter 
 principle in my favor ; and in the winter play -hours, when 
 hard exercise was impossible, my tales used to assemble an 
 admiring audience round Lucky Brown's fireside, and happy 
 was he that could sit next to the inexhaustible narrator. I 
 was also, though often negligent of my own task, always 
 ready to assist my friends ; and hence I had a little pai'ty of 
 staunch partisans and adherents, stout of hand and heart, 
 though somewhat dull of head, — the very tools for raising a 
 hero to eminence. So, on the whole, I made a brighter 
 figure in the yards than in the class. 
 
 After having been three years under Mr. Fraser, our class 
 was, in the usual routine of the school, turned over to Dr. 
 Adam, the Rector. It was from this respectable man that 
 
xxii AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 
 
 I first learned the value of the knowledge I had hitherto con- 
 sidered only as a burdensome task. It was the fashion to 
 remain two years at his class, where we read Caesar and 
 Liv}^ and Sallust, in prose ; Virgil, Horace, and Terence, 
 in verse. I had by this time mastered, in some degree, the 
 difficulties of the language, and began to be sensible of its 
 beauties. This was reall}' gathering grapes from thistles ; 
 nor shall I soon forget the swelling of my little pride when 
 the Rector pronounced, that though many of my school-fel- 
 lows understood the Latin better, Gualterus Scott was behind 
 few in following and cnjojing the author's meaning. Thus 
 encouraged, I distinguished m3'self by some attempts at 
 poetical versions from Horace and ^Virgil. Dr. Adam used 
 to invite his scholars to such essays, but never made them 
 tasks. I gained some distinction upon these occasions, and 
 the Rector in future took much notice of me ; and his 
 judicious mixture of censure and praise went far to counter- 
 balance my habits of indolence and inattention. I saw I 
 was expected to do well, and I was piqued in honor to 
 vindicate my master's favorable opinion. I climbed, there- 
 fore, to the first form ; and, though I never made a first-rate 
 Latinist, nw school-fellows, and what was of more conse- 
 quence, I mj^self, considered that I had a character for 
 learning to maintain. 
 
 From Dr. Adam's class I should, according to the usual 
 routine, have proceeded immediateh' to college. But, for- 
 tunately, I was not 3'et to lose, by a total dismission from 
 constraint, the acquaintance with the Latin which I had 
 acquired. My health had become rather delicate from rapid 
 growth, and my father was easily persuaded to allow me to 
 spend half a j^ear at Kelso with my kind aunt, Miss Janet 
 Scott, whose inmate I again became. It was hardly worth 
 mentioning that I had frequently visited her during our short 
 vacations. 
 
AUTOBiOGRAriiy. xxiii 
 
 In the meanwhile my acquaintance witli English literature 
 was gradually extending itself. In the intervals of my 
 school hours I had always perused with avidity such books 
 of histor}' or poetry or voyages and travels as chance pre- 
 sented to me, — not forgetting the usual, or rather ten times 
 the usual, quantity of fairy tales, eastern stories, romances, 
 etc. These studies were totally unregulated and undirected. 
 My tutor thought it almost a sin to open a profane play or 
 poem ; and my mother, besides that she might be in some 
 degree trammelled by the religious scruples which he sug- 
 gested, had no longer the opportunity to hear me read poetry 
 as formerly. I found, however, in her dressing-room (where 
 I slept at one time) some odd volumes of Shakespeare ; nor 
 can I easily forget the rapture with which I sate up in my 
 shirt reading them by the light of a fire in her apartment, 
 until the bustle of the family rising from supper warned me 
 it was time to creep back to my bed, where I was supposed 
 to have been safely deposited since nine o'clock. Chance, 
 however, threw in my way a poetical preceptor. This was 
 no other than the excellent and benevolent Dr. Blacklock, 
 well known at that time as a literary character. I know not 
 how I attracted his attention, and that of some of the 3'oung 
 men who boarded in his family ; but so it was that I became 
 a frequent and favored guest. The kind old man opened to 
 me the stores of his library, and through his recommendation 
 I became intimate with Ossian and Spenser. I was delighted 
 with both, yet I think chiefly with the latter poet. The 
 tawdry repetitions of the Ossianic phraseology disgusted me 
 rather sooner than might have been expected from mj' age. 
 But Spenser I could have read forever. Too 3'oung to 
 trouble myself about the allegory, I considered all the 
 knights and ladies and dragons and giants in their outward 
 and exoteric sense, and God only knows how delighted T 
 was to find m3'self in such societj'. As I had always a 
 
xxiv AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 
 
 wonderful facility in retaining in my memory whatever verses 
 pleased me, the quantity of Spenser's stanzas which I could 
 repeat was really marvellous. But this memory of mine 
 was a very fickle ally, and has through my whole life acted 
 merely upon its own capricious motion, and might have 
 enabled me to adopt old Beattie of Meikledale's answer, 
 when complimented by a certain reverend divine on the 
 strength of the same faculty: "No, sir," answered the old 
 Borderer, "I have no command of my memory. It only 
 retains what hits my fancy ; and probably, sir, if you were 
 to preach to me for two hours, I would not be able when 
 you finished to remember a word you had been saying." 
 My memory was precisely of the same kind : it seldom 
 failed to preserve most tenaciously a favorite passage of 
 poetry, a play-house ditty, or, above all, a Border-raid 
 ballad; but names, dates, and the other technicalities of 
 history escaped me in a most melancholy degree. The 
 philosophy of history, a much more important subject, was 
 also a sealed book at this period of my life ; but I gradually 
 assembled much of what was striking and picturesque in 
 historical narrative ; and when, in riper years, T attended 
 more to the deduction of general principles, I was furnished 
 with a powerful host of examples in illustration of them. I 
 was, in short, like an ignorant gamester, who kept up a good 
 hand until he knew how to play it. 
 
 I left the High School, therefore, with a great quantity of 
 general information, ill arransjed, indeed, and collected with- 
 out system ; yet deeply impressed upon my mind ; readily 
 assorted by my power of connection and memory, and gilded, 
 if I may be permitted to say so, by a vivid and active im- 
 agination. If my studies were not under any direction at 
 Edinburgh, in the country, it may be well imagined, they 
 were less so. A respectable subscription library, a circulat- 
 ing library of ancient standing, and some private book- 
 
AUTOBIOGRAPHY. XXV 
 
 shelves, were open to ray random perusal, and I waded into 
 the stream like a blind man into a ford, without the power 
 of searching m^' wa}', unless by groping for it. INI}' appetite 
 for books was as ample and indiscriminating as it was inde- 
 fatigable, and I since have had too frequently reason to 
 repent that few ever read so much, and to so little purpose. 
 
 Among the valuable acquisitions I made about this time, 
 was an acquaintance with Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered, But, 
 above all, I then first became acquainted with Bishop Percy's 
 Reliques of Ancient Poetry. I remember well the spot 
 where I read these volumes for the first time. It was 
 beneath a huge platauus-tree, in the ruins of what had been 
 intended for an old-fashioned arbor in the garden I have 
 mentioned. The summer-day sped onward so fast, that, 
 notwithstanding the sharp appetite of thirteen, I forgot the 
 hour of dinner, was sought for with anxiety, and was still 
 found entranced in my intellectual banquet. To read and to 
 remember was in this instance the same thing, and hence- 
 forth I overwhelmed my school-fellows, and all who would 
 hearken to me, with tragical recitations from the ballads of 
 Bishop Percy. The first time, too, I could scrape a few 
 shillings together, which were not common occurrences with 
 me, I bought unto myself a copy of these beloved volumes ; 
 nor do I believe I ever read a book half so frequently, or 
 with half the enthusiasm. About this period also I became 
 acquainted with the works of Richardson, and those of 
 INIackenzie, with Fielding, Smollet, and some others of our 
 best novelists. 
 
 To this period also I can trace distinctl}' the awaking of 
 that delightful feeling for the beauties of natural objects 
 which has never since deserted me. The neighborhood of 
 Kelso, the most beautiful, if not the most romantic village 
 in Scotland, is eminently calculated to awaken these ideas. 
 
 From this time the love of natural beauty, more especially 
 
XXVI . AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 
 
 when combined with ancient ruins, or remains of our fathers' 
 piety or splendor, became with me an insatiable passion, 
 which, if circumstances had permitted, I would willingly 
 have gratified by travelling over half the globe. 
 
 If, however, it should ever fall to the lot of youth to 
 peruse these pages — let such a reader remember, that it is 
 with the deepest regret that I recollect in my manhood the 
 opportunities of learning which I neglected in m}- ^^outh ; 
 that through every part of my literary career I have felt 
 pinched and hampered by m}^ own ignorance ; and that I 
 would at this moment give half the reputation I have had 
 the good fortune to acquire, if by doing so I could rest the 
 remaining part upon a sound foundation of learning and 
 science. 
 
LIFE OF SCOTT. 
 
 ABRIDGED MAINLY FROM LOCKHART AND HUTTON. 
 
 AS Scott grew up, entered the classes of the college, 
 and began his legal studies, first as apprentice to his 
 father, and then in the law classes of the University, he 
 became noticeable to all his friends for his gigantic memory 
 and the rich stores of romantic material with which it was 
 loaded. 
 
 His reading was almost all in the direction of militar}- 
 exploit, or romance and mediaeval legend and the later bor- 
 der songs of his own country. He learned Italian and read 
 Ariosto. Later he learned Spanish and devoured Cervantes, 
 whose '•'■ novelas^'" he said, "first inspired him with the 
 ambition to excel in fiction " ; and all that he read and 
 admired he remembered. 
 
 It might be supposed that, with these romantic tastes, 
 Scott could scarcely have made much of a lawyer, though 
 the inference would, I believe, be quite mistaken. His 
 father, however, reproached him with being better fitted for 
 a pedlar than a lawyer, — so persistently did he trudge over 
 all the neighboring counties in search of the beauties of 
 nature and the historic associations of battle, siege, or 
 legend. 
 
 In spite of all tliis love of excitement, Scott became a 
 sound lawyer, and might have been a great one, had not 
 his pride of character, the impatience of his genius, and the 
 stir of his imagination rendered liim indisposed to wait and 
 
xxviii LIFE OF SCOTT. 
 
 slave iu the precise manner which the prepossessions of 
 solicitors appoint. 
 
 He continued to practise at the bar — nominal!}^ at least— 
 for fourteen years, but the life of literature and the life of 
 the bar hardly ever suit, and in Scott's case they suited the 
 less, that he felt himself likely to l)e a dictator in the one 
 field, and only a postulant in the other. Literature was a 
 far greater gainer by his choice than law could have been 
 a loser. For his capacity for the law he shared with thou- 
 sands of able men, his capacity for literature with few or none. 
 
 Love and Marriage. 
 
 One Sunday, about two years before his call to the bar, 
 Scott offered his umbrella to a young lady of much beauty 
 who was coming out of the Greyfriars Church during a 
 shower ; the umbrella was graciously accepted ; and it was 
 not an unprecedented consequence that Scott fell in love with 
 the borrower, who turned out to be Margaret, daughter of 
 Sir John and Lady Jane Stuart Belches, of Ivernay. For 
 near six years after this, Scott indulged the hope of marrying 
 this lady, and it does not seem doubtful that the lady herself 
 was in part responsible for this impression. 
 
 For some reason this strong attachment was broken off. 
 It may have been on account of some disagreement between 
 the young people themselves, but most likely from a differ- 
 ence in the rank of the parties. It was his first and only deep 
 passion, so far as ever can be known to us, and had a great 
 influence on his after life, both in keeping him free from 
 some of the most dangerous temptations in life during his 
 youth, and in creating in him an interior world of dreams and 
 recollections, on which his imagination was continually fed. 
 
 The pride which was always so notable a feature in Scott 
 probably sustained him through the keen inward pain 
 which it is very certain from a great many of his own words 
 
LIFE OF SCOTT. xxix 
 
 that he must have suffered in this uprooting of his most pas- 
 sionate hopes. And it was in part probably the same pride 
 which led him to form, within the year, a new tie — his 
 engagement to Mademoiselle Charpentier, or Miss Carpenter, 
 as she was usually called, — the daughter of a French 
 royalist of Lj'ons who had died early in the revolution. 
 
 She made on the whole a very good wife, only one to be 
 protected b}^ him from every care, and not one to share 
 Scott's deeper anxieties or to participate in his dreams. 
 
 Border Minstrelsy and Maturer Poems. 
 
 Ever since his earliest college da3'S Scott had been collecting, 
 in those excursions of his into Liddesdale and elsewhere, 
 materials for a book on The 3Iinstrelsy of the Scottish 
 Border ; and the publication of this work, in January, 1802, 
 was his first great literary success. The whole edition of 
 eight hundred copies was sold within the 3'ear, while the 
 skill and care which Scott had devoted to the historical illus- 
 tration of the ballads, and the force and spirit of his own new 
 ballads, written in imitation of the old, gained him at once a 
 very high literary name. And the name was well deserved. 
 
 Scott's genius flowered late. It was not until he was already 
 thirtv-one vears of age that he wrote the first canto of his first 
 great romance in verse, The Lay of the Last Minstrel. Jeffrey 
 says of the three poems : " The Lay, if I ma}^ venture to state 
 the creed now established, is, I should say, generally considered 
 as the most natural and original, Marmion as the most power- 
 ful and splendid. The Lady of the Lake as the most interesting, 
 romantic, picturesque, and graceful of his great poems." 
 
 It is in painting those moods and exploits, in relation to 
 which Scott shares most completely the feelings of ordinary 
 men, but experiences them with far greater strength and 
 purity than ordinary men, that he triumphs as a poet. 
 
XXX LIFE OF SCOTT. 
 
 His romance is like his native scenery, — bold, bare, and 
 rngged, with a swift, deep stream of strong, pure feeling run- 
 ning through it. There is plent}' of color in his pictures, 
 as there is on the Scotch hills when the heather is out. And 
 so too there is plenty of intensity in his romantic situations ; 
 but it is the intensity of simple, natural, unsophisticated, 
 hardy, and manly characters. 
 
 Partnership with the Ballantyne Brothers. 
 
 Before proceeding further with Scott's life, it may be well 
 to mention briefly his commercial relations with the Ballan- 
 tyne Brothers, which had such an important bearing on the 
 rest of his life. 
 
 About the 3^ear 1805, before he had any idea of the gains 
 he might derive from his writings, and while his income from 
 other sources was very limited, he formally, but secretly, 
 entered into the printing business as a partner with his old 
 schoolmate, James Ballantyne. 
 
 Although Ballantyne kept his accounts in a loose way, he 
 otherwise managed the business fairly well ; and it might 
 have proved a good investment had not Scott soon after, in 
 order to furnish work to the printing-office, engaged in the 
 publishing and book-selling business with John Ballantyne. 
 
 Great risks attend this business, requiring good financial 
 ability, a large acquaintance with men, sound judgment, and 
 close application ; yet Scott selected a frivolous man of 
 pleasure, with neither character or capacity, as a partner, 
 relying probably on his own judgment for managing the 
 publishing house. For such a task he was wholly unfitted. 
 Because he was fond of antiquarian and historical re- 
 searches, he supposed the people were eager for such read- 
 ing ; and because some of his friends desired to write 
 unsalable books, he could not refuse to publish them; 
 It is not sufficient for a publisher to ascertain that the book 
 
LIFE OF SCOTT. xxxi 
 
 offered is a good one, but he must know whether it is so well 
 adapted to the times and the wants of the community as to 
 command a reasonable sale. 
 
 Besides the firm's making so many bad investments, John 
 Ballant^-ne was squandering its money in dissipation, so 
 that Scott was kept in constant fear of bankruptcy all 
 through the years 1813 and 1814 ; and it was not until the 
 publication of Waverley, opening up the richest vein in his 
 own genius and popularity, that these alarms were ended. 
 
 So great was the success of this novel that the leading pub- 
 lishers were very eager to purchase a share in it and subse- 
 quent issues. Constable, of Edinburgh, secured the works, 
 but on condition that he should buy also a large part of the 
 worthless stock of John Ballantyne & Co. This sale enabled 
 Scott to wind up that unfortunate enterprise fairly well, 
 although the printing house of James Ballantyne & Co. still 
 held some of their notes, and Constable, on whom he was 
 depending for money to extend his estate, build his castle, 
 and pay his other expenses, was seriously crippled by the 
 purchase of all this unsalable stock. 
 
 The Waverley Novels. 
 
 In the summer of 1814, Scott took up again and completed 
 — almost at a single heat — a fragment of a Jacobite story 
 begun in 1805 and then laid aside. It was published anou}'- 
 mously, and its astonishing success turned back again the 
 scales of Scott's fortunes, already inclining ominously 
 towards a catastrophe. This story was Waverley. 
 
 Scott's method of composition was always the same ; and, 
 when writing an imaginative work, the rate of progress 
 seems to have been pretty even, depending much more on the 
 absence of disturbing engagements than on any mental 
 irregularity. The morning was always his brightest time ; 
 but morning or evening, in countr}' or in town, well or ill, 
 
XXXll LIFE OF SCOTT. 
 
 writing with his own pen or dictating to an amanuensis in 
 the intervals of screaming-fits due to the torture of cramp in 
 the stomach, Scott spun away at his imaginative web almost 
 as evenl}^ as a silkworm spins at its golden cocoon. 
 
 In the fourteen most effective years of Scott's literary life, 
 during which he wrote twenty-three novels besides sliorter 
 tales, the best stories appear to have been on the whole the 
 most rapidly written, probably because they took the strong- 
 est hold of the author's imagination. 
 
 But though, to our larger experience, Scott's achievement, 
 in respect of mere fertility, is by no means the miracle which 
 it once seemed, I do not think one of his successors can com- 
 pare with him for a moment in the ease and truth with which 
 he painted, not merely the life of his own time and country — 
 seldom indeed that of precisely his own time, — but that of 
 days long past, and often too of scenes far distant. The 
 most powerful of all his stories, Old Mortality, was the story 
 of a period more than a century and a quarter before he 
 wrote; and others — which, though inferior to this in force, 
 are nevertheless, when compared with the so-called historical 
 romances of any other English writer, what sunlight is to 
 moonlight, if you can say as much for the latter as to admit 
 even that comparison — go back to the period of the Tudors, 
 that is, two centuries and a half. Quentin Durward runs back 
 farther still, far into the previous century, while Ivmihoe and 
 The Talisman carry us back more than five hundred years. 
 
 The most striking feature of Scott's romances is that, for 
 the most part, they are pivoted on public rather than mere 
 private interests and passions. With but few exceptions — 
 ( The Antiquary, St. Ronan's Well, and Guy Mannerhuj are 
 the most important) — Scott's novels give us an imaginative 
 view, not of mere individuals, but of individuals as they are 
 affected by the public strifes and social divisions of the age. 
 No man can read Scott without being more of a public man. 
 
LIFE OF SCOTT. xxxiii 
 
 Scott in Adversity. 
 
 With the 3'ear 1825 came a financial crisis, and Constable 
 began to tremble for his solvency. From the date of his 
 baronetcy (1820) , Sir Walter had launched out into a consider- 
 able increase of expenditure. He got plans on a rather large 
 scale in .1821 for the extension of Abbotsford, which were all 
 carried out. To meet his expenses in this and other ways he 
 received Constable's bills for "four unnamed works of fic- 
 tion," of which he had not written a line. 
 
 Nor were the obligations he incurred on his own account, 
 or that of his family, the only ones by which he was bur- 
 dened. He was always iacurring expenses, often heavy ex- 
 penses, for other people. Such obligations, however, would 
 have been nothing when compared with Sir Walter's means, 
 had all his bills on Constable been dul}^ honored, and had 
 not the printing firm of Ballantyne and Co. been so deepl}' 
 involved with Constable's house that it necessaril}' became 
 insolvent when he stopped. Taken altogether, I believe 
 that Sir Walter earned during his own lifetime at least 
 £140,000 by his literary work alone, probabl}' more ; while 
 even on his land and building combined he did not appar- 
 ently spend more than half that sum. 
 
 Thus even his loss of the price of several novels by Con- 
 stable's failure would not seriously have compromised Scott's 
 position, but for his share in the printing-house, which fell 
 with Constable, and the obligations of which amounted to 
 £117,000. 
 
 As Scott had always forestalled his income, — spending 
 the purchase-mone}' of his poems and novels before they 
 were written, — such a failure as this, at the age of fiftj'-five, 
 when all the freshness of his youth was gone out of him, 
 when he saw his son's prospects blighted as well as his own, 
 and knew perfectly that James Ballantyne, unassisted by 
 
xxxiv LIFE OF SCOTT. 
 
 him, could never hope to pay any fraction of the debt worth 
 mentioning, would have been paralyzing, had he not been a 
 man of iron nerve, and of a pride and courage hardly ever 
 equalled. Domestic calamity, too, was not far off. For two 
 years he had been watching the failure of his wife's health 
 with increasing anxiety, and, as calamities seldom come 
 single, her illness took a most serious form at the very time 
 when the blow fell, and she died within four months of the 
 failure. Nay, Scott was himself unwell at the critical 
 moment, and was taking sedatives which discomposed his 
 
 brain. 
 
 And this was Scott's preparation for his failure, and the 
 bold resolve which followed it, — to work for his creditors as 
 he had worked for himself, and to pay off, if possible, the 
 whole £117,000 by his own literary exertions. 
 
 His estate was conveyed to trustees for the benefit of his 
 creditors till such time as he should pay off Ballantyne and 
 Co.'s debt, which of course in his lifetime he never did. Yet 
 between January, 1826, and January, 1828, he earned for 
 his creditors very nearly £40,000. Woodstock sold for £8228, 
 " a matchless sale," as Sir Walter remarked, " for less than 
 three months' work." Had Sir Walter's health lasted, he 
 would have redeemed his obligations on behalf of Ballant3^ne 
 and Co. within eight or nine years at most from the time of 
 his failure. But what is more remarkable still is that after 
 his health failed he struggled on with little more than half a 
 brain, but a whole will, to work while it was yet day, though 
 the evening was dropping fast. 
 
 Not only did he row much harder against the stream of 
 fortune than he had ever rowed with it, but, what required 
 still more resolution, he fought on against the growing con- 
 viction that his imagination would not kindle, as it used to 
 do, to its old heat. 
 
 He struggled on even to the end, and did not consent to 
 
LIFE OF SCOTT. XXXV 
 
 try the experiment of a vo3'age and visit to Italy till his 
 immediate work was done. But the rest came too late. 
 So intense and continuous had been his application to work 
 that even his ver}' robust constitution was so completely 
 exhausted that it was no longer able to repair the ravages 
 of disease. He spent several months abroad, visiting Malta, 
 Naples, Rome, Venice, and other places of interest, without 
 improvement. He intended to visit Goethe, but the death 
 of the great author at this time changed his plans, increasing 
 his desire for an immediate return home. He sank rapidl}', 
 becoming quite unconscious during the latter part of the 
 homeward journey, until his eye caught the towers of Abbotts- 
 ford, when he sprang up with a cr}' of delight. Mr. Laidlaw, 
 a dear friend, was waiting for him, and he met him with a 
 cr}', "Ha! "Willie Laidlaw. O, man, how often I have 
 thought of you ! " His dogs came round his chair, and 
 began to fawn on him and lick his hands, while Sir Walter 
 smiled or sobbed over them. The next morning he was 
 wheeled about his garden, and on the following morning was 
 out in this way for a couple of hours ; within a day or two 
 he fancied that he could write again, but on taking the pen 
 into his hand his fingers could not clasp it, and he sank back 
 with tears rolling down his cheek. Later, when Laidlaw 
 said in his hearing that Sir Walter had had a little repose, 
 he replied, "No, Willie; no repose for Sir Walter but in 
 the grave." As the tears rushed from his e3'es, his old pride 
 revived. " Friends," he said, " don't let me expose myself; 
 get me to bed, — that is the only place." A few days after- 
 wards, awaking conscious and composed, he desired to see 
 his son-in-law. " Lockhart," he said, " I may have but a 
 minute to speak to you. My dear, be a good man, — be 
 virtuous, — be religious, — be a good man. Nothing else 
 will give you an}' comfort when you come to lie here." He 
 paused, and Lockhart said, " Shall I send for Sophia and 
 
xxxvi LIFE OF SCOTT. 
 
 Anne? " " No,'* said he, "don't disturb them. Poor souls ! 
 I know they were up all night. God bless you all ! " With 
 this he sank into a very tranquil sleep, and, indeed, he 
 scarcely afterwards gave any sign of consciousness. He 
 died Sept. 21, 1832, sixty-one years and one month old. 
 
 Well misht Lord Chief Baron Shepherd apply to Scott 
 Cicero's description of some contemporary of his own, who 
 " had borne adversity wiseh', who had not been broken by 
 fortune, and who, amidst the buffets of fate, had maintained 
 his dignity." There was in Sir Walter, I think, at least as 
 much of the Stoic as the Christian. But Stoic or Christian, 
 he was a hero of the old indomitable type. Even the last 
 fragments of his imaginative power were all turned to account 
 by that unconquerable will, amidst the discouragement of 
 friends, and the still more disheartening doubts of his own 
 mind. Like the headland stemming a rough sea, he was 
 gradually worn away, but never crushed. 
 
 Sir Walter certainly left his "name unstained," unless 
 the serious mistakes natural to a sanguine temperament such 
 as his are to be counted as stains upon his name ; and if 
 they are, where among the sons of men would you find many 
 unstained names as noble as his with such a stain upon it ? 
 He was not only sensitively honorable in motive, but, when 
 he found what evil his sanguine temper had worked, he used 
 his gigantic powers to repair it, and, as a result of these 
 almost superhuman efforts, within fifteen years after Sir 
 Walter's death, the debt was at last, through the value of 
 the copyrights he had left behind him, finally extinguished, 
 and the small estate of Abbotsford left cleared. Sir Walter's 
 effort to found a new house was even less successful than 
 the effort to endow it. 
 
 The only direct descendant of Sir Walter Scott is now 
 Mary Monica Hope-Scott, who was born on the 2d October, 
 1852, the grandchild of Mrs. Lockhart, and the great-grand- 
 child of the founder of Abbotsford. 
 
LIFE OF SCOTT. XXXvii 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM LOCKHART'S LIFE OF SCOTT. 
 
 "I AM drawing near to the close of my career ; I am fast 
 shuffling off the stage. I have been perhaps the most volu- 
 minous author of the da}' ; and it is a comfort to me to think 
 that I have tried to unsettle no man's faith, to coiTupt no 
 man's principle." 
 
 In the social relations of life, where men are most effec- 
 tually tried, no spot can be detected in him. He was a 
 patient, dutiful, reverent son ; a generous, compassionate, 
 tender husband ; an honest, careful, and most affectionate 
 father. Never was a more virtuous or a happier fireside 
 than his. The* influence of his mightv o'enius shadowed it 
 imperceptiblj' ; his calm good sense, and his angelic sweet- 
 ness of heart and temper, regulated and softened a strict but 
 paternal discipline. His children, as they grew up, under- 
 stood b}' degrees the high privilege of their birth ; but the 
 profoundest sense of his greatness never disturbed their con- 
 fidence in his goodness. 
 
 Perhaps the most touching evidence of the lasting tender- 
 ness of his earl}' domestic feelings was exhibited to his 
 executors, when the}' opened his repositories in search of his 
 testament, the evening after his burial. On lifting up his 
 desk, we found arranged in careful order a series of little 
 objects, which had obviously been so placed there that his 
 eye might rest on them every morning before he began his 
 tasks. These were the old-fashioned boxes that had gar- 
 nished his mother's toilet, when he, a sickly child, slept in 
 her dressing-room; the silver taper-stand which the young 
 advocate had bought for her with his first five-guinea fee ; 
 a row of small packets inscribed with her hand, and contain- 
 ing the hair of those of her offspring that had died before 
 her ; his father's snuff-box and etui-case ; and more things 
 
XXXviii LIFE OF SCOTT. 
 
 of the like sort, recalling the " old familiar faces." The 
 same feeling was apparent in all the arrangement of his pri- 
 vate apartment. Pictures of his father and mother were the 
 only ones in his dressing-room. The clumsy antique cabi- 
 nets that stood there, things of a ver}' different class from 
 the beautiful and costly productions in the public rooms 
 below, had all belonged to the furniture of George's Square. 
 Even his father's rickety washing-stand, with all its cramped 
 appurtenances, though exceedingly unlike what a man of his 
 very scrupulous habits would have selected in these days, 
 kept its ground. The whole place seemed fitted up like a 
 little chapel of the Lares. 
 
 Such a son and parent could hardly fail in any of the other 
 social relations. No man was a firmer or more indefati2:able 
 friend. I knew not that he ever lost one ; and a few, with 
 whom, during the energetic middle stage of life, from politi- 
 cal differences or other accidental circumstances, he lived 
 less familiarly, had all gathered round him, and renewed the 
 full warmth of early affection in his later days. There was 
 enough to dignify the connection in their eyes, but nothing 
 to chill it on either side. The imagination that so completely 
 mastered him, when he chose to give her the rein, was kept 
 under most determined control when any of the positive 
 obligations of active life came into question. A high and 
 pure sense of duty presided over whatever he had to do as a 
 citizen and a magistrate ; and, as a landlord, he considered 
 his estate as an extension of his hearth. 
 
 But his moral, political, and religious character has suf- 
 ficiently impressed itself upon the great body of his writings. 
 He is indeed one of the few great authors of modern Europe 
 who stand acquitted of having written a line that ought to 
 have embittered the bed of death. His works teach the 
 practical lessons of morality and Christianity in the most 
 captivating form — unobtrusively and unaffectedly. 
 
LIFE OF SCOTT. XXXIX 
 
 The race that grew up under the influence of that intellect 
 can hardly be expected to appreciate full}^ their own obliga- 
 tions to it : and yet, if we consider what were the tendencies 
 of the minds and works that, but for his, must have been 
 unrivalled in the power and opportunity to mould young 
 ideas, we may picture to ourselves in some measure the mag- 
 nitude of the debt we owe to a perpetual succession, through 
 thirty years, of publications uuapproached in charm, and all 
 instilling a high and healthy code ; a bracing, invigorating 
 spirit ; a contempt of mean passions, whether vindictive or 
 voluptuous ; humane charity, as distinct from moral laxity 
 as from unsympathizing austerity ; sagacity too deep for cyn- 
 icism, and tenderness never degenerating into sentimentality : 
 animated throughout in thought, opinion, feeling, and style, 
 by one and the same pure energetic principle — a pith and 
 savor of manhood ; appealing to whatever is good and loyal 
 in our natures, and rebuking whatever is low and selfish. 
 
 I have no doubt that, the more details of his personal his- 
 tory are revealed and studied, the more powerfully will that 
 be found to inculcate the same great lessons with his works. 
 Where else shall we be taught better how prosperity may be 
 extended by beneficence, and adversity confronted by exer- 
 tion? Where can we see the "follies of the wise" more 
 strikingly rebuked, and a character more beautifully purified 
 and exalted in the passage through affliction to death? 
 
JAMES v. — THE HIGHLANDERS AND BOR- 
 DERERS OF SCOTLAND. 
 
 -•o»- 
 
 [It is hoped that this brief outline, abridged from Scott's " Tales of 
 a Grandfather," may not only enable the reader to gain a better knowl- 
 edge of the poem, but also awaken an interest in this important epoch 
 of Henry the Eighth, and Elizabeth of England, and James V. and 
 Mary Queen of Scots, and her son, James VI., under whom both 
 kingdoms were united.] 
 
 THERE were two great divisions of the country : namely, 
 the Highlands and the Borders, which were so much 
 wilder and more barbarous than the others, that they might 
 be said to be altogether without law ; and, although they were 
 nominally subjected to the King of Scotland, yet when he 
 desired to execute any justice in either of these great dis- 
 tricts, he could not do so otherwise than by marching there 
 in person, at the head of a strong body of forces, and seizing 
 upon the offenders, and putting them to death with little or 
 no form of trial. Such a rough course of justice, perhaps, 
 made these disorderly countries quiet for a short time, but it 
 rendered them still more averse to the royal government in 
 their hearts, and disposed on the slightest occasion to break 
 out, either into disorders amongst themselves, or into open 
 rebeUion. I must give you some more particular account of 
 these wild and uncivilized districts of Scotland, and of the 
 particular sort of people who were their inhabitants, that you 
 may know what I mean when I speak of Highlanders and 
 Borderers. 
 
xlii THE HIGHLANDERS AND BORDERERS 
 
 The Highlands of Scotland, so called from the rocky and 
 mountainous character of the country, consist of a very large 
 proportion of the northern parts of that kingdom. It was in- 
 to these pathless wildernesses that the Romans drove the 
 ancient inhabitants of Great Britain ; and it was from these 
 that they afterwards sallied to invade and distress that part 
 of Britain which the Romans had conquered, and in some 
 degree civilized. The inhabitants of the Highlands spoke, 
 and still speak, a language totally different from the Lowland 
 Scots. That last language does not greatly differ from Eng- 
 lish, and the inhabitants of both countries easily understand 
 each other, though neither of them comprehend the Gaelic, 
 which is the language of the Highlanders. The dress of 
 these mountaineers was also different from that of the Low- 
 landers. They wore a plaid, or mantle of frieze, or of a 
 striped stuff called tartan, one end of which being wrapt 
 round the waist, formed a short petticoat, which descended 
 to the knee, while the rest was folded round them hke a sort 
 of cloak. They had buskins made of raw hide ; and those 
 who could get a bonnet, had that covering for their heads, 
 though many never wore one during their whole lives, but 
 had only their own shaggy hair tied back by a leathern strap. 
 They went always armed, carrying bows and arrows, large 
 swords, which they wielded with both hands, called clay- 
 mores, poleaxes, and daggers for close fight. For defence, 
 they had a round wooden shield, or target, stuck full of 
 nails ; and their great men had shirts of mail, not unlike to 
 the flannel shirts now worn, only composed of links of iron 
 Instead of threads of worsted ; but the common men were so 
 far from desiring armor, that they sometimes threw their 
 plaids away, and fought in their shirts, which they wore very 
 long and large, after the Irish fashion. 
 
 This part of the Scottish nation was divided into clans, 
 that is, tribes. The persons composing each of these clans 
 
OF SCOTLAND. xliii 
 
 believed themselves all to be descended, at some distant 
 period, from the same common ancestor, whose name they 
 usually bore. Thus, one tribe was called MacDonald, which 
 signifies the sons of Donald ; another, MacGregor, or the 
 sons of Gregor ; MacNeil, the sons of Neil, and so on. 
 Every one of these tribes had its own separate chief, or 
 commander, whom they supposed to be the immediate repre- 
 sentative of the great father of the tribe from whom they 
 were all descended. To this chief they paid the most un- 
 limited obedience, and willingly followed his commands in 
 peace or war ; not caring altliough, in doing so, they trans- 
 gressed the laws of the King, or went into rebellion against 
 the King himself. Each tribe lived in a valley, or district of 
 the mountains, separated from the others ; and they often 
 made war upon, and fought desperately with, each other. 
 But with Lowlanders they were always at war. They ditfered 
 from them in language, in dress, and in manners ; and they 
 believed that the richer grounds of the low country had for- 
 merly belonged to their ancestors, and therefore they made 
 incursions upon it, and plundered it without mercy. The 
 Lowlanders, on the other hand, equal in courage, and supe- 
 rior in discipline, gave many severe checks to the High- 
 landers ; and thus there was almost constant war or discord 
 between them, though natives of the same country. 
 
 Some of the most powerful of the Highland chiefs set 
 themselves up as independent sovereigns. Such were the 
 famous Lords of the Isles, called MacDonald, to whom the 
 island, called the Hebrides, lying on the north-west of Scot- 
 land, might be said to belong in property. These petty 
 sovereigns made alliances with the English in their own 
 name. They took the part of Robert the Bruce in the wars, 
 and joined him with their forces. We shall find that, after 
 his time, they gave great disturbance to Scotland. The 
 Lords of Lorn, MacDougals by name, were also extremely 
 
xlvi .THE HIGHLANDERS AND BORDERERS 
 
 unrelenting cruelty, slaughtering the fugitives, executing the 
 prisoners, and laying waste the country, being determined to 
 crush out the last spark of this power that had for so many 
 centuries disturbed the peace of both kingdoms. 
 
 Fine military roads were built into those inaccessible glens 
 and wild mountains, enabling the government to execute the 
 laws throughout the realm. Severe laws, also, were passed, 
 forbidding the wearing of the plaid, the national costume, 
 and the bearing of arms. 
 
 These measures were entirely successful in breaking down 
 this patriarchal system ; and, although they seemed unnec- 
 essarily harsh at the time, in the end they proved wise and 
 beneficent. The Highlanders, no longer able to subsist on 
 plundering the Lowlanders, were obliged to turn their atten- 
 tion to some other means of gaining a living. Some emi- 
 grated to America, others enlisted in foreign armies, but the 
 great majority settled down to an agricultural life. Mingling 
 together in peaceful pursuits, the difference between High- 
 lander and Lowlander soon disappeared, and they became 
 one people, prosperous and happy. 
 
 Jasies V. OF Scotland. — 1513-1542. 
 
 James V. (James Fitz-James of the poem) was the son of 
 James the Fourth of Scotland, and Margaret, sister of 
 Henry the Eighth of England. His father having lost his 
 life on the battlefield of Flodden, the son became king when 
 but a child of less than two years of age. For a while, his 
 mother managed the affairs of the kingdom as regent ; but, be- 
 coming unpopular, she not only lost the regency, but also the 
 control of her son, who fell into the hands of the powerful 
 family of the Douglases, who, although governing in the name 
 of the young king, nevertheless kept him under such careful 
 
OF SCOTLAND. xlvii 
 
 guard that the restraint became very irksome to him, and he 
 determined to escape from their power. In two attempts by 
 force he was unsuccessful ; but finally, on pretence of going 
 hunting, he escaped from his captivity, and fled into the 
 strong fortress of Stirling Castle, whose governor was 
 friendly to him. Here he assembled around him the nu- 
 merous nobilitv favorable to him, and threatened to declare 
 a traitor any of the name of Douglas who should approach 
 within twelve miles of liis person, or who should attempt to 
 meddle with the administration of government. He retained, 
 ever after, this implacable resentment against the Douglases, 
 not permitting one of the name to settle in Scotland while he 
 lived. James was especially ungenerous to one Archibald 
 Douglas of Kilspindie, the one mentioned in the poem who 
 had been a favorite of the voung; Kino-. He was noted for 
 great strength, manly appearance, and skill in all kinds of 
 exercises. When an old man, becomino- tired of his exile in 
 England, he resolved to try the King's mercy, thinking that, 
 as he had not personally offended James, he might find favor 
 on account of their old intimacy. He therefore threw himself 
 in the King's wav one dav as he returned from huntins^ in 
 the Park at Stirling. Although it was several years since 
 James had seen him, he knew him at a great distance by his 
 firm and stately step. When they met he showed no sign of 
 recognizing his old servant. i)ouglas turned, hoping still 
 to obtain a glance of favorable recollection, and ran along 
 by the King's side ; and, although James trotted his horse 
 hard, and Douglas wore a heavy shirt of mail, yet he reached 
 the castle gate as soon as the King. James passed b}' him, 
 without the slightest sign of recognition, and entered the 
 castle. Douglas, exhausted, sat down at the gate and asked 
 for a cup of wine ; but no domestic dared to oflfer it. The 
 King, however, blamed this discourtesy in his servants, say- 
 ing that, but for his oath, he would have received Archibald 
 
xlviii THE HIGHLANDERS AND BORDERERS 
 
 into his service. Yet he sent his command for him to retire 
 to France, where the old man soon died of a broken heart. 
 
 Freed from the stern control of the Douglas family, James 
 V. now began to exercise the government in person, and dis- 
 played most of the qualities of a wise and good prince. He 
 was handsome in his person, and resembled his father in the 
 fondness for military exercises, and the spirit of chivalrous 
 honor which James IV. loved to display. He also inherited 
 his father's love of justice, and his desire to estabhsh and 
 enforce wise and equal laws, which should protect the weak 
 against the oppression of the great. It was easy enough to 
 make laws, but to put them in vigorous exercise was of much 
 greater difficulty ; and, in his attempt to accomplish this laud- 
 able purpose, James often incurred the ill-will of the more 
 powerful nobles. He was a well-educated and accomplished 
 man, and, like his ancestor, James I., was a poet and musi- 
 cian. He had, however, his defects. He avoided his father's 
 failing of profusion, having no hoarded treasures to employ 
 on pomp and show ; but he rather fell into the opposite fault, 
 being of a temper too parsimonious ; and, though he loved 
 state and display, he endeavored to gratify that taste as 
 economically as possible, so that he has been censured as 
 rather close and covetous. He was also, though the foibles 
 seem inconsistent, fond of pleasure, and disposed to too 
 much indulgence. It must be added that, when provoked, 
 he was unrelenting even to cruelty ; for which he had some 
 apology, considering the ferocity of the subjects over whom 
 he reio-ned. But, on the whole, James Y. was an amiable 
 man and a good sovereign. 
 
 His first care was to bring the Borders of Scotland to some 
 deo-ree of order. As before stated, these were inhabited by 
 tribes of men, forming each a different clan, as they were 
 called, and obeying no orders, save those which were given 
 by their chiefs. These chiefs were supposed to represent the 
 
OF SCOTLAND. xlix 
 
 first founder of the name or family. The attachment of the 
 clansmen to the chief was very great ; indeed, the}' paid 
 respect to no one else. In this the Borderers agreed with the 
 Highlanders, as also in tlieii- love of plunder and neglect of 
 the o-eneral laws of the country. But the Border men wore 
 no tartan dress, and served almost always on horseback, 
 whereas the Highlanders acted always on foot. The Bor- 
 derers spoke the Scottish language, and not the Gaelic 
 tongue used by the mountaineers. 
 
 The situation of these clans on the frontiers exposed them 
 to constant war ; so that they thought of nothing else but of 
 collecting bands of their followers together, and making in- 
 cursions, without much distinction, on the English, on the 
 Lowland (or inland) Scots, or upon each other. They paid 
 little respect either to times of truce or treaties of peace, but 
 exercised their depredations without regard to either, and 
 often occasioned wars betwixt England and Scotland which 
 would not otherwise have taken place. 
 
 James' first step was to secure the persons of the principal 
 chieftains by whom these disorders were privately encour- 
 aged, and who might have opposed his purposes, and im- 
 prison them in separate fortresses. 
 
 He then assembled an army, in which warlike purposes 
 were united with those of S3'lvan sport ; for he ordered all the 
 gentlemen, in the wild districts which he intended to visit, to 
 bring in their best dogs, as if his only purpose had been to 
 hunt the deer in those desolate regions. This was intended 
 to prevent the Borderers from taking the alarm, in which 
 case the}' would have retreated into their mountains and 
 fastnesses, from whence it would have been difficult to dis- 
 lodge them. 
 
 These men had indeed no distinct idea of the offences 
 which they had committed, and consequently no apprehension 
 of the King's displeasure against them. The laws had been 
 
1 THE HIGHLANDERS AND BORDERERS 
 
 SO long silent in that remote and disorderly country,, that the 
 outrages which were practised by the strong against the 
 weak seemed to the perpetrators the natural course of 
 society, and to present nothing that was worthy of punish- 
 ment. Thus the King suddenl}" approached the castles of 
 tliese great lords and barons, while they were preparing a 
 great entertainment to welcome him, and caused them to be 
 seized and executed. 
 
 There is reason to censure the extent to which James car- 
 ried his severity, as being to a certain degree impolitic, and 
 beyond doubt cruel and excessive. 
 
 In the like manner, James proceeded against the Highland 
 chiefs ; and, by executions, forfeitures, and other severe 
 measures, he brought the Northern mountaineers, as he had 
 alread}^ done those of the South, into comparative subjection. 
 
 Such were the effects of the terror struck by these general 
 executions, that James was said to have made " the rush 
 bush keep the cow " ; that is to say, that, even in this law- 
 less part of the country, men dared no longer make free with 
 property, and cattle might remain on their pastures un- 
 watched. James was also enabled to draw profit from the 
 lands which the crown possessed near the Borders, and is 
 said to have had ten thousand sheep at one time grazing in 
 Ettrick forest, under the keeping of one Andrew Bell, who 
 gave the King as good an account of the flock as if they had 
 been grazing in the bounds of Fife, then the most civilized 
 part of Scotland. 
 
 James V. had a custom of going about the country dis- 
 guised as a private person, in order that he might hear com- 
 plaints which might not otherwise reach his ears, and, 
 perhaps, that he might enjo}' amusement which he could not 
 have partaken of in his avowed royal character. 
 
 He was also ver}' fond of hunting, and, when he pursued 
 that amusement in the Highlands, he used to wear the pecu- 
 
OF SCOTLAND. li 
 
 liar dress of that conntr}^, having a long and wide Highland 
 shirt, and a jacket of tartan velvet, with plaid hose, and 
 everything else corresponding. 
 
 The reign of James V. was not alone distinguished by his 
 personal adventures and pastimes, but is honorablv remem- 
 bered on account of wise laws made for the government of 
 his people, and for restraining the crimes and violence which 
 were frequently practised among them ; especially those of 
 assassination, burning of houses, and driving of cattle, the 
 usual and ready means by which powerful chiefs avenged 
 themselves of their feudal enemies. 
 
 Had not James become involved in a war with Henry the 
 Eighth of England, he might have been as fortunate a prince 
 as his many good qualities deserved ; but, the war going 
 against him, in despair and desolation he shut himself up in 
 his palace, refusing to Usten to consolation. A burning 
 fever, the consequence of his grief and shame, seized on the 
 unfortunate monarch. When they brought him tidings that 
 his wife had given birth to a daughter, who afterwards be- 
 came the brilliant, but most unfortunate, Mary Queen of 
 Scots, he only replied, "Is it so?" reflecting on the alliance 
 which had placed the Stewart family on the throne ; " then 
 God's will be done. It came with a lass, and it will go with 
 a lass." With these words, presaging the extinction of his 
 house, he made a signal of adieu to his courtiers, spoke httle 
 more, but turned his face to the wall and, w^hen scarcely 
 thirty-one years old, in the very prime of life, he died of the 
 most melancholy of all diseases, a broken heart. 
 
ARGUMENT. 
 
 The scene of the following Poem is laid chiefly in the vicinity of 
 Loch Katrine, in the Western Highlands of Perthshire. The time 
 of Action includes Six Days, and the transactions of each Day 
 occupy a Canto. 
 
OUTLINE OF CANTO FIRST. 
 
 In "The Lady of the Lake" the poet describes Highland charac- 
 ter and life as they existed towards the close of the middle ages, 
 by means of a narrative of one of James V.'s adventures. In the 
 first canto, which is entitled "The Chase," he begins with a long- 
 account of a stag hunt in the Highlands of Perthshii-e. As the 
 chase lengthens, the sportsmen one by one drop off, till at last, the 
 king, who is the foremost horseman, is found alone, and his horse, 
 worn out with fatigue, stumbles and falls dead. The lone hunts- 
 man pursues his way through a rocky ravine, till, ascending a 
 craggy height, he sees, by the light of the setting sun. Loch Katrhie 
 stretched beneath him in all its beauty. After gazing in admii-a- 
 tion upon the beautiful scene, he winds his horn in the hope of 
 being heard by some of his companions, and to his surprise a little 
 skiff guided by a young lady shoots out from the shadow of a tree, 
 and approaches the shore. The lady, thinking it was her father's 
 horn she heard, draws back in fear at the sight of a stranger, but, 
 after receiving his explanation, they row across the lake to her 
 island home. There, her father being absent, young Ellen, as the 
 lady is named, and the mistress of the mansion entertain the hunts- 
 man with true highland hospitality. He discloses his name and 
 rank as " The Knight of Snowdoun, James Fitz-James," and tries 
 in every way, but in vain, to learn the names of his hosts. At 
 length he retires to rest ; but his sleep is disturbed by dreams so 
 strange and fearful that he rises from his couch, and walks out 
 into the moonlight to shake off the dread visions of the night. 
 After quieting his disturbed mind, he returns to his bed, says a 
 prayer, and sleeps till awakened in the morning by the crowing of 
 the heath-cock. With this the first canto ends. — Stevens & Morris. 
 
IV I -'^31- 
 
 THE 
 
 LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 THE CHASE. 
 
 Haep of the North ! that mouldering long hast hung 
 
 On the witch-elm that shades Saint Fillan's spring, 
 And down the fitful breeze th}^ numbers flung, 
 
 Till envious ivy did around thee cling, 
 Muffling with verdant ringlet every string, — 5 
 
 O Minstrel Harp, still must thine accents sleep ? 
 'Mid rustling leaves and fountains mui-muring, 
 
 Still must thy sweeter sounds their silence keep, 
 Nor bid a warrior smile, nor teach a maid to weep ? 
 
 Not thus, in ancient days of Caledon, lO 
 
 Was thy voice mute amid the festal crowd, 
 
 1. Harp of the North ! An invocation to ancient Scottish minstrelsy. 
 The barp was formerly the national musical instrument. 
 
 2. Witch-elm. The broad-leaved elm. Twigs cut from it were used as 
 riding whips for good luck; also for divining rods. — Saint Fillan. A 
 Scotch abbot of the seventh century. 
 
 3. Numbers. Lines or verses of poetry. 
 
 G. Minstrel. The minstrels, as the wandering singers and musicians of 
 the middle ages were called, were always welcomed wherever they went. 
 They sang songs recounting the valiant deeds of their entertainers and 
 their ancestors. S. & M. 
 
 10. Caledon. For Caledonia, the ancient name of Scotland. 
 
THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i. 
 
 When lay of hopeless love, or glory won, 
 , : -Aroused the fearful or subdued the proud. 
 At each according pause was heard aloud 
 
 Thine ardent symphony sublime and high ! 15 
 
 Fair dames and crested chiefs attention bowed ; 
 
 For still the burden of thy minstrelsy 
 Was Knighthood's dauntless deed, and Beauty's match- 
 less eye. 
 
 O, wake once more ! how rude soe'er the hand 
 
 That ventures o'er thy magic maze to stray ; 20 
 
 O, wake once more ! though scarce my skill command 
 
 Some feeble echoing of thine earlier lay : 
 Though harsh and faint, and soon to die away, 
 
 And all unworthy of thy nobler strain. 
 Yet if one heart throb higher at its sway, 25 
 
 The wizard note has not been touched in vain. 
 Then silent be no more I Enchantress, wake again ! 
 
 I. 
 
 The stag at eve had drunk his fill, 
 Where danced the moon on Monan's rill, 
 
 14. According pause. In music, that which suitably fills the intervals. 
 
 15. Ardent symphony. Stirring music with which the minstrel filled 
 up the pauses of his lay. S. & M. 
 
 16. Crested. Plumed. — 17. Minstrelsy. Song. 
 
 18. Knighthood. In the middle ages a knight was a person admitted to 
 a certain military rank, as a reward for brave and gallant deeds. Knights 
 took certain oaths, among which, perhaps, the most important was that 
 they would succor the oppressed, especially ladies, whenever they had the 
 opportunity. S. & M. 
 
 20. Maze. Perplexing way. — 26. Wizard. Enchanting. 
 
 29. Monan. A Scotch martyr of the fourth century. 
 
CANTO 1. THE CHASE. 5 
 
 And deep his midnight lair had made 30 
 
 In lone Glenartney's hazel shade ; 
 
 But when the sun his beacon red '-^M/'>^- 
 
 Had kindled on Benvoirlich's head, 
 
 The deep-mouthed bloodhound's heavy bay 
 
 Resounded up the rocky way, 35 
 
 And faint, from farther distance borne, 
 
 Were heard the clanging hoof and horn. 
 
 II. 
 
 As Chief, who hears his warder call, 
 
 " To arms ! the foemen storm the wall," 
 
 The antlered monarch of the waste 40 
 
 Sprung from his heathery couch in haste. 
 
 But ere his fleet career he took. 
 
 The dew-drops from his flanks he shook ; 
 
 Like crested leader proud and high 
 
 Tossed his beamed frontlet to the sky ; 45 
 
 A moment gazed adown the dale, 
 
 A moment snuffed the tainted gale, 
 
 A moment listened to the cry. 
 
 That thickened as the chase drew nigh ; 
 
 30. Lair. Bed of a wild beast. 
 
 31. Glenartney. A valley through which a small stream called the 
 Artney flows. 
 
 32. Beacon. A signal-fire on a hill or mountain. The use of the word 
 here is very effective, comparing the early rays of the sun on the mountain 
 
 top to a fire kindled for an alarm. f 
 
 33. Benvoirlich. A mountain north of Glenartney. Ben means monn- 
 tain. (See map.) — 38. Warder. Keeper or guard. 
 
 45. Beamed frontlet. The forehead of a stag, with full-grown antlers 
 or horns. 
 
 47. Tainted gale. The wind, laden with the scent or odor of the 
 hunter, which the deer perceives at a great distance. 
 
6 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i. 
 
 Then, as the headmost foes appeared, so 
 
 With one brave bound the copse he cleared, 
 And, stretching forward free and far. 
 Sought the wild heaths of Uam-Var. 
 
 in. 
 
 Yelled on the view the opening pack ; 
 
 Rock, glen, and cavern paid them back ; 55 
 
 To many a mingled sound at once 
 
 The awakened mountain gave response. 
 
 A hundred dogs hsijed deep and strong, 
 
 Clattered a hundred steeds along. 
 
 Their peal the merry horns rung out, 60 
 
 A hundred voices joined the shout ; 
 
 With hark and whoop and wild halloo, 
 
 No rest Benvoirlich's echoes knew. 
 
 Far from the tumult fled the roe. 
 
 Close in her covert cowered the doe, 65 
 
 The falcon, from her cairn on high. 
 
 Cast on the rout a wondering eye, 
 
 51. Copse. Bushes, or wood of small growth. 
 
 53. TJam-Var. Ua-var, as the name Is pronounced, or more properly 
 Uaighmor, is a mountain to the north-east of the village of Callender in 
 Menteith, deriving its name, which signifies the great den or cavern, from a 
 sort of retreat among the rocks on the south side, said, by tradition, to have 
 been the abode of a giant. In latter times it was the refuge of robbers and 
 banditti, who have been only extirpated within these forty or fifty years. 
 Strictly speaking, this stronghold is not a cave, as the name would imply, 
 but a sort of small enclosure or recess, surrounded with large rocks, and open 
 above head. Scott. 
 
 54. Opening pack. A hunting term, alluding to the hounds barking 
 at sight of the game. — 64. Hoe. A small species of deer. 
 
 66. Falcon [/cm' A;' n]. A hawk. — Cairn. A heap of stones. 
 
 67. Hout. Tumultuous crowd. 
 
CANTO I. THE CHASE. 
 
 Till far beyond her piercing ken 
 
 The hurricane had swept the glen. 
 
 Faint, and more faint, its failing din 70 
 
 Returned from cavern, cliff, and linn, 
 
 And silence settled, wide and still, 
 
 On the lone wood and mighty hill. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Less loud the sounds of sylvan war 
 
 Disturbed the heights of Uam-Var, 75 
 
 And roused the cavern where, 'tis told, 
 
 A criant made his den of old ; 
 
 For ere that steep ascent was won. 
 
 High in his pathway hung the sun, 
 
 And many a gallant, stayed perforce, 80 
 
 Was fain to breathe his faltering horse, 
 
 And of the trackers of the deer. 
 
 Scarce half the lessening pack was near; 
 
 So shrewdly on the mountain-side 
 
 Had the bold burst their mettle tried. 85 
 
 V. 
 
 The noble stag was pausing now 
 
 Upon the mountain's southern brow, 
 
 Where broad extended, far beneath, 
 
 The varied realms of fair Menteith. 
 
 With anxious eye he wandered o'er 90 
 
 Mountain and meadow, moss and moor, 
 
 (58. Ken. Sight.— 69. Hurricane. The chase, like a violent wind, had 
 svvepttheglen. — 71. Linn. Cataract ; pool. 
 
 74. Sylvan war. Woodland war against the stag, i.e., hunting. 
 81. Fain. Glad. — «4. Shrewdly. Severely. 
 89. Menteith. A district watered by the Teith. 
 
8 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i. 
 
 And pondered refuge from liis toil, 
 
 By far Lo chard or Aberfoyle. 
 
 But nearer was the copsewood gray. 
 
 That waved and wept on Loch Achray, 95 
 
 And mingled with the pine-trees blue 
 
 On the bold cliffs of Benvenue. 
 
 Fresh vigor with the hope returned, 
 
 With flying foot the heath he spurned. 
 
 Held westward with unwearied race, lOO 
 
 And left behind the panting chase. 
 
 VI. 
 
 'Twere long to tell what steeds gave o'er, 
 
 As swept the hunt through Cambusmore ; 
 
 What reins were tightened in despair, 
 
 When rose Benledi's ridge in air ; 105 
 
 Who flagged upon Bochastle's heath. 
 
 Who shunned to stem the flooded Teith, — 
 
 For twice that day, from shore to shore. 
 
 The gallant stag swam stoutly o'er. 
 
 93. Lochard. A small lake near the village of Aberfoyle. 
 
 95. Loch Achray. "The Lake of the Level Field." A small lake at 
 the foot of Benvenue. — 97. Benvenue. "Center Mountain," being mid- 
 way between Ben Lomond and Ben Ledi. (See map.) 
 
 99. Heath. A low shrub very abundant on the hills and mountains of 
 Scotland. Its foliage gives to the landscape a very soft olive tinge; its 
 blossoms, a purplish hue. 
 
 103. Cambusmore. An estate near Callander. 
 
 105. Benledi. A mountain near Callander. The name signifies 
 "Mountain of God." 
 
 106. Bochastle's heath. A flat plain between the east end of Loch 
 Vennachar and Callander. Taylor. 
 
 107. The flooded Teith. The Teith, receiving the waters of Lochs 
 Lubnaig, Voil, Vennachar, Achray, and Katrine, was liable to overflow its 
 banks in rainy seasons. 
 
CANTO I. THE CHASE. ' 9 
 
 Few were the stragglers, following far, no 
 
 That reached the lake of Veiinachar; 
 And when the Brigg of Turk was won, 
 The headmost horseman rode alone. 
 
 VII. 
 
 ^Alone, but with unbated zeal, 
 
 \^ That horseman plied the scourge and steel ; ii5 
 For, jaded now, and spent with toil. 
 Embossed with foam, and dark with soil. 
 While every gasp with sobs he drew. 
 The laboring stag strained full in view. 
 Two dogs of black Saint Hubert's breed, 120 
 
 Unmatched for courage, breath, and speed, 
 Fast on his flying traces came, 
 And all but won that desperate game ; 
 For, scarce a spear's length from his haunch, 
 Vindictive toiled the bloodhounds st'anch ; 125 
 Nor nearer might the dogs attain. 
 Nor farther might the quarry strain. 
 Thus up the margin of the lake, 
 Between the precipice and brake, 
 O'er stock and rock their race they take. ibo 
 
 111. Vennachar. "Lake of the Fair Valley," one of the three lakes 
 arouud which the scenery of the poem lies. — 112. Brigg of Turk. An old 
 stone bridge over the Turk, a small stream in Glentiulas valley. 
 
 115. Scourge and steel. Whip and spur. —117. Embossed. Hunted 
 until the foam from the mouth covered the stag like raised figures in orna- 
 mental work. — 120. Saint Hubert. The hounds which are called St. Hu- 
 bert's are found of various colors, but are commonly all black. The abbots 
 of St. Hubert have always kept some of this race of hounds in remembrance 
 of their patron saint, who was a hunter. — 125. Vindictive. Revengeful. — 
 Stanch hound. Reliable in the pursuit of game. 
 
 127. Quarry. The hunted animal. —12i). Brake. Coarse ferns; bushes. 
 
 130. Stock. Log or stump. 
 
:'C> ^ 
 
 10 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 The Hunter marked that mountam high, 
 The lone lake's western boundary, 
 And deemed the stag must turn to bay, 
 Where that huge rampart barred the way ; 
 Already glorying in the prize, 135 
 
 Measured his antlers with his eyes ; 
 For the death-wound and death-halloo 
 Mustered his breath, his whinyard drew : — 
 But thundering as he came prepared, 
 With ready arm and weapon bared, ^ 140 
 
 The wily quarry shunned the shock. 
 And turned him from the opposing rock ; 
 ^^^^-^^lien, dashing down a darksome gleii, Cyrnrfiod n 
 Soon lost to hound and Hunter's l^eji, . ^ |# 
 In the deep Trosachs' wildest nook rUUVuMXj 145 
 His solitary refuge took. 
 
 133. Turn to bay. The turning of the stag to face and fight his pursuers 
 when no longer able to escape them. — 134. Rampart. Beuvenue. 
 
 137. For the death wound, etc. When the stag turned to bay, the 
 ancient hunter had the perilous task of going in upon, and killing or dis- 
 abling the desperate animal. At certain times of the year this was held 
 particularly dangerous, a wound received from a stag's horn being then 
 deemed poisonous, and more dangerous than one from the tusks of a boar. 
 Scott. — Death-halloo. The shout when the huntsman had given the 
 death stroke to the stag. —138. Whinyard. A sword or hanger. 
 
 145. Trosachs. The name Trosachs, or "bristled territory," is gen- 
 erally applied to the whole country about Loch Katrine, but, strictly speak- 
 ing, belongs only to the region between Lochs Katrine and Achray. A fine 
 turnpike, shaded by overhanging trees and abrupt mountain cliffs, winds 
 through this beautiful wild valley. It is the more enjoyable because it is 
 so rare in Scotland to see anything like a native forest. The trees are 
 mostly set out when very small and so thickly and irregularly as to resem- 
 ble a natural growth. They are cultivated not so much for the timber as a 
 shelter for game. The mountains of Scotland for the most part are treeless. 
 With the exception of a few of the highest peaks which are barren, they 
 
CANTO I. thp: chase. 11 
 
 There, while close coiiched the thicket shed 
 
 Cold dews and wild flowers on his head. 
 
 He heard the baffled dogs in vain 
 
 Rave through the hollow pass amain, 150 
 
 Chiding the rocks that yelled again. 
 
 IX. 
 
 Close on the hounds the Hunter came, 
 
 To cheer them on the vanished game ; 
 
 But, stumbling hi the rugged dell. 
 
 The gallant horse exhausted fell. 155 
 
 The impatient rider strove in vain 
 
 To rouse him with the sj)ur and rein. 
 
 For the good steed, his labors o'er, 
 
 Stretched his stiff limbs, to rise no more ; 
 
 Then, touched with pity and remorse, i<)0 
 
 He sorrowed o'er the expiring horse. 
 
 '' I little thought, Avhen first thy rein 
 
 I slacked upon the banks of Seine, 
 
 That Highland eagle e'er should feed 
 
 On thy fleet limbs, my matchless steed ! Kis 
 
 Woe worth the chase, woe worth the day. 
 
 That costs thy life, my gallant gray ! " 
 
 are covered to the very tops with heather and grass kept greeu by the fre- 
 quent rains. Not only are these beautiful mountains with the thousands of 
 white sheep moving to and fro over their sides pleasant to look upon, but 
 they form a great source of wealth to the peoj^le as is well known by the 
 quantity and excellence of the Scotcli woollens. 
 
 147. Couched. Concealed. — 150. Amain. Vigorously. 
 
 151. Chiding, etc. The constant barking echoed back by the rocks. 
 
 1G3. Seine. A river in France. 
 
 IGG. Woe worth the chase. Woe bo to the chase. Worth used in the 
 sense of he, imperative. 
 
12 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i, 
 
 X. 
 
 Then through the dell his horn resounds, 
 
 From vain pursuit to call the hounds. 
 
 Back limped, with slow and crippled pace, 170 
 
 The sulky leaders of the chase ; 
 
 Close to their master's side they pressed, 
 
 With drooping tail and humbled crest; 
 
 But still the dingle's hollow throat 
 
 Prolonged the swelling bugle-note. 175 
 
 The owlets started from their dream. 
 
 The eagles answered with their scream, 
 
 Round and around the sounds were cast. 
 
 Till echo seemed an answering blast ; 
 
 And on the Hunter hied his way, . 180 
 
 To join some comrades of the day, 
 
 Yet often paused, so strange the road. 
 
 So wondrous were the scenes it shoAved. 
 
 XI. 
 
 j^he Avestern waves of ebb^n^' day 
 
 I Rolled o'er the glen their level way ; 185 
 
 I Each purple peak, each flinty spire, 
 
 \Was bathed in floods of living fire. 
 
 But not a setting beam could glow 
 
 Within the dark ravines below, 
 
 AVhere twined the })ath in shadow hid, 190 
 
 Round many a rocky pyramid. 
 
 Shooting abruptly from the dell 
 
 Its thunder-spliutered pinnacle ; 
 
 174. Dingle. A small valley between hills. — 180. Hied. Hastened. 
 185. Level way. Horizontal rays from the setting sun. 
 193. Pinnacle. A lofty summit. 
 
CANTO I. THE CHASE. 13 
 
 Round many an insulated mass, 
 
 The native bulwarks of the pass, ii>"> 
 
 Huge as the tower which builders vain 
 
 Presumptuous piled on Shinar's plain. 
 
 The rocky summits, split and rent, 
 
 Formed turret, dome, or battlement. 
 
 Or seemed fantastically set 2m 
 
 With cupola or minaret. 
 
 Wild crests as pagod ever decked, 
 
 Or mosque of Eastern architect. 
 
 Nor were these earth-born castles bare, 
 
 Nor lacked they many a banner fair ; 205 
 
 For, from their shivered brows displayed. 
 
 Far o'er the unfathomable glade, 
 
 All twinkling with the dewdrops sheen, 
 
 The brier-rose fell in streamers green. 
 
 And creeping shrubs of thousand dyes 210 
 
 Waved in the west-wind's summer sighs. 
 
 XII. _ 
 
 Boon nature scattered, free and wild. 
 
 Each plant or flower, the mountain's child. 
 
 Here eglantine embalmed the air, 
 
 Hawthorn and hazel mingled there ; 215 
 
 194. Insulated. Standing by itself like au island. — 195. Native bul- 
 warks. Natural fortifications or defences. — 196. Tower. Tower of 
 liabel. Genesis xi. 1-9.— 199. Turret. A small tower forming a part of a 
 building. — Battlement. A wall round the top of a castle, with openings 
 to look through and annoy the enemy. —201. Minaret. A high, slender 
 turret on a Mohammedan Mosque from which the people are called to 
 prayers. — 202. Pagod. Pagoda, a heathen temple. — 20n. Mosque. A 
 Mohammedan temple of worship. — 204. Earth-born castles. ^Mountains. 
 
 207. Glade. An opening through a wood.— 208. Sheen. Shining. 
 
 214. Eglantine. A species of wild rose; sweet-brier. 
 
;[4 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i. 
 
 The primrose pale and violet flower 
 
 Found in each cleft a narrow bower ;. 
 
 Foxglove and nightshade, side by side, 
 
 Emblems of punishment and pride. 
 
 Grouped their dark hues with every stain 220 
 
 The weather-beaten crags retain. 
 
 With boughs that quaked at every breath. 
 
 Gray birch and aspen wept beneath ; 
 
 Aloft, the ash and warrior oak 
 
 Cast anchor in the rifted rock ; 225 
 
 And, higher yet, the pine-tree hung 
 
 His shattered trunk, and frequent flung, 
 
 Where seemed the cliffs to meet on high, 
 
 His boughs athwart the narrowed sky. 
 
 Highest of all, where white peaks glanced, 230 
 
 Where glistening streamers waved and danced, 
 
 The wanderer's eye could barely view 
 
 The summer heaven's delicious blue ; 
 
 So wondrous wild, the whole might seem 
 
 The scenery of a fairy dream. 235 
 
 XIII. 
 
 Onward, amid the copse 'gan peep 
 A narrow inlet, still and deep, 
 Affording scarce such breadth of brim 
 As served the wild duck's brood to swim. 
 Lost for a space, through thickets veering, 
 But broader when again appearing, 
 Tall rocks and tufted knolls their face 
 Could on the dark-blue mirror trace ; 
 
 240 
 
 223. Aspen. Called also the trembling poplar, because of the quivering 
 of the leaves in the slightest breeze. — 240. Veering. Turning or winding. 
 
CANTO I. THE CHASE. 15 
 
 And farther as the Hunter strayed, 
 
 Still broader sweep its channels made. 245 
 
 The shaggy mounds no longer stood, 
 
 Emerging from entangled wood, 
 
 But, wave-encircled, seemed to float. 
 
 Like castle girdled with its moat ; 
 
 Yet broader floods extending still 250 
 
 Divide them from their parent hill. 
 
 Till each, retiring, claims to be 
 
 An islet in an inland sea. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 And now, to issue from the glen, 
 
 No pathway meets the wanderer's ken, 255 
 
 Unless he climb with footing nice 
 
 A far-projecting precipice. 
 
 The broom's tough roots his ladder made, 
 
 The hazel saplings lent their aid ; 
 
 And thus an airy point he won, 260 
 
 Where, gleaming with the setting sun, 
 
 One burnished sheet of living gold, 
 
 Loch Katrine lay beneath him rolled, 
 
 249. Moat. A ditch round a castle for defence. 
 
 250. Unless lie climb, etc. Until the present road was made through 
 the romantic pass which I have presumptuously attempted to describe in 
 the preceding stanzas, there was no mode of issuing out of the defile called 
 the Trosachs, excepting by a sort of ladder, composed of the branches and 
 roots of trees. Scott. —258. Broom. A large, bushy shrub liaving tough, 
 leafless stems and flowers of a deep golden yellow. Brooms were so called 
 because they were originally made from it. S. »& M. 
 
 2(53. Loch Katrine. The scene of the poem is one of the most beautiful 
 of the Scottish lakes, situated in Perthshire. It is about eight miles long 
 and two miles wide, serpentine in shape, and surrounded by high mountains 
 and deep ravines. A small steamer plies on the lake. Near its outlet is 
 situated Ellen's Isle in the wild region of the Trosachs. It is supposed to 
 have derived its name from " Catterins or Ketterins, a wild baud of robbers. 
 who orowled about its shores to the terror of all wayfarers." 
 
16 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i. 
 
 In all her length far winding lay, 
 
 With promontory, creek, and bay, 2«5 
 
 And islands that, enipnrpled bright, 
 
 Floated amid the livelier light, 
 
 And mountains that like giants stand 
 
 To sentinel enchanted land. 
 
 High on the south, huge Benvenue 270 
 
 Down to the lake in masses threw 
 
 Crags, knolls, and mounds, confusedly hurled. 
 
 The fragments of an earlier world ; 
 
 A wildering forest feathered o'er 
 
 His ruined sides and summit hoar, 275 
 
 While on the north, through middle air, 
 
 Ben-an heaved hioh his forehead bare. 
 
 XV. 
 
 From the steep promontory gazed 
 
 The stranger, raptured and amazed, 
 
 And, " What a scene were here," he cried, 
 
 " For princely pomp or churchman's pride ! 
 
 On this bold brow, a lordly tower ; 
 
 In that soft vale, a lady's bower ; 
 
 On yonder meadow far away 
 
 The turrets of a cloister gray ; 285 
 
 How blithely might the bugle-horn 
 
 Chide on the lake the lingering morn ! 
 
 How sweet at eve the lover's lute 
 
 Chime when the groves were still and mute ! 
 
 280 
 
 269. Sentinel. To guard. —274. Wildering. Bewildering. 
 277. Ben-an. "Little Mountain," lying north of the Trosachs. 
 285. Cloister. A place of retirement from the world for religious duties ; 
 a convent. A cloister for women is called a nunnery; for men, a monastery. 
 
CANTO I. THE CHASE. IT 
 
 And when the midnight moon should lave 290 
 
 Her forehead in the silver wave, 
 
 How solemn on the ear would come 
 
 The holy matins' distant hum, 
 
 While the deep peal's commanding tone 
 
 Should wake, in yonder islet lone, 20r. 
 
 A sainted hermit from his cell, 
 
 To drop a bead with every knell ! 
 
 And bugle, lute, and bell, and all, 
 
 Should each bewildered stranger call 
 
 To friendly feast and lighted hall. 300 
 
 XVI. ^ 
 
 '' Blithe were it then to wander here I 
 
 But now — beshrew yon nimble deer ! — 
 
 Like that same hermit's, thin and spare. 
 
 The copse must give my evening fare ; 
 
 Some mossy bank my couch must be, 305 
 
 Some rustling oak my canopy. 
 
 Yet pass we that ; the war and chase 
 
 Give little choice of resting-place ; — 
 
 A summer night in greenwood spent 
 
 Were but to-morrow's merriment : 3io 
 
 But hosts may in these wilds abound. 
 
 Such as are better missed than found ; 
 
 To meet with Highland plunderers here 
 
 Were worse than loss of steed or deer. — 
 
 290. Lave. Bathe.— 293. Matins. Early morning prayers in Catholic 
 churches.— 297. Bead. Formerly meant a prayer, and hence came to be 
 applied to the small perforated balls used in keeping an account of the num- 
 ber of prayers recited. — ".02. Beshrew. " May ill betide " ; a slight curse. 
 
 313. Highland plunderers. The class who inhabited the romantic 
 regions in the neighborhood of Loch Katrine, were, even until a late period, 
 much addicted to predatory excursions upon their Lowland neighbors. Scott. 
 
18 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i. 
 
 I am alone ; — 1113^ bugle-strain 315 
 
 May call some straggler of the train ; 
 Or, fall the worst that may betide, 
 Ere now this falchion has been tried." 
 
 XVII. 
 
 But scarce again his horn he wound, 
 
 When lo ! forth starting at the sound, S20 
 
 From underneath an aged oak 
 
 That slanted from the islet rock, 
 
 A damsel guider of its way, 
 
 A little skiff shot to the bay. 
 
 That round the promontor}^ steep S25 
 
 Led its deep line in graceful swee[), 
 
 Eddying, in almost viewless Avave, 
 
 The weeping willow twig to lave. 
 
 And kiss, with whispering sound and slriw. 
 
 The beach of pebbles bright as snow. 3:30 
 
 The boat had touched this silver strand 
 
 Just as the Hunter left his stand, 
 
 And stood concealed amid the brake. 
 
 To view this Lady of the Lake. 
 
 The maiden paused, as if again 335 
 
 She thought to catch the distant strain. 
 
 With head upraised, and look intent, 
 
 And eye and ear attentive bent, 
 
 And locks flung back, and lips apart, 
 
 Like monument of Grecian art, 340 
 
 Li listening mood, she seemed to stand, 
 
 The guardian Naiad of the strand. 
 
 318. Falchion [fawl'chioi]. A broadsword with slightly curved point. 
 340. Monument of Grecian art. A statue. — 342. Naiad [iV«'?/ad]. A 
 water-nymph or goddess presiding over rivers and springs. 
 
CANTO I. 
 
 THE CHASE. 1^ 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 And ne'er did Grecian chisel trace 
 
 A Nymph, a Naiad, or a Grace, 
 
 Of finer form or lovelier face ! •^•"^ 
 
 What tliough the sun, with ardent frown, 
 
 Had slightly tinged her cheek with brown, — 
 
 The sportive toil, which, short and light. 
 
 Had dyed her glowing hue so bright, 
 
 Served too in hastier swell to show '^^ 
 
 Short glimpses of a breast of snow : 
 
 What though no rule of courtly grace 
 
 To measured mood had trained her pace, — 
 
 A foot more light, a step more true. 
 
 Ne'er from the heath-llower dashed the dew : "^^^ 
 
 E'en the slight harebell raised its head. 
 
 Elastic from her airy tread : 
 
 What though upon her speech there hung 
 
 The accents of the mountain tongue, — 
 
 Those silver sounds, so soft, so dear. 
 
 The listener held his breath to hear ! 
 
 3()0 
 
 XIX. 
 
 A chieftain's daughter seemed the maid; 
 
 Her satin snood, her silken plaid, 
 
 Her golden brooch, such birth betrayed. 
 
 ;M4. Graces. Beautiful females represented by ancient writers as 
 attendants of Venus. — 353. Measured mood. Studied behavior. 
 
 363. Snood. A head-band worn by Scottish maidens. —Plaid. Pro- 
 nounced vhiycd by the Scotch. It consisted of about a dozen yards of 
 woollen cloth, checked with threads of various bright colors. It was 
 wrapped around the middle of the body, fastened with a belt, and ex- 
 tended down to the knee. It was much worn as an over-garment by the 
 Highlanders of both sexes, and each clan was distinguished by its own 
 peculiar plaid or tartan. —304. Brooch \J)rucl{\ . Breastpin. 
 
'20 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i. 
 
 And seldom was a snood amid 365 
 
 Such wild luxuriant ringlets hid, 
 
 Whose glossy black to shame might bring 
 
 The plumage of the raven's wing ; 
 
 And seldom o'er a breast so fair 
 
 Mantled a j^laid with modest care, 370 
 
 And never brooch the folds combined 
 
 Above a heart more good and kind. 
 
 Her kindness and her worth to spy,"' 
 
 You need but gaze on Ellen's eye ; 
 
 Not Katrine in her mirror blue 375 
 
 Gives back the shaggy banks more true. 
 
 Than every free-born glance confessed 
 
 The guileless movements of her breast ; 
 
 Whether joy danced in her dark eye, 
 
 Or woe or pity claimed a sigh, 380 
 
 Or filial love was glowing there, 
 
 Or meek devotion poured a prayer. 
 
 Or tale of injury called forth 
 
 The indignant spirit of the North. 
 
 One only passion unrevealed 385 
 
 With maiden pride the maid concealed, 
 
 Yet not less purely felt the flame ; — 
 
 O, need I tell that passion's name ? 
 
 XX. 
 
 Impatient of the silent horn, 
 
 Now on the gale her voice was borne : — 390 
 
 " Father ! " she cried ; the rocks around 
 Loved to prolong the gentle sound. 
 
 368. Eaven, A bird like the crow. 
 
 381. Filial love. The love of son or daughter for a parent. 
 
CANTO I. THE CHASE. 21 
 
 Awhile she paused, no answer came ; — 
 
 '^Malcohn, was thine the blast?" the name 
 
 Less resolutely uttered fell, 395 
 
 The echoes could not catch the swell. 
 
 '' A stranger I," the Huntsman said, 
 
 Advancing from the hazel shade. 
 
 The maid, alarmed, with hasty oar 
 
 Pushed her light shallop from the shore, 400 
 
 And when a space was gained between. 
 
 Closer she drew her bosom's screen ; — 
 
 So forth the startled swan would swing, 
 
 So turn to prune his ruffled wing. 
 
 Then safe, though fluttered and amazed, 405 
 
 She paused, and on the stranger gazed. 
 
 Not his the form, nor his the eye. 
 
 That youthful maidens wont to fly. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 On his bold visage middle age 
 
 Had slightly pressed its signet sage,, 4io 
 
 Yet had not quenched the open truth 
 
 And fiery vehemence of youth; 
 
 Forward and frolic glee was there. 
 
 The will to do, the soul to dare. 
 
 The sparkling glance, soon blown to fire, 4io 
 
 Of hasty love or headlong ire. 
 
 His limbs were cast in manly mould 
 
 For hardy sports or contest bold ; 
 
 And though in peaceful garb arrayed, 
 
 And weaponless except his blade, 420 
 
 4(>i. Prune. To trim and arrauge the feathers with the bill. — 408. "V^nt. 
 Are accustomed. — 410. Signet sage. Seal of wisdom ; impression of gravity. 
 
22 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i. 
 
 His stately mien as well implied 
 
 A high-born heart, a martial pride, 
 
 As if a baron's crest he wore. 
 
 And sheathed in armor trode the shore. 
 
 Slighting the pett}^ need he showed, 425 
 
 He told of his benighted road ; 
 
 His ready speech flowed fair and free. 
 
 In phrase of gentlest courtesy. 
 
 Yet seemed that tone and gesture bland 
 
 Less used to sue than to command. 430 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Awhile the maid the stranger ej^ed, 
 
 And, reassured, at length replied. 
 
 That Highland halls were open still 
 
 To wildered wanderers of the hill. 
 
 " Nor think you unexpected come 435 
 
 To yon lone isle, our desert home ; 
 
 Before the heath had lost the dew, 
 
 This morn, a couch was pulled for you ; 
 
 On yonder mountain's purple head 
 
 Have ptarmigan and heath-cock bled, 440 
 
 And our broad nets have swept the mere. 
 
 To furnish forth your evening cheer." — 
 
 " Now, by the rood, my lovely maid. 
 
 Your courtesy has erred," he said ; 
 
 " No right have I to claim, misplaced, 445 
 
 Tlie welcome of expected guest. 
 
 425. Slighting the need. Treating lightly his lack of food and shelter. 
 42G. Benighted. Overtakenby night. — 440. Ptarmigan. White grouse. 
 -Heath-cock. Black grouse. —441. Mere. Lake. 
 
 443. By the rood. By the cross. A phrase formerly used in swearing. 
 
CANTO I. THE CHASE. 23 
 
 A wanderer, here by fortune tost, 
 
 My way, my friends, my courser lost, 
 
 I ne'er before, believe me, fair. 
 
 Have ever drawn your mountain air, 450 
 
 Till on this lake's romantic strand 
 
 I found a fay in fairy land ! " — 
 
 XXllT. 
 
 "I well believe,"' the maid replied. 
 
 As her light skiff approached the side, — 
 
 " I well believe, that ne'er before 4r)o 
 
 Your foot has trod Loch Katrine's shore ; 
 
 But yet, as far as yesternight. 
 
 Old Allan-bane foretold your plight, — 
 
 A gray-haired sire, whose eye intent 
 
 Was on the visioned future bent. 4W 
 
 He saw your steed, a dappled gray, 
 
 Lie dead beneath the birchen way ; 
 
 Painted exact your form and mien. 
 
 Your hunting-suit of Lincoln green. 
 
 That tasselled horn so gayly gilt, 4ti5 
 
 That falchion's crooked blade and hilt. 
 
 That cap with heron plumage trim, 
 
 452. Fay. An imaginary spirit : a fairy. 
 
 460. On tlie visioned future bent. If force of evidence could authorize 
 us to believe facts inconsistent with the general laws of nature, enough 
 might be produced in favor of the existence of the Second-sight. "The 
 second-sight is a singular faculty of seeing an otherwise invisible object 
 without any previous means used by the i)ers<)n that used it for that end : 
 the vision makes such a lively impression upon the seers, that they neither 
 see nor think of anything else, except the vision, as long as it continues; 
 and then they appear pensive or jovial, according to the object that was 
 represented to them." Scott. — 4()3. Mien. INIanner. — 404. Lincoln green. 
 The color of cloth formerly made in Lincoln and worn by the Lowland 
 huntsmen. — 4<i7. Heron. A wading bird with long l)i!l. neck, and legs. 
 
24 THE LADY OF THE EAKE. canto i. 
 
 And yon two hounds so dark and grim. 
 
 He bade that all should ready be 
 
 To grace a guest of fair degree ; 470 
 
 But light I held his prophecy, 
 
 And deemed it was my father's horn 
 
 Whose echoes o'er the lake were borne." 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 The stranger smiled : — '^ Since to your home 
 
 A destined errant-knight I come, 475 
 
 Announced by prophet sooth and old, 
 
 Doomed, doubtless, for achievement bold, 
 
 I'll lightly front each high emprise 
 
 For one kind glance of those bright eyes. 
 
 Permit me first the task to guide 48o 
 
 Your fairy frigate o'er the tide." 
 
 The maid, with smile suppressed and sly, 
 
 The toil unwonted saw him try ; 
 
 For seldom, sure, if e'er before, 
 
 His noble hand had grasped an oar: 485 
 
 Yet with main strength his strokes he drew, 
 
 And o'er the lake the shallojj flew; 
 
 With heads erect and whimpering cry. 
 
 The hounds behind their passage pl3^ 
 
 Nor frequent does the bright oar break 4iio 
 
 The darkening mirror of the lake, 
 
 Until the rocky isle they reach. 
 
 And moor their shallop on the beach. 
 
 475. Errant-knight. A knight wandering in search of adventure. 
 
 47G. Sooth. True. —478. Emprise. A dangerous undertaking. 
 
 492. Kocky isle. Ellen's Isle, situated at the foot of the beautiful Loch 
 Katrine, is a small island containing two or three acres of land rising ab- 
 ruptly from the water to a height of from twenty-five to fifty feet. It is 
 
CANTO I. THE CHASE. 25 
 
 XXV. 
 
 The stranger viewed the shore around ; 
 
 'Twas all so close with copsewood bound, 495 
 
 Nor track nor pathway might declare 
 
 That human foot frequented there. 
 
 Until the mountain maiden showed 
 
 A clambering unsuspected road, 
 
 That winded through the tangled screen, 500 
 
 And opened on a narrow green, 
 
 Where weeping birch and willow round 
 
 With their long fibres swept the ground. 
 
 Here, for retreat in dangerous hour. 
 
 Some chief had framed a rustic bower. 505 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 It was a lodge of ample size, 
 
 But strange of structure and device ; 
 
 Of such materials as around 
 
 The workman's hand had readiest found. 
 
 covered with a thick undergrowth of shrubbery, ferns, honeysuckle, and 
 heather, with a few native birches and pines. The landing is in a slight 
 recess hidden by trees. The ascent is up a steep bank, the roots of the 
 trees forming steps in the winding path well trodden by the thousands of 
 travellers yearly visiting this wild and romantic spot. As the traveller 
 lingers here he recalls the events of this poem more as matters of history 
 than the creation of the great Poet. Beautiful as are lake, isle, and " Silvan 
 Strand," one is glad to yield a grateful tribute to the memory of him who 
 has invested this spot with a charm that shall endure so long as the love of 
 knight and maiden shall interest mortals. 
 
 504. For retreat in dangerous hour. The Celtic chieftains, whose 
 lives were continuallyexpo.sed to peril, had usually, in the most retired 
 spot of their domains, some place of retreat for the hour of necessity, which, 
 as circumstances would admit, was a tower, a cavern, or a rustic hut, in a 
 strong and secluded situation. One of these last gave refuge to the un- 
 fortunate Charles Edward, in his perilous wanderings after the battle of 
 Culloden Scott. —507. Device. Design. 
 
26 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto r. 
 
 Lopped of their boughs, their hoar trunks bared, sio 
 
 And by the hatchet rudely squared. 
 
 To give the walls their destined height, 
 
 The sturdy oak and ash unite ; 
 
 While moss and clay and leaves combined 
 
 To fence each crevice from the wind. 51.") 
 
 The lighter pine-trees overhead 
 
 Their slender length for rafters spread, 
 
 And withered heath and rushes dry 
 
 Supplied a russet canopy. 
 
 Due westward, fronting to the green, 520 
 
 A rural portico was seen. 
 
 Aloft on native pillars borne, 
 
 Of mountain fir with bark unshorn. 
 
 Where Ellen's hand had taught to twine 
 
 The ivy and Idsean vine, 525 
 
 The clematis, the favored flower 
 
 Which boasts the name of virgin-bower, 
 
 And every hardy plant could bear 
 
 Loch Katrine's keen and searching air. 
 
 An instant in this porch she stayed, 530 
 
 And gayly to the stranger said : 
 
 " On heaven and on thy lady call. 
 
 And enter the enchanted hall ! " 
 
 XXVI [. 
 
 ^' My hope, my heaven, ray trust must be. 
 
 My gentle guide, in following thee ! " — 535 
 
 He crossed the threshold, — and a clang 
 
 Of angry steel that instant rang. 
 
 525. Idsean vine. Red whortleberry. Ida is a mountain in Crete. 
 528. Which could bear : relative omitted. 
 
CANTO I. I'llK CHASE. 27 
 
 ^To his bold brow his spirit rushechO 
 But soon for vain alarm he blushed, 
 When on the floor he saw displayed, 540 
 
 Cause of the din, a naked blade 
 Dropped from the sheath, that careless Hun^' 
 Upon a stag's huge antlers swung ; 
 For all around, the walls to grace, 
 Hung trophies of the tight or chase : 54-) 
 
 A target there, a bugle here, 
 A battle-axe, a hunting-spear. 
 And broadswords, bows, and arrows store, 
 With the tusked trophies of the boar. 
 Here grins the wojf as when he died, 550 ^ 
 
 And there the wild-cat's brindled hide 
 The frontlet of the elk adorns. 
 Or mantles o'er the bison's horns ; 
 Pennons and flags defaced and stained. 
 That blackening streaks of blood retained, 555 
 And deer-skins, dappled, dun, and white, 
 With otter's fur and seal's unite, 
 In rude and uncouth tapestry all. 
 To garnish forth the sylvan h_all. 
 
 XXVIIl. 
 
 The wondering stranger rcmnd him gazed, sou 
 
 And next the fallen weapon raised : — 
 
 Few were the arms Avhose sinewy strength 
 
 Sufficed to stretch it forth at length. 
 
 And as the brand he poised and swayed, 
 
 " T never knew but one," he said, o(m 
 
 545. Trophies. Things taken as signs of victory. — 546. Target. A 
 small shield used for defence in battle. — 55(5. Dun. Dark brown. 
 559. Garnish. Decorate or furnish. 
 
28 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i. 
 
 " Whose stalwart arm might brook to wield 
 
 A blade like this in battle-field." 
 
 She sighed, then smiled and took the word : 
 
 " You see the guardian champion's sword ; 
 
 As light it trembles in his hand 570 
 
 As in my grasp a hazel wand : 
 
 My sire's tall form might grace the part 
 
 Of Ferragus or Ascabart, 
 
 But in the absent giant's hold 
 
 Are women now, and menials old." 575 
 
 XXTX. • 
 
 The mistress of the mansion came, 
 
 Mature of age, a graceful dame. 
 
 Whose easy step and stately port 
 
 Had well become a princely court. 
 
 To whom, though more than kindred knew, 580 
 
 Young Ellen gave a mother's due. 
 
 Meet welcome to her guest she made. 
 
 And ever}- courteous rite was paid 
 
 That hospitality could claim, 
 
 Though all unasked his birth and name. 585 
 
 566. Brook. Endure. —573. Ferragus and Ascabart. Fabled giants. 
 
 575. Menials. Servants. — 578. Port. Bearing, deportment. 
 
 580. More than kindred knew. Ellen's mother being dead, she loved 
 this Lady Margaret, her maternal aunt, as .though she were her mother, 
 and treated her as such. S. »& M. 
 
 585. Unasked his birth and name. The Highlanders, who carried 
 hospitality to a punctilious excess, are said to have considered it as churlish 
 to ask a stranger his name or lineage, before he had taken refreshment. 
 Feuds were so frequent among them, that a contrary rule would in many 
 cases have produced the discovery of some circumstance which might 
 have excluded the guest of the benefit of the assistance he stood in need 
 of. Scott. 
 
CANTO I. THE CHASE. 29 
 
 Such then the reverence to a guest, 
 
 That fellest foe might join the feast, 
 
 And from his deacUiest foeman's door 
 
 Unquestioned turn, the banquet o'er. 
 
 At length his rank the stranger names, 590 
 
 '' The Knight of Snowdoun, James Fitz-James ; 
 
 Lord of a barren heritage, 
 
 Which his brave sires, from age to age. 
 
 By their good swords had held with toil 
 
 His sire had fallen in such turmoil, 595 
 
 And he, God wot, was forced to stand 
 
 Oft for his right with blade in hand. 
 
 This morning with Lord Moray's train 
 
 He chased a stalwart stag in vain. 
 
 Outstripped his comrades, missed the deer, 600 
 
 Lost his good steed, and wandered here." 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Fain would the Knight in turn require 
 
 The name and state of Ellen's sire. 
 
 Well showed the elder lady's mien 
 
 That courts and cities she had seen ; 6O5 
 
 Ellen, though more* her looks displayed 
 
 The simple grace of sylvan maid, 
 
 Li speech and gesture, form and face. 
 
 Showed she was come of gentle race. 
 
 'Twas strange in ruder rank to find 010 
 
 Such looks, such manners, and such mind. 
 
 Each hint the Knight of Snowdoun gave, 
 
 Dame Margaret heard with silence grave ; 
 
 587. Jellest. Mostcruel. - 591. Snowdoun. Name of Stirliug Castle. 
 SeeCaDtoVI.,liue789.— 592. Heritage. Inlieritauce. — 596. Wot. Knows. 
 
28 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i 
 
 Or Ellen, innocently gay, 
 
 Turned all inquiry light away ; — t>i5 
 
 " Weird women we I by dale and down 
 
 We dwell, afar from tower and town. 
 
 We stem the flood, we ride the blast, 
 
 On wandering knights our spells we cast ; 
 
 While viewless minstrels touch the string, t)20 
 
 'Tis thus our charmed rhymes we sing." 
 
 She sung, and still a harp unseen 
 
 Filled up the symphony between. 
 
 XXXL 
 
 Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er, 
 
 Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking ; g25 
 Dream of battled fields no more. 
 
 Days of danger, nights of waking. 
 In our isle's enchanted hall, 
 
 Hands unseen thy couch are strewing, 
 Fairy strains of music fall, tj30 
 
 Every sense in slumber dewing. 
 Soldier, rest I thy warfare o'er, 
 Dream of fighting fields no more ; 
 Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking, 
 Morn of toil, nor night of waking. 635 
 
 " No rude sound shall reach thine ear, ' 
 Armor's clang or war-steed champing, 
 
 Trump nor pibroch summon here 
 
 Mustering clan or squadron tramping. 
 
 616. Weird. Skilled in witchcraft. —63L Dewing. Bedewing; re- 
 freshing. — 638. Pi'brocli. A Highland air played upon the bagpipe. 
 
CAN-TO I. THE CHASE. 31 
 
 Yet the lark's shrill fife may come f>4<' 
 
 At the daybreak from the fallow, 
 And the bittern sound his drum, 
 
 Booming from the sedgy shallow. 
 Ruder sounds shall none be near, 
 (ruards nor warders challenge here, '>^-' 
 
 Here's no war-steed's neigh and champing, 
 Shouting clans or squadrons stamping."' 
 
 xxxn. 
 
 She paused, — then, blushing, led the lay, 
 
 To grace the stranger of the day. 
 
 Her mellow notes awhile prolong 650 
 
 The cadence of the flowing song. 
 
 Till to her lips in measured frame 
 
 The minstrel verse spontaneous came. 
 
 ^ong Contimub. 
 
 " Huntsman, rest ! thy chase is done ; 
 
 While our slumbrous spells assail ye, 655 
 
 Dream not, with the rising sun. 
 
 Bugles here shall sound reveille. 
 Sleep ! the deer is in his den ; 
 
 Sleep ! thy hounds are by thee lyiug ; 
 vSleep I nor dream in 3^onder glen 660 
 
 How th}^ gallant steed lay dying. 
 
 ()41. Fallow. Ploughed land for some time uncultivated. 
 
 042. Bittern. A wading bird, allied to the heron. 
 
 643. Sedgy. Covered with a kind of plant which resembles coarse grass 
 or rash, and grows in tufts. — 045. Warders. Keepers or sentinels. 
 
 051. Cadence. The falling or variation of the voice. 
 
 057. Keveille [Revdl'ya]. The beat of drums, or bugle-call at day- 
 break for awakening the soldiers. 
 
32 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i. 
 
 Huntsman, rest ! thy chase is done ; 
 
 Think not of the rising sun, 
 
 For at dawning to assail ye 
 
 Here no bugles sound reveille." mT^ 
 
 xxxTir. 
 
 The hall was cleared, — the stranger's bed, 
 
 Was there of mountain heather spread, 
 
 Where oft a hundred guests had lain, 
 
 And dreamed their forest sports again. 
 
 But vainly did the heath-flower shed 670 
 
 Its moorland fragrance round his head ; 
 
 Not Ellen's spell had lulled to rest 
 
 The fever of his troubled breast. 
 
 In broken dreams the image rose 
 
 Of varied perils, pains, and woes : 675 
 
 His steed now flounders in the brake, 
 
 Now sinks his barge upon the lake ; 
 
 Now leader of a broken host, 
 
 His standard falls, his honor's lost. 
 
 Then, — from my couch may heavenly might 680 
 
 Chase that worst phantom of the night ! — 
 
 Again returned the scenes of youth, 
 
 Of confident, undoubting truth ; 
 
 Again his soul he interchanged 
 
 With friends whose hearts were long estranged. 685 
 
 They come, in dim procession led. 
 
 The cold, the faithless, and the dead; 
 
 As warm each hand, each brow as gay, 
 
 As if they parted yesterday. 
 
 681. Phantom. A vision of the fancy; a ghost. 
 
CANTO I THE CHASE. 33 
 
 And doubt distracts him at the view, — 690 
 
 O were his senses false or true? 
 Dreamed he of death or broken vow, 
 Or is it all a vision now ? 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 At length, Avith Ellen in a grove 
 He seemed to walk and speak of love ; C95 
 
 She listened with a blush and sigh. 
 His suit was warm, his hopes were liigh. 
 He sought her yielded hand to clasp, 
 And a cold gauntlet met his grasp : 
 The phantom's sex was changed and gone, too 
 Upon its head a helmet shone ; 
 Slowly enlarged to giant size. 
 With darkened cheek and threatening eyes, 
 The grisly visage, stern and hoar, 
 , To Ellen still a likeness bore. — 705 
 
 He woke, and, panting with affright. 
 Recalled the vision of the night. 
 The hearth's decaying brands were red. 
 And deep and dusky lustre shed, 
 Half showing, half concealing, all 710 
 
 The uncouth trophies of the hall. 
 'Mid those the stranger fixed his eye 
 Where that huge falchion hung on high, 
 And thoughts on thoughts, a countless throng. 
 Rushed, chasing countless thoughts along, 7i5 
 Until, the giddy whirl to cure, 
 He rose and sought the moonshine pure. 
 
 699, Gauntlet. A glove protected on the back with metal, and formerly 
 used in battle. — 704. Grisly visage. Frightful face. 
 
34 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto i. 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 The wild rose, eglantine, and broom 
 
 Wasted around their rich perfume ; 
 
 The birch-trees wept in fragrant balm ; 720 
 
 The aspens slept beneath the calm; 
 
 The silver light, with quivering glance, 
 
 Played on the water's still expanse, — ^-. . 
 
 Wild were the heart whose passion's sway 
 
 Could rage beneath the sober ray ! 72.") 
 
 He felt its caLiu that warrior guest. 
 
 While thus he communed with his breast : — 
 
 " Why is it, at each turn I trace 
 
 Some memory of that exiled race ? 
 
 Can I not mountain maiden spy, 730 
 
 But she must bear the Douglas eye? 
 
 Can I not view a Highland brand, 
 
 But it must match the Douglas hand ? 
 
 Can I not frame a fevered dream. 
 
 But still the Douglas is the theme? 735 
 
 I'll dream no more, — by manly mind 
 
 Not even in sleep is will resigned. 
 
 My midnight orisons said o'er, 
 
 I'll turn to rest, and dream no more." 
 
 His midnight orisons he told, 740 
 
 A prayer with every bead of gold. 
 
 Consigned to heaven his cares and woes, 
 
 And sunk in undisturbed repose, 
 
 Until the heath-cock shrilly crew. 
 
 And morning dawned on Benvenue. 
 
 7.'^2. Brand. Sword.— 73S. Orisons. Prayers. 
 
 (+.) 
 
OUTLTXE OF CANTO SECOXD. 
 
 The stranger, ^vllo has aiiiiounced himself as "the knight of 
 Snowdoun, James Fitz-James," leaves the island in the early morn- 
 ing. The old minstrel speeds him on his way with a song of 
 farewell, and Ellen w^atches his departure with an interest for 
 which she soon reproaches herself, as implying disloyalty to her 
 lover, Malcolm Grceme. She calls upon the old man to sing her 
 Malcolm's praises; but Allan has not forgotten the fallen sword 
 of yesternight : it is to him an omen of evil. He attempts in vain 
 a joyous strain ; involuntarily he touches but chords of woe. The 
 maiden tries to assuase his fears bv a more cheerful view of their 
 fortunes ; for she can hardly remember the proud days which he 
 regrets. But Allan's discernment sees a new danger to her peace 
 which she has not yet suspected : the rough chief w-hose hospitality 
 now shelters them is hoping for his reward in his cousin's hand. 
 Besides this, he suspects this stranger guest ; his coming can bring- 
 no good. Their conversation is interrupted by the sounds of 
 music, and the proud pibroch, followed by a vigorous "Boat Song," 
 introduces us to this rough cousin, Roderick the Black, on his 
 return from a Lowdand raid. His mother, with her maids, comes 
 down to welcome him. Ellen, who, with her eyes opened, is un- 
 willing to do aught that may seem to favor his suit, is reluctantly 
 following, when she hears her father's bugle-horn, and darts aside 
 to her skiff to convey him from the mainland. With him comes 
 Malcolm Grseme, who has been his guide, and who is no welcome 
 guest to Roderick, though he does not fail in hospitality. Roderick 
 receives news of a sus])icious gathering of the king's forces, and of 
 the discovery of Douglas's retreat. The latter ]»roposes to with- 
 draw, and so save his host from peril; but Rodt^rick seizes the 
 
36 OUTLINE or CANTO SECOND. 
 
 opportunity of making his proposal for his cousin's hand. With 
 the Douglas by his side, he may set the king at defiance. Douglas 
 watches its effect upon his daughter, and, seeing that " her affec- 
 tions do not that way tend," courteously declines the offer. Ellen, 
 unable to bear the sight of her cousin's despair, rises to leave the 
 room, and Malcolm has the bad taste to come forward, as of right, 
 to be her escort. Roderick cannot brook this parade of successful 
 rivalry, and a somewhat unseemly encounter follows, which ends 
 in Malcolm swimming across to the mainland rather than be 
 indebted to his rival. 
 
 Some of the mystery of the previous canto is removed in this, 
 and we learn in the most natural way the former grandeur of the 
 Douglas family, and their present outlawry ; the character of their 
 protector, and his hopes of reward. Our interest in the fallen 
 house is increased by the noble contentment with which they bear 
 their change of fortune. Complaint comes from the minstrel, not 
 from Ellen or her father. The latter finds greater happiness in 
 his daughter's truth and affection than in his former pomp, and is 
 prepared rather to face fresh ills as an outcast than to raise his 
 hand against the king, who has done him wrong, but whom still 
 he loves. — Taylok. 
 
THE ISLAND. 
 
 At morn the black-cock trims his jetty wing, 
 
 'Tis morning prompts the linnet's blithest lay, 
 All Nature's children feel the matin spring 
 
 Of life reviving, with reviving day ; 
 And while yon little bark glides down the bay, 
 
 Wafting the stranger on his way again. 
 Morn's genial influence roused a minstrel gray. 
 
 And sweetly o'er the lake was heard thy strain, 
 ^Nlixed with tlie sounding harp, white-haired 
 Allan-bane ! 
 
 II. 
 
 " Not faster yonder rowers' might lo 
 
 Flings from their oars the spray, 
 Not faster yonder rippling bright. 
 That tracks the shallop's course in light. 
 
 Melts in the lake away, 
 Than men from memory erase 15 
 
 The benefits of former days ; 
 
 2. Linnet. A small siuging-bird. — Lay. Song. —3. Matin [3/«rm] . 
 Morning. —«•. White-haired Allan-bane. To a late period Highland 
 chieftains retained in their service the bard, as a family officer. 
 
38 THE LADY 0¥ THE LAKE. canto ii. 
 
 Then, stranger, go ! good speed the while, 
 Nor think agam of the lonely isle. 
 
 '* High place to thee in royal court, 
 
 High place in battled line, -t> 
 
 Good hawk and hound for sylvan sport ! 
 
 Where beauty sees the brave resort, 
 
 The honored meed be thine I """ 
 
 True be thy sword, thy friend sincere, 
 
 Thy lady constant, kind, and dear, -^5 
 
 And lost in love's and friendship's smile 
 
 Be memory of the lonely isle ! 
 
 III. 
 
 '^ But if beneath yon southern sky 
 
 A plaided stranger roam. 
 Whose drooping crest and stifled sigli, 30 
 
 And sunken cheek and heavy eye, 
 
 Pine for his Highland home ; 
 Then, warrior, then be thine to show 
 The care that soothes a wanderer's ^yoe ; 
 Remember then thy hap erewhile, 35 
 
 A stranger in the lonely isle. 
 
 " Or if on life's uncertain main 
 
 Mishap shall mar thy sail ; 
 If faithful, wise, and brave in vain, 
 Woe, want, and exile thou sustain 40 
 
 Beneath the fickle gale ; 
 
 17. Speed. Success. — 23. Meed. Reward.— 29. Plaided. See plaid, 
 line 363, Canto I. —35. Hap. Lot or fortune. —37. Main. Sea. 
 
CAN-TO II. THE ISLAND. 89 
 
 Waste not a sigh on fortune changed. 
 On thankless courts, or friends estranged, 
 But come where kindred wurth shall smile. 
 To greet thee in the lonely isle." 4.-. 
 
 IV. 
 
 As died the sounds upon the tide, 
 
 The shallop reached the mainland side. 
 
 And ere his onward way he took, 
 
 The stranger cast a lingering look. 
 
 Where easily his eye miglit reach so 
 
 The Harper on the islet beach, 
 
 Reclined against a blighted tree. 
 
 As wasted, gray, and worn as he. 
 
 To minstrel meditation given, 
 
 His reverend brow was raised to heaven, 55 
 
 As from the rising sun to claim 
 
 A sparkle of inspiring flame. 
 
 His hand, reclined upon the wire, 
 
 Seemed watching the awakening fire ; 
 
 So still he sat as those who wait 60 
 
 Till judgment speak the doom of fate ; 
 
 So still, as if no breeze might dare 
 
 To lift one lock of lioary hair ; 
 
 So still, as life itself were fled 
 
 In the last sound his harp had sped. <v) 
 
 V. 
 
 Upon a rock with lichens wild. 
 Beside him Ellen sat and smiled. — 
 
 (i(). Lichens [Li'k-i'ns]. Patches of grayish plauts, improperly called 
 mosses, gruwiug on rocks uud trees. 
 
40 
 
 THE LADY OE THE LAKE. 
 
 CANTO II. 
 
 Smiled she to see the stately drakes 
 Lead forth his fleet upon the lake^^^^ 
 While her vexed spaniel from the bead 
 Bayed at the prize beyond his reach 
 Yet tell me, then, the maid who know^ 
 Why deepened on her cheek thero^^y— 
 Forgive, forgive. Fidelity 
 Perchance the maiden smiled to 
 Yon parting lingerer wave adieu. 
 And stop and turn to wave anew 
 And, lovely ladies, ere your ire 
 Condemn the heroine of my lyr( 
 Show me the fair would scorn to sp^ 
 And prize such conquest of her eye 
 
 70 
 
 75 
 
 80 
 
 VI. 
 
 While yet he loitered on the spot^ 
 It seemed as Ellen marked him nol 
 But when he turned him to tlie glad^ 
 One courteous parting sign she made 
 And after, oft the knight would mjj 
 That not when prize of festal da;v 
 Was dealt him by the brightest fab. 
 Who e'er wore jewel in her hair, 
 So highly did his bosom swell. 
 As at that simple mute farewell 
 Now with a trusty mountain-guic 
 And his dark stag-hounds by his sid) 
 He parts, — the maid, unconscious stil 
 Watched him wind slowly round the hill 
 
 85 
 
 90 
 
 95 
 
 69. Fleet. The ducks sailing over the waters. 
 
CANTO II. 
 
 THE ISLAND. 41 
 
 But when liis stately form was hid, 
 
 The guardian in her bosom ohid, — 
 
 " Thy Malcolm ! vain and selfish maid ! " 
 
 'Twas thus upbraiding conscience said, — 
 
 " Not so liad Malcolm idly hung loo 
 
 On the smooth phrase of Southern tongue ; 
 
 Not so had Malcolm strained his eye 
 
 Another step than thine to spy." — 
 
 '' Wake, Allan-bane," aloud she cried 
 
 To the old minstrel by her side, — 105 
 
 " Arouse thee from thy moody dream ! 
 
 I'll give thy harp heroic theme, 
 
 And warm thee with a noble name ; 
 
 Pour forth the glory of the Graeme ! " 
 
 Scarce from her lip the word had rushed, no 
 
 When deep the conscious maiden blushed ; 
 
 For of his clan, in hall and bower. 
 
 Young Malcolm Graeme was held the flower. 
 
 109. Graeme. The ancient and powerful family of Graham (which, for 
 metrical reasons, is here spelt after the Scottish pronunciation) held ex- 
 tensive possessions in the counties of Dumbarton and Stirling. Few 
 families can boast of more historical renown, having claim to three of the 
 most remarkable characters in the Scottish annals. Sir John the Graeme, 
 the faithful and undaunted partaker of the labors and j^atriotic warfare of 
 Wallace, fell in the unfortunate field of Falkirk, in 1298. The celebrated 
 Marquis of Montrose, in whom De Retz saw realized his abstract idea of 
 the heroes of antiquity, was the second of these worthies. And, notwith- 
 standing the severity of his temper, and the rigor with which he executed 
 the oppressive mandates of the princes whom he served, I do not hesitate 
 to name as a third, John Graeme of Claverhouse, Viscount of Dimdee, 
 whose heroic death in the arms of victory may be allowed to cancel the 
 memory of his cruelty to the Nonconformists, during the reigns of Charles 
 II. and James II. Scott. 
 
 112. Bower. Chamber or lady's parlor. "In hall or bower." In 
 assemblies of men and women. — Clan. A number of families united under 
 one chieftain, having a common ancestor, and bearing the same surname. 
 
42 THE LADY OF THE LAKP:. canto ii. 
 
 VII. 
 
 The minstrel waked his haqj, — three times 
 Arose the well-known martial ehimes, us 
 
 And thrice their high heroic pride 
 In melancholy murmurs died. 
 '' Vainly thou bidst, O noble maid," 
 Clasping his withered hands, he said, 
 " Vainly thou bidst me wake the strain, 120 
 
 Though all unwont to bid in vain. ^ 
 
 Alas ! than mine a mightier hand 
 Has tuned my harp, my strings has spanned ! 
 T touch the chords of joy, but low 
 And mournful answer notes of woe ; 125 
 
 And the proud march which victors tread 
 Sinks in the wailing for the dead. 
 O, well for me, if mine alone 
 That dirge's deep prophetic tone ! 
 If, as my tuneful fathers said, . iy^> 
 
 This heart, which erst Saint Modan swayed. 
 Can thus its master's fate foretell. 
 Then welcome be the minstrel's knell I 
 
 VIII. 
 
 "But ah ! dear lady, thus it sighed. 
 The eve thy sainted mother died ; 
 
 185 
 
 121. Unwont. Unaccustomed. — 131. Erst. Formerly. 
 
 131. Saint Modan. I am not prepared to show that Saint Modan was 
 a performer on the harp. It was, however, no uusaintly accomplishment; 
 for Saint Dunstan certainly did play upon that instrument, which retaining, 
 as was natural, a portion of the sanctity attached to its master's character, 
 announced future events by Hi spontaneous sound. Scott. 
 
 133. Knell. A death sigual or note of evil omen. 
 
CANTO II. 
 
 THE ISLAND. 43 
 
 And such the sound s which, while I strove 
 
 To wake a laj of w^' or love, 
 
 Came marring all the festal njirth^ 
 
 Appalling me who gave them birth. 
 
 And, disobedient to my oaii, i-io 
 
 Wailed loud through Bothwell's bannered hall. 
 
 Ere Douglases, to ruin driven. 
 
 Were exiled from their native heaven. — 
 
 O ! if yet worse mishap and woe 
 
 My master's house must undergo, 145 
 
 Or aught but weal to Ellen fair 
 
 Brood in these accents of despair. 
 
 No future bard, sad Harp ! shall fling 
 
 Triumph or rapture from thy string ; 
 
 One short, one final strain shall flow, 150 
 
 Fraught with unutterable woe. 
 
 Then shivered shall thy fragments lie. 
 
 Thy master cast him down and die ! " 
 
 141. Bothwell's bannered hall. Bothwell Castle, now in ruius, situ- 
 ated near Glasgow on the Clyde. 
 
 142. Douglases. The Douglas family had been exceedingly powerful 
 ever since the great wars with England, when James Douglas had been the 
 chief friend of Bruce, the champion of national independence. The Earls 
 of Douglas and of Angus, with their many relatives, had since grown so 
 powerful and unscrupulous as to be the terror of kings and people ; so that 
 it was said that no justice could be obtained against a Douglas or a Doug- 
 las's man. Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus, had married Margaret 
 Tudor, the mother of James V., and the young king, in his boyhood, had 
 been held in such subjection that when at last he made his escape from 
 the numerous Douglases who guarded and watched him, he hated the very 
 name of the family, and banished every one of them, including a brave old 
 man, Douglas of Kilsjuudie, who had been a great favorite with him in his 
 cliildhood, and from whom the character of the Douglas of the poem is 
 taken. Yonge. 
 
 151. Fraught. Filled. 
 
44 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto ii. 
 
 IX. 
 
 Sootliing she answered him : " Assuage, 
 
 Mine honored fnend, the fears of age ; 155 
 
 All melodies to thee are known 
 
 That har])_has rung or pipe has blown, 
 
 In Lowland vale or Highland glen, 
 
 From Tweed to Spej — what niarvel, then, 
 
 At times unbidden notes should rise, 160 
 
 Confusedly bound in memory's ties, 
 
 Entangling, as they rush along. 
 
 The war-maj^h with the funeral song ? — 
 
 Small ground is now for boding fear; 
 
 Obscure, but safe, we rest us here. 165 
 
 My sij^, in native virtue great, 
 
 Resigning lordship, lands, and state. 
 
 Not then to fortune more resigned 
 
 Than yonder oak might give the wind ; 
 
 The graceful foliage storms may reave, 170 
 
 The noble stem they cannot grieve. 
 
 For me " — she stooped, and, looking round. 
 
 Plucked a blue harebell from the ground, — 
 
 " For me, whose memory scarce conveys 
 
 An image of more splendid da^, its 
 
 This little flower that loves the lea 
 
 May well my simple emblem be ; 
 
 It drinks heaven's dew as blithe as rose 
 
 That in the King's own garden grows ; 
 
 154. Assuage. Soothe or abate. — 159. Tweed and Spey. Throughout 
 the whole country, the Tweed being the southern boundary and the Spey 
 in the far north. — 164. Boding. Foretelling. — 170. Reave. To tear from 
 or sweep away. — 173. Harebell. A plant which bears blue, bell-shaped 
 ilowers; called also the bluebell of Scotland. 
 
 17(). Lea. Meadow, pasture —177. Emblem. Symbol or type. 
 
CANTO II. THE ISLAND. 45 
 
 And when I place it in my hair, 180 
 
 Allan, a bard is bound to swear 
 
 He ne'er saw coronet so fair." 
 
 Then playfully the chaplet wild 
 
 She wreathed in her dark locks, and smiled. 
 
 X. 
 
 Her smile, her speech, with winning sway, i85 
 
 Wiled the old Harper's mood away. 
 
 With such a look as hermits throw. 
 
 When angels stoop to soothe their woe. 
 
 He gazed, till fond regret and pride 
 
 Thrilled to a tear, then thus replied : 190 
 
 '' Loveliest and best ! thou little know'st 
 
 The rank, the honors, thou hast lost ! 
 
 O, might I live to see thee grace. 
 
 In Scotland's court, thy birthright place. 
 
 To see my favorite's step advance 195 
 
 The lightest in the courtly dance. 
 
 The cause of every gallant's sigh, 
 
 And leading star of every eye. 
 
 And theme of every minstrel's art. 
 
 The Lady of the Bleeding Heart! " 200 
 
 XI. 
 
 '* Fair dreams are these," the maiden cried, — 
 Light was her accent, yet she sighed, — 
 
 182. Coronet. The small crown or circlet worn by peers and peeresses. 
 
 186. Wiled. Beguiled. — 200. The Bleeding Heart. The shield of the 
 Douglas family bore a red heart crowned, in remembrance of the charge 
 given on his death-bed by Robert Bruce to James Douglas to bear his heart 
 to Jerusalem. 
 
46 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto ii. 
 
 " Yet is this mossy rock to me 
 
 Worth splendid chair and canopy ; 
 
 Nor would my footstep spring more gay -'05 
 
 In courtly dance than blithe strathspey, 
 
 Nor half so pleased mine ear incline 
 
 To royal minstrel's lay as thine. 
 
 And then for suitors proud and high, 
 
 To bend before my conquering eye, — 210 
 
 Thou, flattering bard ! thyself wilt say, 
 
 That grim Sir Roderick owns its sway. 
 
 The Saxon scourge, Clan-Alpine's pride. 
 
 The terror of Loch Lomond's side, 
 
 Would, at my suit, thou know'st, delay 215 
 
 A Lennox foray — for a day." — 
 
 XII. 
 
 The ancient bard her glee repressed : 
 
 " 111 hast thou chosen theme for jest ! 
 
 For who, through all this western wild, 
 
 Named Black Sir Roderick e'er, and smiled ? 220 
 
 In Holy-Rood a knight he slew ; 
 
 I saw, when back the dirk he drew, 
 
 20(3. Strathspey. A lively Scottish dance. 
 
 213. Alpine. An ancient king from whom several clans claimed descent. 
 
 214. Loch Lomond. One of the largest and most beautiful of Scottish 
 lakes, near Loch Katrine. 
 
 216. Lennox foray. The raid of a body of armed men, for the sake of 
 plunder, into the territory of the Lennox family, which lay around the 
 south end of Loch Lomond. 
 
 220. Black Sir Roderick. See note, 1. 408. 
 
 221. Holy-Rood. A castle in Edinburgh, the residence of the royal 
 family of Scotland. —In Holy-Rood a knight he slew. This was by no 
 means an uncommon occurrence in the Court of Scotland; nay, the 
 presence of the sovereign himself scarcely restrained the ferocious and 
 inveterate feuds which were the perpetual source of bloodshed among the 
 Scottish nobility. Scott. 
 
CANTO II. THE ISLAND. 47 
 
 Courtiers give place before the stride 
 Of the undaunted homicide ; 
 
 And since, though outhiwed, hath his hand 225 
 Full sternly kept his mountain land. 
 . Who else dared give — ah ! woe the day, 
 That I such hated truth should say ! — 
 The Douglas, like a stricken deer, 
 Disowned by every noble peer, 230 
 
 Even the rude refuge we have here ? 
 Alas, this wild marauding Chief 
 Alone might hazard our relief. 
 And now thy maiden charms expand, 
 Looks for his guerdon in thy hand ; 235 
 
 Full soon may dispensation sought. 
 To back his suit, from Rome be brought. 
 
 224. Undaunted. Bold, fearless. — Homicide. A person who kills 
 another. — 225. Outlawed. Deprived of the protection of the law. 
 
 230. Disowned by every noble peer. The exiled state of this powerful 
 race is not exaggerated in this and subsequent passages. The hatred of 
 James against the race of Douglas was so inveterate, that, numerous as 
 their allies were, and disregarded as the regal authority had usually been 
 in similar cases, their nearest friends, even in the most remote parts of 
 Scotland, durst not entertain them, unless under the strictest and closest 
 disguise. James D>ouglas, son of the banished Earl of Angus, afterwards 
 well known by the title of Earl of Morton, lurked, during the exile of his 
 family, in the north of Scotland, under the assumed name of James Tunes, 
 otherwise James the Grieve {i.e., Reve or Bailiff). "And as he bore the 
 name," says Godscroft, "so did he also execute the office of a grieve or 
 overseer of the lands and rents, the corn and cattle of him with whom he 
 lived." From the habits of frugality and observation which he acquired 
 in his humble situation, the historian traces that intimate acquaintance 
 with poi^ular character, which enabled him to rise so high in the state, and 
 that honorable economy by w^hich he repaired and established the shattered 
 estates of Angus and ISIorton. Scott. —232. Marauding. Plundering. 
 
 233. Hazard our relief. Run the risk of helping Ellen and her father. 
 
 235. Guerdon. Reward. 
 
 2;^;. Dispensation. The granting of a license by the Pope ; in this 
 case permission for Roderick to marry his cousin Ellen. 
 
48 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. panto ii. 
 
 Then, though an exile on the hill, 
 
 Thy father, as the Douglas, still 
 
 Be held in reverence and fear ; 240 
 
 And though to Roderick thou'rt so dear 
 
 That thou niightst guide with silken thread. 
 
 Slave of thy will, this chieftain dread, 
 
 Yet, O loved maid, thy mirth refrain ! 
 
 Thy hand is on a lion's mane." — 245 
 
 XIII. 
 
 "Minstrel," the maid replied, and high 
 
 Her father's soul glanced from her eye, 
 
 "My debts to Roderick's house I know: 
 
 All that a mother could bestow 
 
 To Lady Margaret's care I owe, 250 
 
 Since first an orphan in the wild 
 
 She sorrowed o'er her sister's child ; 
 
 To her brave chieftain son, from ire 
 
 Of Scotland's king who shrouds my sire, 
 
 A deeper, holier debt is owed ; 255 
 
 And, could I pay it with my blood, 
 
 Allan ! Sir Roderick should command 
 
 My blood, my life, — but not my hand. 
 
 Rather will Ellen Douglas dwell 
 
 A votaress in Maronnan's cell ; 2(;o 
 
 Rather through realms beyond the sea, 
 
 Seeking the Avorld's cold charity, 
 
 254. Shrouds. Protects. 
 
 260. Votaress. A woman devoted to any particular service or worship. 
 — Maronnan. The parish of Kilmarouock, at the eastern extremity of 
 Loch Lomond, derives its name from a cell or chapel, dedicated to Saint 
 Maronnan. Scott. 
 
CANTO II. 
 
 THE ISLAND. 40 
 
 Where ne'er was spoke a Scottish word, 
 
 And ne'er the name of Douglas heard, 
 
 An outcast pilgrim will she rove, 265 
 
 Than wed the man she cannot love. 
 
 XIV. 
 " Thou shak'st, good friend, thy tresses gray, — 
 That pleading look, what can it say 
 But w^hat I own ? — I grant him brave. 
 But wild as Bracklinn's thundering wave ; 270 
 And generous, — save vindictive mood 
 Or jealous transport chafe his blood : 
 I grant him true to friendly band, 
 As his claymore is to his hand; 
 But O ! that very blade of steel 275 
 
 More mercy for a foe would feel : 
 I grant him liberal, to fling 
 Among his clan the wealth they bring. 
 When back by lake and glen they wind. 
 And in the Lowland leave behind, 280 
 
 Where once some pleasant hamlet stood, 
 A mass of ashes slaked with blood. 
 The hand that for my father fought 
 I honor, as his daughter ought ; 
 But can I clasp it reeking red 2s,^) 
 
 From peasants slaughtered in their shed ? 
 No ! wildly Avhile his virtues gleam. 
 They make his passions darker seem, 
 
 270. Bracklinn. This is a beautiful cascade made 1)y a mountain 
 stream called the Keltic, at a place called the Bridge of Brackliuu, about a 
 mile from the village of Callander. Scott. — 274. Claymore. A large 
 sword formerly used by the Highlanders. — 282. Slaked. Drenched. 
 
 285. Reeking red. Steaming with fresh blood. 
 
50 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto n. 
 
 And flash along his spirit high, 
 
 Like lightning o'er the midnight sky. 290 
 
 While yet a child, — and children know, 
 
 Instinctive taught, the friend and foe, — 
 
 I shuddered at his brow of gloom, 
 
 His shadowy plaid and sable plume ; 
 
 A maiden grown, I ill could bear 295 
 
 His haughty mien and lordly air : 
 
 But, if thou join'st a suitor's claim, 
 
 In serious mood, to Roderick's name, 
 
 I thrill with anguish ! or, if e'er 
 
 A Douglas knew the word, with fear. 300 
 
 To change such odious theme were best, — 
 
 What think'st thou of our stranger guest?*' — 
 
 " What think I 0:^^ him ? — woe the while 
 
 That brought such wanderer to our isle ! 
 
 Thy father's battle-brand, of yore 305 
 
 For Tine-man forged by fairy lore. 
 
 What time he leagued, no longer foes, 
 
 His Border spears with Hotspur's bows. 
 
 Did, self-unscabbarded, foreshow 
 
 The footstep of a secret foe. 3io 
 
 If courtly spy hath harbored here, 
 
 What may we for the Douglas fear ? 
 
 294. Sable. Black. — 297. Suitor. Lover. —305. Yore. Old time. 
 
 306. Tine-man. Archibald, the third Earl of Douglas, was so unfor- 
 tunate in all his enterprises, that he acquired the epithet of Tine-man, 
 because he fined, or lost, his followers in every battle which he fought. 
 Scott. — 307. Leagued. United for mutual support. 
 
 308. His Border spears with Hotspur's bows. Tlie reference is to the 
 alliance of Douglas with his Scottish spearmen, and the English under 
 Percy, or Hotspur, armed with the cross-bow. 
 
CANTO II. 
 
 THE ISLAND. 51 
 
 What for this island, deemed of old 
 
 Clan-Alpine's last and surest hold ? 
 
 If neither spy nor foe, I pray 31.5 
 
 What yet may jealous Roderick say? — 
 
 Nay, wave not thy disdainful head ! 
 
 Bethink thee of the discord dread 
 
 That kindled when at Beltane game 
 
 Thou ledst the dance with Malcolm Grgeme ; ^20 
 
 Still, though thy sire the peace renewed, 
 
 Smoulders in Roderick's breast the feud : 
 
 Beware I — But hark ! what sounds are these ? 
 
 My dull ears catch no faltering breeze, 
 
 No weeping birch nor aspens wake, 325 
 
 Nor breath is dimpling in the lake ; 
 
 Still is the canna's hoary beard. 
 
 Yet, by my minstrel faith, I heard — 
 
 And hark again I some ^ ipe of war 
 
 Sends the bold pibroch from afar." 3.30 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Far up the lengthened lake were spied 
 
 Four darkening specks upon the tide. 
 
 That, slow enlarging on the view. 
 
 Four manned and masted barges grew. 
 
 And, bearing downwards from Glengyle, .'i35 
 
 Ste ered full upon the lonely isle ; 
 
 The point of Brianchoil they passed. 
 
 And, to the windward as they cast, 
 
 319. Beltane game. A May-day festival iu honor of Beal, the Sun. 
 celebrated by kindling fires on the hill-tops and other ceremonies. 
 325. Cf. I. 303. —327. Canna. Cotton-jfrass. 
 
52 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto ii. 
 
 Against the sun they gave to shine 
 
 The bold Sir Roderick's bannered Pine. 340 
 
 Nearer and nearer as tliey bear, 
 
 Spears, pikes, and axes flash in air. 
 
 Now might you see the tartans brave, 
 
 And pLaids and plumage dance and wave : 
 
 Now see the bonnets sink and rise, 345 
 
 As his tough oar the rower plies ; 
 
 See, flashing at each sturdy stroke. 
 
 The wave ascending into smoke ; 
 
 See the proud pipers on the bow, 
 
 And mark the gaudy streamers flow 350 
 
 From their loud chanters down, and sweep 
 
 The furrowed bosom of the deep, 
 
 As, rushing through the lake amain. 
 
 They plied the ancient Highland strain. 
 
 ^ XVII. 
 
 Ever, as on they bore, more loud 355 
 
 And louder rung the pibroch proud. 
 
 At first the sounds, by distance tame. 
 
 Mellowed along the waters came. 
 
 And, lingering long by cape and bay. 
 
 Wailed every harsher note away, 360 
 
 Then bursting bolder on the ear. 
 
 The clan's shrill Gathering they coald hear. 
 
 Those thrilling sounds that call the might 
 
 Of old Clan-Alpine to the fight. 
 
 340. Bannered Pine. The pine was the badge of Clan-Alpine. 
 343. Tartans brave. Showy plaids. 
 
 345. Bonnets. The ordinary Scotch cap worn by men is called a bonnet 
 in Scotland. — '^rA. Chanter. Tube of the bagpipe. 
 
 363. Thrilling sounds, etc. The connoisseurs in pipe-music affect to 
 
CANTO II. 
 
 THE ISLAND. 53 
 
 Thick beat the rapid notes, as when 365 
 
 The mustering hundreds shake the glen, 
 
 And hurrying at the signal dread, 
 
 The battered earth returns their tread. 
 
 Then prelude light, of livelier tone. 
 
 Expressed their merry marching on, 370 
 
 Ere peal of closing battle rose. 
 
 With mingled outcry, shrieks, and blows ; 
 
 And mimic din of stroke and ward, 
 
 As broadsword upon target jarred ; 
 
 And groaning pause, ere yet again, 375 
 
 Condensed, the battle yelled amain : 
 
 The rapid charge, the rallying shout. 
 
 Retreat borne headlong into rout. 
 
 And bursts of triumph, to declare 
 
 Clan-Alpine's conquest — all were there. 380 
 
 Nor ended thus the strain, but slow 
 
 Sunk in a moan prolonged and low. 
 
 And changed the conquering clarion swell 
 
 For wild lament o'er those that fell. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 The war-pipes ceased, but lake and hill 3«5 
 
 Were busy with their echoes still ; 
 
 And, Avlien they slept, a vocal strain 
 
 Bade their hoarse chorus wake again, 
 
 While loud a hundred clansmen raise 
 
 Their voices in their Chieftain's praise. 390 
 
 discover, in a well-composed pibroch, the imitative sounds of march, con- 
 flict, flight, pursuit, and all the " current of a heady fight." Scott. 
 
 369. Prelude. Introductory musical performance. 
 
 373. Ward. Parry or defense. 
 
 383. Clarion. A kind of trumpet whose note is clear and shrill. 
 
54 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto ii. 
 
 Each boatman, bending to his oar, 
 
 With measured sweep the burden bore, 
 
 In such wild cadence as the breeze 
 
 Makes through December's leafless trees. 
 
 The chorus first could Allan know, 395 
 
 '' Roderick Vich Alpine, ho ! iro ! " 
 
 And near, and nearer as they rowed, 
 
 Distinct the martial ditty flowed. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 §oat ^0ng. 
 Hail to the Chief who in triumph advances ! 
 
 Honored and blest be the ever-green Pine ! 400 
 Long may the tree, in his banner that glances. 
 Flourish, the shelter and grace of our line I 
 Heaven send it happy dew, 
 Earth lend it sap anew, 
 Gayly to bourgeon and broadly to grow, 405 
 
 While every Highland glen 
 Sends our shout back again, 
 " Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho ! ieroe ! " 
 
 392. Burden. Chorus. — 393. Cadence. A regular fall or modulation 
 of sound. — 405, Bourgeon [Bur'Jan] . To bud or sprout. 
 
 408. Boderigh Vich Alpine. Besides his ordinary name and surname, 
 which were chiefly used in the intercourse with the Lowlands, every High- 
 land chief had an epithet expressive of his patriarchal dignity as head of 
 the clan, and which was common to all his predecessors and successors, as 
 Pharaoh to the kings of Egypt, or Arsaces to those of Parthia. This name 
 was usually a patronymic, exi^ressive of liis descent from the founder of 
 the family. Besides this title, Miiich belonged to his office and dignity, the 
 chieftain had usually another pecnliar to himself, which distinguished him 
 from the chieftains of the same race. This was sometimes derived from 
 complexion, as dhu or roij ; sometimes from size, as ber/ or tnore ; at other 
 times, from some peculiar exploit, or from some peculiarity of habit or 
 appearance. The line of the text therefore signifies Black Roderick, the 
 descendant of Alpine. Scott. 
 
CANTO II. 
 
 THE ISLAND. ^5 
 
 410 
 
 Ours is no sapling, chance-sown by the fountain. 
 
 Blooming at Beltane, in \Yinter to fade ; 
 When the whirlwind has stripped every leaf on the 
 mountain, 
 The more shall Clan Alpine exult in her shade. 
 Moored in the rifted rock, 
 Proof to the tempest's shock, 
 Firmer he roots him the ruder it blow ; 4i5 
 
 Menteith and Breadalbane, then, 
 Echo his praise again, 
 '' Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho ! ieroe ! " 
 
 XX. 
 
 420 
 
 Proudly our pibroch has thrilled in Glen Fruin, 
 
 And Bannochar's groans to our slogan replied ; 
 Glen Luss and Ross-dhu, they are smoking in ruin, 
 And the best of Loch Lomond lie dead on her side. 
 Widow and Saxon maid 
 Long shall lament our raid. 
 Think of Clan-Alpine with fear and with woe ; -i^o 
 Lennox and Leven-glen 
 Shake when they hear again, 
 '' Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho ! ieroe ! " 
 
 413. Rifted. Split. , . r u t i 
 
 m Menteith and Breadalbane. Districts north of Loch Lomoud 
 419^21. Glen Fmin. Bannochar. Glen Luss. Eoss-dhu. Leven-glen. 
 Valleys on the borders of Loch Lomond. 
 
 420. Slogan. Highland war-cry. i- ,^;,t 
 
 490 And the best of Loch Lomond, etc. The Lennox, as the district 
 is cllled. which encircles the lower extremity of Loch Lo"^«";^' JJ^^ 
 peculiarly exposed to the incursions of the mountaineei-s, who inhabited 
 the inaccessible fastnesses at the upper end of the lake and the neighboring 
 district of Loch Katrine. These were often marked by circumstances of 
 great ferocity. Scott. 
 
56 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto ii. 
 
 Row, vassals, row, for the pride of the Highlands ! 
 
 Stretch to your oars for the ever-green Pine ! 430 
 
 O that the rosebud that graces yon islands 
 
 Were wreathed in a garland around him to twine I 
 
 O that some seedling gem, 
 
 Worthy such noble stem. 
 Honored and blessed in their shadow might groAV ! 435 
 
 Loud should Clan-Alpine then 
 
 Ring from her deepmost glen, 
 " Roderigh Yich Alpine dhu, ho ! ieroe ! " 
 
 XXI. 
 
 With all her joyful female band 
 
 Had Lady Margaret sought the strand. 440 
 
 Loose on the breeze their tresses flew, 
 
 And high their snowy arms they threw, 
 
 As echoing back with shrill acclaim, 
 
 And chorus wild, the Chieftain's name , 
 
 While, prompt to please, with mother's art, 445 
 
 The darling passion of his heart. 
 
 The dame called Ellen to the strand, 
 
 To greet her kinsman ere he land : 
 
 " Come, loiterer, come I a Douglas thou. 
 
 And shun to wreathe a victor's brow ? " 450 
 
 Reluctantly and slow, the maid 
 
 The unwelcome summoning obeyed. 
 
 And when a distant bugle rung. 
 
 In the mid-path aside she sprung : — 
 
 " List, Allan-bane ! From mainland cast 455 
 
 I hear my father's signal blast. 
 
 Be ours," she cried, " the skiff to guide. 
 
 And waft him from the mountain-side." 
 
CANTO H. THE ISLAND. 57 
 
 Then, like a sunbeam, swift and bright. 
 
 She darted to her shallop light, 4»30 
 
 And, eagerly while Roderick scanned, 
 
 For her dear form, his mother's band. 
 
 The islet far behind her \^j, 
 
 And she had landed in the bay. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Some feelings are to mortals given 465 
 
 With less of earth in them than heaven ; 
 
 And if there be a human tear 
 
 From passion's dross refined and clear, 
 
 A tear so limpid and so meek 
 
 It would not stain an angel's cheek, 470 
 
 'Tis that which pious fathers shed 
 
 Upon a duteous daughter's head ! 
 
 And as the Douglas to his breast 
 
 His darling Ellen closely pressed, 
 
 Such holy drops her tresses steeped, 475 
 
 Though 'twas an hero's eye that weeped. 
 
 Nor while on Ellen's faltering tongue 
 
 Her filial welcomes crowded hung, 
 
 Marked she that fear — affection's proof— 
 
 Still held a graceful youth aloof: 480 
 
 No ! not till Douglas named his name. 
 
 Although the youth was Malcolm Graeme. 
 
 xxiii. 
 
 Allan, with wistful look the while. 
 Marked Roderick landing on the isle ; 
 
 469. Limpid. Clear, transparent. 
 
3S THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto ii. 
 
 His master piteously he eyed, 485 
 
 Then gazed upon the Chieftain's pride. 
 
 Then dashed with hasty hand away 
 
 From his dimmed eye the gathering spray ; 
 
 And Douglas, as his hand he laid 
 
 On Malcolm's shoulder, kindly said : 4i»o 
 
 '' Canst thou, young friend, no meaning spy 
 
 In my poor follower's glistening eye ? 
 
 I'll tell thee : — he recalls the day 
 
 When in my praise he led the lay 
 
 O'er the arched gate of Bothwell proud, 4i)5 
 
 While many a minstrel answered loud. 
 
 When Percy's Norman pennon, won 
 
 In bloody field, before me shone. 
 
 And twice ten knights, the least a name 
 
 As mighty as yon Chief may claim, 500 
 
 Gracing my pomp, behind me came. 
 
 Yet trust me, Malcolm, not so proud 
 
 Was I of all that marshalled crowd, 
 
 Though the waned crescent owned my might. 
 
 And in ray train trooped lord and knight, 505 
 
 Though Blantyre hymned her holiest lays, 
 
 And Bothwell's bards flung back my praise. 
 
 As w^hen this old man's silent tear, 
 
 And this poor maid's affection dear, 
 
 A welcome give more kind and true oio 
 
 Than aught my better fortunes knew. 
 
 497. Percy's Norman pennon was captured by the Douglas. 
 
 501. Pomp. Parade. — 504. Waned crescent. Sir Walter Scott of 
 Buccleucb, whose shield bore a crescent moon, had eudeavored to set the 
 king free from the Douglases, but had been defeated by them. His failure 
 is hence called the waning of the crescent. Yonge. 
 
 50G. Blantyre. An old priory or abbey opposite Bothwell Castle. 
 
CANTO II. THE ISLAND. 59 
 
 Forgive, my friend , a father's boast, — 
 O, it out-beggars all I lost ! " 
 
 ^ " XXIV. 
 
 Delightful praiae ! — like summer rose, 
 
 That brighter in the dew-drop glows, 515 
 
 The bashful maiden's cheek appeared. 
 
 For Douglas spoke, and Malcolm heard. 
 
 The flush of shame-faced joy to hide. 
 
 The hounds, the hawk, her cares divide ; 
 
 The loved caresses of the maid 520 
 
 The dogs with crouch and whimper paid ; 
 
 And, at her whistle, on her hand 
 
 The falcon took his favorite stand, 
 
 Closed his dark wing, relaxed his eye. 
 
 Nor, though unhooded, sought to fly. 525 
 
 And, trust, while in such guise she stood, 
 
 Ljke fabled Goddess of the wood, 
 
 That if a father's partial thought 
 
 O'erweighed her worth and beauty aught. 
 
 Well might the lover's judgment fail sau 
 
 To balance with a juster scale ; 
 
 For with each secret glance he stole, 
 
 The fond enthusiast sent his soul. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 Of stature fair, and slender frame. 
 
 But firmly knit, was Malcolm Graeme. 535 
 
 525. Unhooded. It was very unusual for the falcou to rest quietly 
 unhooded. He was kept with his head covered, and when the hood was 
 removed he took flight at once in search of prey. — 52ti. Guise. Dress, garb, 
 
 527. Fabled Goddess. Goddess of the wood, Diana. 
 
 529. Aught. In any respect. 
 
 ^^^-i#^^r^ 
 
go THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto ii. 
 
 The belted plaid and tartan hose 
 
 Did ne'er more graceful limbs disclose ; 
 
 His flaxen hair, of sunny hue, 
 
 Curled closely round his bonnet blue. 
 
 Trained to the chase, his eagle eye 540 
 
 The ptarmigan in snow could spy ; 
 
 Each pass, by mountain, lake, and heath. 
 
 He knew, through Lennox and Menteith ; 
 
 Vain was the bound of dark-brown doe 
 
 When Malcolm bent his sounding bow, 545 
 
 And scarce that doe, though winged with fear. 
 
 Outstripped in speed the mountaineer : 
 
 Right up Ben Lomond could he press, 
 
 And not a sob his toil confess. 
 
 His form accorded with a mind 550 
 
 Lively and ardent, frank and kind ; 
 
 A blither heart, till Ellen came, 
 
 Did never love nor sorrow tame ; 
 
 It danced as lightsome in his breast 
 
 As pla^^ed the feather on his crest. 555 
 
 Yet friends, who nearest knew the youth, 
 
 His scorn of wrong, his zeal for truth, 
 
 And bards, who saw his features bold 
 
 When kindled by the tales of old, 
 
 Said, were that youth to manhood grown, 560 
 
 Not long should Roderick Dhu's renown 
 
 Be foremost voiced by mountain fame. 
 
 But quail to that of Malcolm Grseme. 
 
 563. QuaiL Cower. 
 
 •v-rV'. 
 
^^'''^^ "■ THE ISLAND. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 61 
 
 Now back they wend their watery way, 
 
 And, " O my sire ! " did Ellen say, 
 
 '' Why urge thy chase so far astray ? 
 
 And why so late returned ? And why " — 
 
 The rest was in her speaking eye. 
 
 '^' My child, the chase I follow far, 
 
 'Tis mimicry of noble war ; 
 
 And with that gallant pastime reft 
 
 Were all of Douglas I have left. 
 
 I met young Malcolm as I strayed 
 
 Far eastward, in Glenfinlas' shade ; 
 
 Nor strayed I safe, for all around 
 
 Hunters and horsemen scoured the ground. 
 
 This youth, though still a royal ward, 
 
 Risked life and land to be my guard,' 
 
 And through the passes of the wood ' 
 
 Guided my steps, not unpursued ; 
 
 And Roderick shall his welcome make. 
 
 Despite old spleen, for Douglas' sake. ' 
 
 Then must he seek Strath-Endrick glen, 
 
 Nor peril aught for me again." 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 Sir Roderick, who to meet them came, 
 Reddened at sight of Malcolm Grseme, 
 
 565 
 
 570 
 
 575 
 
 580 
 
 585 
 
 570. Mimicry. Imitation. -571. Reft. Taken away. 
 574. Glenfinlas. A wooded valley, j 
 577. Royal ward. Under the protection of the king 
 SV ^r^i'%°^^ '^^''^- ^^^^t^vithstanding old quarrels. 
 LochUo'd ■^''"^' ''^" ^ ^^"^^ ''''''' 'y Strath-Endrick into 
 
62 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. . canto ii. 
 
 Yet, not in action, word, or eye, 
 
 Failed aught in hospitality. j.^&P' 
 
 In talk and sport they whiled away 
 
 The morning of that summer day ; 590 
 
 But at high noon a courier light 
 
 Held secret parley with the knight, 
 
 Whose moody aspect soon declared 
 
 That evil were the news he heard. — 
 
 Deep thought seemed toiling in his head ; 595 
 
 Yet was the evening banquet made 
 
 Ere he assembled round the flame r-yy'AiipyAj-^V-*^ 
 
 His mother, Douglas, and the Graeme, n 
 
 And Ellen too : then cast around 
 
 His eyes, then fixed them on the ground, 600 
 
 As studying phrase that might avail 
 
 Best to convey unpleasant tale. 
 
 Long with his dagger's hilt he played, 
 
 Then raised his haughty brow, and said : — 
 
 605 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 " Short be my speech ; — nor time affords, 
 
 Nor my plain temper, glozing words. 
 
 Kinsman and father, — if such name 
 
 Douglas vouchsafe to Roderick's claim ; 
 
 Mine honored mother ; — Ellen, — why. 
 
 My cousin, turn away thine eye ? — 6io 
 
 And Graeme, in whom I hope to know 
 
 Full soon a noble friend or foe, 
 
 When age shall give thee thy command, 
 
 And leading in thy native land, — 
 
 591. Courier. Messenger sent with haste. —592._ Parley. Conference. 
 606. Glozing. Fair, smooth, or flattering. 
 
CANTO II. THE ISLAND. 63 
 
 List all! — The King's vindictive pride 615 
 
 Boasts to have tamed the Border-side, 
 
 Where chiefs, with hound and hawk who came 
 
 To share their monarch's sylvan game, 
 
 Themselves in bloody toils were snared. 
 
 And when the banquet they prejDared, «2f) 
 
 And wide their loyal portals flung. 
 
 O'er their own gateway struggling hung. 
 
 Loud cries their blood from Meggat's mead. 
 
 From Yarrow braes and banks of Tweed, 
 
 Where the lone streams of Ettrick glide, 625 
 
 And from the silver Teviot's side ; 
 
 The dales, where martial clans did ride. 
 
 Are now one sheep-w^alk, waste and wide. 
 
 This tyrant of the Scottish throne. 
 
 So faithless and so ruthless known, 630 
 
 Now hither comes ; his end the same. 
 
 The same pretext of sylvan game. 
 
 What grace for Highland Chiefs, judge ye 
 
 B}' fate of Border chivalry. 
 
 Yet more ; amid Glenfinlas' green, 635 
 
 Douglas, thy stately form was seen. 
 
 This by espial sure I know : 
 
 Your counsel in the streight I show." 
 
 616. Tamed the Border-side. James V. strove to put down the law- 
 lessness of the Border chiefs, who were almost licensed robbers. He 
 made a progress, dealing stern justice, and taking several by surprise, in 
 especial one Johnnie Armstrony who came out to welcome him. but was 
 seized and put to death. Yonge.— 021. Portals. Doors or gates. 
 
 023. Meggat, Yarrow, Ettrick, and Teviot. Streams flowing into the 
 Tweed. — O'il. Braes. Shelving or hilly ground. . _^ 
 
 630. Ruthless. Pitiless. 
 
 032. Pretext. A false motive given for the real one.— 037. Espial. Ob- 
 servation. —038. Streight t)r strait. Difficulty or emergency. 
 
64 THP: lady of the lake. canto II. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Ellen and Margaret fearfully 
 
 Souo-ht comfort in each other's eye, 641 
 
 Then turned their ghastly look, each one, 
 
 This to her sire, that to her son. 
 
 The hasty color went and came 
 
 In the bold cheek of Malcolm Graeme, 
 
 But from his glance it well appeared 645 
 
 'Twas but for Ellen that he feared ; 
 
 While, sorrowful, but undismayed, 
 
 The Douglas thus his counsel said : 
 
 " Brave Roderick, though the tempest roar. 
 
 It may but thunder and pass o'er ; (jsf 
 
 Nor will I here remain an hour. 
 
 To draw the lightning on thy bower ; 
 
 For well thou know'st, at this gray head 
 
 The royal bolt were fiercest sped. 
 
 For thee, who, at thy King's command, 655 
 
 Canst aid him with a gallant band. 
 
 Submission, homage, humbled pride, 
 
 Shall turn the Monarch's wrath aside. 
 
 Poor remnants of the Bleeding Heart, 
 
 Ellen and I will seek apart 66# 
 
 The refuge of some forest cell. 
 
 There, like the hunted quarry, dwell. 
 
 Till on the mountain and the moor '■ 
 
 The stern pursuit be passed and o'er." — 
 
 — ^Itx. 
 
 " No, by mine honor," Roderick said, 665 
 
 " So help me Heaven, and my good blade I 
 No, never ! Blasted be yon Pine, 
 
< ANTO II. THE ISLAND. 65 
 
 My father's ancient crest and mine, 
 
 If from its shade in danger part 
 
 The lineage of the Bleeding Heart ! 67« 
 
 Hear my blunt speech : grant me this maid 
 
 To wife, thy counsel to mine aid ; 
 
 To Douglas, leagued with Roderick Dhu, 
 
 Will friends and allies flock enow ; 
 
 Like cause of doubt, distrust, and grief, 675 
 
 Will bind to us each Western Chief. 
 
 When the loud pipes my bridal tell, 
 
 The Links of Fofth shall hear the knell. 
 
 The guards shall start in Stirling's porch ; 
 
 And when I light the nuptial torch, 68© 
 
 A thousand villages in flames 
 
 Shall scare the slumbers of King James ! — 
 
 Nay, Ellen, blench not thus away. 
 
 And, mother, cease these signs, I pray ; 
 
 I meant not all my heat might say. — 685 
 
 Small need of inroad or of fight. 
 
 When the sage Douglas may unite 
 
 Each mountain clan in friendly band, 
 
 To guard the passes of their land. 
 
 Till the foiled King from pathless glen 69« 
 
 Shall bootless turn him home ag-ain." 
 
 670 Lineage of the Bleeding Heart. Descendants of the Douglas 
 family. Cf. note, line 2(X). 
 
 674 Allies. States or people united for a common object, associates, 
 confederates. — Enow. Enough. 
 
 678. Links of Forth. Windings of the River Forth. 
 
 679. Stirling's porch. Stirling Castle was long the residence of the 
 Scottish kings. 
 
 680. Nuptial torch. Marriage torch.— 68.S. Blench. To draw back or 
 shrink from. 
 
 6<)0. Foiled. Defeated. —691. Bootless. Unsuccessful. 
 
QQ THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto n. 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 There are who have, at midnight hour, 
 In slumber scaled a dizzy tower, 
 And, on the verge that beetled o'er 
 The ocean tide's incessant roar, fi95 
 
 Dreamed cahnly out their dangerous dream. 
 Till wakened by the morning beam ; 
 When, dazzled by the eastern glow, 
 Such startler cast his glance below. 
 And saw unmeasured depth around, too 
 
 And heard unintermitted sound, 
 \ And thought the battled fence so frail, 
 It waved like cobweb in the gale ; — 
 Amid his senses' giddy wheel, 
 Did he not desperate impulse feel, 705 
 
 Headlong to plunge himself below, 
 And meet the worst his fears foreshow ? — 
 Thus Ellen, dizzy and astound, 
 As sudden ruin yawned around. 
 By crossing terrors wildly tossed, 7io 
 
 Still for the Douglas fearing most. 
 Could scarce the desperate thought withstand, , 
 To buy his safety with her hand. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 Such purpose dread could Malcolm spy 
 
 In Ellen's quivering lip and eye, 715 
 
 693. Scaled. Clambered up.— 694. Verge. Brink, edge. — Beetled. 
 Hung, extended. 
 
 695. Incessant. Unceasing, continual. 
 
 702. Battled fence. A defensive wall with openings from which to 
 discharge missiles.— 708. Astound. Astounded. 
 
<^ANTo II. THE ISLAND. Q'j 
 
 And eager rose to speak, — l)iit ere 
 
 His tongue could hurry forth his fear. 
 
 Had Douglas marked the hectic strife. 
 
 Where death seemed combating with life ; 
 
 For to her cheek, in feverish flood, 720 
 
 One instant rushed the throbbing blood, 
 
 Then ebbing back, witli sudden sway, 
 
 Left its domain as wan as clay. 
 
 '' Roderick, enough ! enough ! " he cried, 
 
 " My daughter cannot be thy bride ; 725 
 
 Not that the blush to wooer dear. 
 
 Nor paleness that of maiden fear. 
 
 It may not be, — forgive her. Chief, 
 
 Nor hazard aught for our relief. 
 
 Against his sovereign, Douglas ne'er 730 
 
 Will level a rebellious spear. 
 
 'Twas I that taught his youthful hand 
 
 To rein a steed and wield a brand ; 
 
 I see him yet, the princely boy ! 
 
 Not Ellen more my pride and joy ; 730 
 
 I love him still, despite my wrongs 
 
 By hasty wrath and slanderous tongues. 
 
 O, seek the grace you well may find. 
 
 Without a cause to mine combined ! " 
 
 ^^ XXXIII. 
 
 Twice through the hall the Chieftain strode ; 740 
 The waving of his tartans broad. 
 And darkened brow, where wounded pride 
 With ire and disappointment vied, 
 
 71!». Com'bating. Struggling, contending. —723. Domain. Her cheek 
 Wan. Pale, colorless.— 743. Vied. Contended. 
 
(5{^ THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto n. 
 
 Seemed, by the torch's gloomy light, 
 
 Like the ill Demon of the night, 745 
 
 Stooping his pinions' shadowy sway 
 
 Upon the nighted pilgrim's way : 
 
 But, unrequited Love ! thy dart 
 
 Plunged deepest its envenomed smart, 
 
 And Roderick, with thine anguish stung, '750 
 
 At length the hand of Douglas wrung, 
 
 While eyes that mocked at tears before 
 
 With bitter drops were running o'er. 
 
 The death-pangs of long-cherished hope 
 
 Scarce in that ample breast had scope, 755 
 
 But, struggling with his spirit proud. 
 
 Convulsive heaved its checkered shroud. 
 
 While every sob — so mute were all — 
 
 Was heard distinctly through the hall. 
 
 The son's despair, the mother's look, 760 
 
 111 might the gentle Ellen brook ; 
 
 She rose, and to her side there came. 
 
 To aid her parting steps, the Graeme. 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 Then Roderick from the Douglas broke — 
 
 As flashes flame through sable smoke, 7()5 
 
 Kindling its wreaths, long, dark, and low. 
 
 To one broad blaze of ruddy glow. 
 
 So the deep anguish of despair 
 
 Burst, in fierce jealousy, to air. 
 
 With stalwart grasp liis hand he laid 770 
 
 On Malcolm's breast and belted plaid : 
 
 747. Nighted. Benighted. — 749. Envenomed. Poisoned. 
 757. Checkered shroud. Tartan plaid.— 761. Brook. Endure. 
 
CAXTo II. TIIK ISLAND. 69 
 
 ^' Back, beardless boy ! " he sternly said, 
 
 " Back, minion ! lioldst thou thus at naught 
 
 The lesson I so lately taught? 
 
 This roof, the Douglas, and that maid, 775 
 
 Thank thou for punishment delayed."' 
 
 Eager as greyhound on his game. 
 
 Fiercely with Roderick grappled Grreme. 
 
 " Perish my name, if aught afford 
 
 Its Chieftain safety save his sword ! *' 780 
 
 Thus as they strove their desperate hand 
 
 Griped to the dagger or the brand, 
 
 And death had been — but Douglas rose, 
 
 And thrust between the struggling foes 
 
 His giant strength : — ^' Chieftains, forego ! 785 
 
 I hold the first who strikes my foe. — 
 
 Madmen, forbear your frantic jar ! 
 
 What ! is the Douglas fallen so far. 
 
 His daughter's hand is deemed the spoil 
 
 Of such dishonorable broil ? " 790 
 
 Sullen and slowly they unclasp, 
 
 As struck with shame, their desperate grasp. 
 
 And each upon his rival glared, 
 
 With foot advanced and blade half bared. 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 Ere yet the brands aloft were flung, 795 
 
 Margaret on Roderick's mantle hung, 
 
 And Malcolm heard his Ellen's scream. 
 
 As faltered through terrific dream. 
 
 Then Roderick plunged in sheath his sword. 
 
 And veiled his wnith in scornful word: 800 
 
70 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto ii. 
 
 " Rest safe till morning ; pity 'twere 
 
 Such cheek should feel the midnight air ! 
 
 Then mayst thou to James Stuart tell, 
 
 Roderick will keep the lake and fell, 
 
 Nor lackey with his freeborn clan 805 
 
 The pageant pomp of earthly man. 
 
 More would he of Clan-Alpine know, 
 
 Thou canst our strength and passes show. — 
 
 Malise, what ho ! " — his henchman came : 
 
 '' Give our safe-conduct to the Graeme." sio 
 
 Young Malcolm answered, calm and bold : 
 
 " Fear nothing for thy favorite hold ; 
 
 The spot an angel deigned to grace 
 
 Is blessed, though robbers haunt the place. 
 
 Thy churlish courtesy for those 8i5 
 
 Reserve, who fear to be thy foes. 
 
 As safe to me the mountain way 
 
 At midnight as in blaze of day, 
 
 Though with his boldest at his back 
 
 Even Roderick Dhu beset the track. — 820 
 
 Brave Douglas, — lovely Ellen, — nay, 
 
 Naught here of parting will I say. 
 
 Earth does not hold a lonesome glen 
 
 So secret but we meet again. — 
 
 802. Such cheek should feel the midnight air. Hardihood was in 
 every respect so essential to the character of a Highlander, that the 
 reproach of effeminacy was the most hitter which could be thrown upon 
 him. Scott. — 804. Fell. A mountain. — 805. Lackey. To serve as foot- 
 man or wait upon. —806. Pageant pomp. Sliowy display. 
 
 809. Henchman. This officer is a sort of secretary, and is to be ready, 
 upon all occasions, to venture his life in defence of his master; and at 
 drinking-bouts he stands behind his seat, at his haunch, from which his 
 title is derived, and watches the conversation, to see if any one offends his 
 patron. Scott. 
 
CANTO 11. 
 
 ■ THE ISLAND. 71 
 
 Chieftain ! we too sliall find an hour." — 825 
 
 He said, and left the sylvan bower. 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 Old Allan followed to the strand — 
 
 Such was the Douglas's command — 
 
 And anxious told, how, on the morn. 
 
 The stern Sir Roderick deep had sworn, h:30 
 
 The Fiery Cross should circle o'er 
 
 Dale, glen, and valley, down and moor. 
 
 Much were the peril to the Graeme 
 
 From those who to the signal came ; 
 
 Far up the lake 'twere safest land, 8<J5 
 
 Himself would row him to the strand. 
 
 He gave his counsel to the wind. 
 
 While Malcolm did, unheeding, bind. 
 
 Round dirk and pouch and broadsword rolled, 
 
 His ample plaid in tightened fold, «40 
 
 And stripped his limbs to such array 
 
 As best might suit the watery way, — 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 Then spoke abrupt : " Farewell to thee. 
 
 Pattern of old fidelity ! " 
 
 The Minstrel's hand he kindly pressed, — «4o 
 
 '' O, could I point a place of rest ! 
 
 My sovereign holds in ward my land, 
 
 My uncle leads my vassal band; 
 
 832. Down. A barren tract of sand-hills blown up by the wind.— 
 Moor. Waste land. 
 
 847. My sovereign holds in ward my land. Because Malcolm was 
 
 not of age. 
 
72 THE LADY OF THE LA*KE. canto ii. 
 
 To tame his foes, his friends to aid, 
 
 Poor Malcolm has but heart and blade. 850 
 
 Yet, if there be one faithful Graeme 
 
 Who loves the chieftain of his name, 
 
 Not long shall honored Douglas dwell 
 
 Like hunted stag in mountain cell ; 
 
 Nor, ere yon pride-swollen robber dare, — ^^ 
 
 I may not give the rest to air ! 
 
 Tell Roderick Dhu I owed him naught. 
 
 Not the poor service of a boat. 
 
 To waft me to yon mountain-side." 
 
 Then plunged he in the flashing tide. 860 
 
 Bold o'er the flood his head he bore, 
 
 And stoutly steered him from the shore ; 
 
 And Allan strained his anxious eye. 
 
 Far mid the lake his form to spy. 
 
 Darkening across each puny wave, 865 
 
 To which the moon her silver gave. 
 
 Fast as the cormorant could skim, 
 
 The swimmer plied each active limb ; 
 
 Then landing in the moonlight dell. 
 
 Loud shouted of his weal to tell. 870 
 
 The minstrel heard the far halloo. 
 
 And joyful from the shore withdrew. 
 
 867. Cormorant. Sea-bird resembling a crow. 
 
 869. Dell. Ravine. — 870. Weal. Welfare or safety. 
 
OUTLINE OF CANTO THIRD. 
 
 Canto III. is almost entirely taken up with the gathering by 
 means of the Fiery Cross. See Note, line 18. The cross is con- 
 secrated, and is at once entrusted to Malise, Roderick's henchman. 
 He bears it eastward, and it is passed on from one hand to another, 
 interrupting wedding and funeral alike, till the clan is gathered in 
 Lanrick mead. 
 
 Roderick meanwhile has been reconnoitring, but finds no trace 
 of the foes whom he had expected. The Douglas and his daughter 
 have left the island, in order not to imperil their host, and have 
 taken refuge in a cavern on the side of Benvenue, which the super- 
 stition of the age " debarred to vulgar tread," and thither Roderick 
 conies, and, hovering over the treasure he has lost, hears Ellen's 
 voice for the last time, and then hastens to join his men. — Taylor. 
 
I J 
 
 THE GATHERING. 
 
 Time rolls his ceaseless course. The race of yore, 
 
 Who danced our infancy upon their knee, 
 And told our marvelling boyhood legends store 
 
 Of their strange ventures happed by land or sea, 
 How they are blotted from the things that be ! 5 
 
 How few, all weak and withered of their force, 
 Wait on the verge of dark eternity. 
 
 Like stranded wrecks, the tide returning hoarse, 
 To sweep them from our sight ! Time rolls his ceaseless 
 course. 
 
 Yet live there still who can remember well, lo 
 
 How, when a mountain chief his bugle blew, 
 Both field and forest, dingle, cliff, and dell. 
 
 And solitary heath, the signal knew ; 
 And fast the faithful clan around him drew. 
 
 What time the warning note was keenly wound, is 
 What time aloft their kindred banner flew. 
 
 While clamorous war-pipes yelled the gathering sound, 
 And while the Fiery Cross glanced, like a meteor, round. 
 
 3. Legends. Remarkable stories handed down from former times. 
 
 4. Ventures. Undertakings of chance or danger. — 13. Heath. See 
 note, Canto I., line 99. Here, the lonely place where the heath grows. 
 
 18! Fiery Cross. When a chieftain designed to summon his clan, upon 
 any sudden or important emergency, he slew a goat, and making a cross of 
 
CANTO III. 
 
 THE GATHERING. 75 
 
 11. 
 
 The Summer dawn's reflected hue 
 
 To purple changed Loch Katrine blue ; 20 
 
 Mildly and soft the western breeze 
 
 Just kissed the lake, just stirred the trees, 
 
 And the pleased lake, like maiden coy, 
 
 Trembled but dimpled not for joy : 
 
 The mountain shadows on her breast 25 
 
 Were neither broken nor at rest ; 
 
 In bright uncertainty they lie, 
 
 Like future joys to Fancy's eye. 
 
 The water-lily to the light 
 
 Her chalice reared of silver bright ; 30 
 
 The doe awoke, and to the lawn. 
 
 Begemmed with dew-drops, led her fawn ; 
 
 The gray mist left the mountain-side. 
 
 The torrent showed its glistening pride ; 
 
 any light wood, seared its extremities in the fire, and extinguished them in 
 the blood of the animal. This was called the Fiery Cross, also CrecDu 
 Tarif/h, or the Cross of Shame, because disobedience to what the symbol 
 implied inferred infamy. It was delivered to a swift and trusty messenger, 
 who ran full speed with it to the next hamlet, where he presented it to the 
 principal person, with a single word, implying the place of rendezvous. 
 He who received the symbol was bound to send it forward, with equal 
 dispatch, to the next village; and thus it passed with incredible celerity 
 through all the district which owed allegiance to the chief, and also among 
 his allies and neighbors, if the danger was common to them. At sight of 
 the Fiery Cross, every man, from sixteen years old to sixty, capable of 
 bearing arms, was obliged instantly to repair, in his best arms and accoutre- 
 ments, to the place of rendezvous. He who failed to appear, suffered the 
 extremities of fire and sword, which were emblematically denounced to the 
 disobedient by the bloody and burnt marks upon this warlike signal. 
 During the civil war of 1745-6, the Fiery Cross often made its circuit; and 
 upon one occasion it passed through the whole district of Breadalbane, a 
 tract of thirty-two miles, in three hours. Scott. 
 
 23. Coy. Reserved, shy. —30. Chalice. Cup or bowl. 
 
76 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, canto hi. 
 
 Invisible in flecked sky 35 
 
 The lark sent down her revelry ; 
 
 The blackbird and the speckled thrush 
 
 Good-morrow gave from brake and bush; 
 
 In answer cooed the cushat dove 
 
 Her notes of peace and rest and love. 40 
 
 III. 
 
 No thought of peace, no thought of rest, 
 
 Assuaged the storm in Roderick's breast. 
 
 With sheathed broadsword in his hand, 
 
 Abrupt he paced the islet strand, 
 
 And eyed the rising sun, and laid 45 
 
 His hand on his impatient blade. 
 
 Beneath a rock, his vassals' care 
 
 Was prompt the ritual to prepare. 
 
 With deep and deatlif ul meaning fraught ; 
 
 For such Antig^uity had taught so 
 
 Was preface Ineet, ere yet abroad " ' 
 
 The Cross of Fire should take its road. 
 
 The shrinking band stood oft aghast 
 
 At the impatient glance he cast ; — 
 
 Such glance the mountain eagle threw, 55 
 
 As, from the cliffs of Ben venue. 
 
 She spread her dark sails on the wind, 
 
 And, high in middle heaven reclined, 
 
 With her broad shadow on the lake. 
 
 Silenced the warblers of the brake. tjo 
 
 36. Revelry. iSloisy festivity .— 39. Cushat. Ring-dove or wood pigeon. 
 
 48. Ritual. Performance of religious service. 
 
 50. Antiquity. Olden times. 
 
 53. Aghast. Struck with amazement. 
 
CANTO III. THE GATHERING. 77 
 
 ^ IV. V- 
 
 A heap of withered boughs was piled, 
 
 Of juniper and rowan wild, 
 
 Mingled with shl:vers from the oak, 
 
 Rent by the lightning's recent stroke. 
 
 Brian the Hermit by it stood, 65 
 
 Barefooted, in his frock and hood. 
 
 His grizzled beard and matted hair 
 
 Obscured a visage of despair ; ^j 
 
 His naked arms and legs, seamed o'er, 
 
 The scars of frantic penance bore. 70 
 
 That monk, of savage form and face. 
 
 The impending danger of his race 
 
 Had drawn from deepest solitude, 
 
 Far in Benharrow's bosom rude. 
 
 Not his the mien of Christian priest, 75 
 
 But Druid's, from the grave released. 
 
 Whose hardened heart and eye might brook /^^'^^^ 
 
 On human sacrifice to look ; 
 
 And much, 'twas said, of heathen lore 
 
 Mixed in the charms he muttered o'er. so 
 
 62. Rowan. European mountain-ash. 
 
 70. Penance. Suffering or labor self-inflicted or imposed by ecclesias- 
 tical authority as a punishment for faults. 
 
 71. That monk, etc. The state of religion in the middle ages afforded 
 considerable facilities for those whose mode of life excluded them from 
 regular worship, to secure, nevertheless, the ghostly assistance of con- 
 fessors, perfectly willing to adapt the nature of their doctrine to the 
 necessities and peculiar circumstances of their flock. Robin Hood, it is 
 well-known, had his celebrated domestic chaplain. Friar Tuck. Scott. 
 
 74. Benharrow. A mountain near Loch Lomond. 
 
 76. Druid. A priest of the Celtic inhabitants of Gaul and Britain. 
 They worshipped in groves, and made human sacrifices. 
 
 * 
 
78 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto hi. 
 
 r 
 
 The hallowed creed gave only worse 
 
 And deadlier emphasis of curse. 
 
 No peasant sought that Hermit's prayer, 
 
 His cave the pilgrim shunned with care ; 
 
 The eager huntsman knew his bound, 85 
 
 And in mid chase called off his hound ; 
 
 Or if, in lonely glen or strath, 
 
 The desert-dweller met his path. 
 
 He prayed, and signed the cross between. 
 
 While terror took devotion's mien. 90 
 
 V. 
 
 Of Brian's birth strange tales were told. 
 
 His mother watched a midnight fold. 
 
 Built deep within a dreary glen. 
 
 Where scattered lay the bones of men 
 
 In some forgotten battle slain, 95 
 
 And bleached by drifting wind and rain. 
 
 It might have tamed a warrior's heart 
 
 To view such mockery of his art ! 
 
 The knot-grass fettered there the hand 
 
 Which once could burst an iron band ; . loo 
 
 Beneath the broad and ample bone. 
 
 That bucklered heart to fear unknown, 
 
 A feeble and a timorous guest. 
 
 The fieldfare framed her lowly nest ; 
 
 81. Hallowed creed. The hallowed or Christian creed as distinguished 
 from heathen lore or knowledge. 
 
 87. Glen. A narrow valley through which a small stream usually 
 flows. — Strath. A valley of considerable size through which a river runs. 
 
 92. Fold. An inclosure for animals. — 99. Knot-grass. Twitch-grass, 
 a kind of grass that is difficult to exterminate. — 102. Bucklered. Pro- 
 tected by a shield. — 104. Fieldfare. A kind of thrush. 
 
CANTO ^. THE GATHERING. 79 
 
 There the slow blindworm left his slime lOo 
 
 On the fleet limbs that mocked at time ; 
 
 And there, too, lay the leader's skull. 
 
 Still wreathed with chaplet, flushed and full, 
 
 For heath-bell with her purple bloom 
 
 Supplied the bonnet and the plume. no 
 
 All night, in this sad glen, the maid 
 
 Sat shrouded in her mantle's shade : 
 
 She said no shepherd sought her side, 
 
 No hunter's hand her snood untied, 
 
 Yet ne'er again to braid her hair 115 
 
 The virgin snood did Alice wear ; 
 
 Gone was her maiden glee and sport. 
 
 Her maiden girdle all too short. 
 
 Nor sought she, from that fatal night, 
 
 Or holy church or blessed rite, 120 
 
 But locked her secret in her breast. 
 
 And died in travail, unconfessed. 
 
 VI. 
 
 Alone, among his young compeers, 
 
 Was Brian from his infant years ; 
 
 A moody and heart-broken boy, 125 
 
 Estranged from sympathy and joy. 
 
 Bearing each taunt which careless tongue 
 
 On his mysterious lineage flung. 
 
 "Whole nights he spent by moonlight pale, 
 
 To wood and stream his hap to wail, 130 
 
 116. Snood. The snood, or riband, with which a Scottish lass braided 
 her hair, had an emblematical signification, and applied to her maiden 
 character. It was exchanged for the curch, toy, or coif, when she passed, 
 by marriage, into the matron state. Scott. — 123. Compeers. Compan- 
 ions. — 125. Moody. Sad. — 12(). Estranged. Withheld, alienated. 
 
 128. Mysterious lineage. Unknown parentage. 
 
80 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto hi. 
 
 Till, frantic, he as truth received 
 
 What of his birth the crowd believed, 
 
 And sought, in mist and meteor fire, 
 
 To meet and know his Phantom Sire ! 
 
 In vain, to soothe his wayward fate, 135 
 
 The cloister oped her pitying gate ; 
 
 In vain the learning of the age 
 
 Unclasped the sable-lettered page ; 
 
 Even in its treasures he could find 
 
 Food for the fever of his mind. 140 
 
 Eager he read whatever tells 
 
 Of magic, cabala, and spells, 
 
 And every dark pursuit allied 
 
 To curious and presumptuous pride ; 
 
 Till with fired brain and nerves o'erstrung, 145 
 
 And heart with mystic horrors wrung, 
 
 Desperate he sought Benharrow's den. 
 
 And hid him from the haunts of men. 
 
 VII. 
 
 The desert gave him visions wild, 
 
 Such as might suit the spectre's child. 150 
 
 Where with black cliffs the torrents toil. 
 
 He watched the wheeling eddies boil, 
 
 Till from their foam his dazzled eyes 
 
 Beheld the River Demon rise : 
 
 133. Meteor fire. Fiery appearance in the sky; a shooting star. 
 
 138. Sable-lettered page. Black lettered, so called because of the 
 heavy-faced type used in early prints. 
 
 142. Magic, cabala, spells. Enchantment, mystery, charms. 
 
 154. Kiver Demon. The River Demon, or River-horse, for it is that 
 form which he commonly assumes, is the Kelpy of the Lowlands, an evil 
 and malicious spirit, delighting to forebode and to witness calamity. Scott. 
 
CANTO III. THE GATHERING. 81 
 
 The mountain mist took form and limb 155 
 
 Of noontide hag or goblin grim ; 
 
 The midnight wind came wild and dread, 
 
 Swelled with the voices of the dead ; 
 
 Far on the future battle-heath 
 
 His eye beheld the ranks of death : 160 
 
 Thus the lone Seer, from mankind hurled, 
 
 Shaped forth a disembodied world. 
 
 One lingering sympathy of mind 
 
 Still bound him to the mortal kind ; 
 
 The only parent he could claim 165 
 
 Of ancient Alpine's lineage came. 
 
 Late had he heard, in prophet's dream, 
 
 The fatal Ben-Shie's boding scream ; 
 
 Sounds, too, had come in midnight blast 
 
 Of charging steeds, careering fast 170 
 
 Along Benharrow's shingly side. 
 
 Where mortal horseman ne'er might ride ; 
 
 The thunderbolt had split the pine, — 
 
 All augured ill to Alpine's line. 
 
 156. Hag. An ugly old woman; a fury. — Goblin. An evil spirit. 
 162. Disembodied world. World of spirits. 
 
 168. Ben-Shie. Most great families in the Highlands were supposed to 
 have a tutelar, or rather a domestic spirit, attached to them, who took an 
 interest in their prosperity, and intimated by its wailings any apjiroaching 
 disaster. Ben-Shie implies a female fairy, whose lamentations were often 
 supposed to precede the death of a chieftain of particular families. Scott. 
 
 169. Sounds, too, had come. A presage of the kind alluded to in the 
 text, is still believed to announce death to the ancient Highland family of 
 M'Lean of Loch Buy. The spirit of an ancestor slain in battle is heard to 
 gallop along a stony bank, and then to ride thrice around the family resi- 
 dence, ringing his fairy bridle, and thus intimating the approaching 
 calamity. How easily the eye as well as the ear may be deceived upon 
 such occasions, is evident from the stories of armies in the air, and other 
 spectral phenomena with which history abounds. Scott. 
 
 171. Shingly. Gravelly. — 174. Augured. Foretold. 
 
 (^' 
 
8^ THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iii. 
 
 He girt his loins, and came to show 175 
 
 The signals of impending woe, 
 
 And now stood prompt to bless or ban, 
 
 As bade the Chieftain of his clan. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 'Twas all prepared ; — and from the rock 
 A goat, the patriarch of the flock, 180 
 
 Before the kindling pile was laid, 
 And pierced by Roderick's ready blade. 
 Patient the sickening victim eyed 
 The life-blood ebb in crimson tide 
 Down his clogged beard and shaggy limb, 185 
 
 ^ Till darkness glazed his eyeballs dim. 
 )-t-f , f The grisly priest, with murmuring prayer, 
 A slender crosslet framed with care, 
 A cubit's length in measure due ; 
 The shaft and limbs were rods of yew, 190 
 
 Whose parents in Inch-Cailliach wave 
 Their shadoAVS o'er Clan-Alpine's grave, 
 
 176. Impending. Overhauging or threatening. — 177. Ban. To curse. 
 180. Patriarch. Father or leader. — 188. Crosslet. A little cross. 
 
 189. Cubit. A measure of length, being the distance from the elbow to 
 the end of the middle finger. /^^ 
 
 190. Yew. An evergreen tree frequently found in British churchyards. 
 
 191. Inch-Cailliach. The Isle of Nuns, or of Old Women, is a most 
 beautiful island at the lower extremity of Loch Lomond. The church 
 belonging to the former nunnery was long used as the place of worship for 
 the parish of Buchanan, but scarce any vestiges of it now remain. The 
 burial ground continues to be used, and contains the family places of 
 sepulture of several neighboring clans. The monuments of the lairds of 
 MacGregor, and of other families, claiming a descent from the old Scottish 
 King Alpine, are most remarkable. The Highlanders are as zealous of 
 their rights of sepulture, as may be expected from a people, whose whole 
 laws and government, if clanship can be called so, turned upon the single 
 principle of family descent. Scott. 
 
CANTO III. THE GATHERING. 83 
 
 And, answering Lomond's breezes deep, 
 
 Soothe many a chieftain's endless sleep. 
 
 The Cross thns formed he held on high, 195 
 
 With wasted hand and haggard eye, 
 
 And strange and mingled feelings woke, 
 
 Wliile his anathema he spoke: — 
 
 IX. 
 
 " Woe to the clansman who shall view 
 
 This symbol of sepulchral yew, 200 
 
 Forgetful that its branches grew 
 
 Where weep the heavens their holiest dew 
 
 On Alpine's dwelling low ! - 
 Deserter of his Chieftain's trust. 
 He ne'er shall mingle with their dust, 205 
 
 But, from his sires and kindred thrust. 
 Each clansman's execration just 
 
 Shall doom him wrath and Avoe." 
 He paused ; — the word the vassals took. 
 With forward step and fiery look, 210 
 
 On high their naked brands they shook. 
 Their clattering targets wildly strook ; 
 
 And first in murmur low. 
 Then, like the billow in his course. 
 That far to seaward finds his source, 215 
 
 And flings to shore his mustered force, 
 
 19G. Haggard. Sunken by suffering. — 198. Anathema. A ban ^ 
 curse pronounced by the church. 
 
 200. Symbol. Emblem or sign. — Sepulchral. Pertaining to the grave. 
 — Yew. Yew-trees were often planted in cemeteries. 
 
 207. Execration. Curse". 
 
 200. Vassal. One holding lands of a superior, and vowing fidelity and 
 homage to him. Wb.— 212. Strook. Old form of struck. 
 
84 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto hi. 
 
 Burst with loud roar their answer hoarse, 
 
 " Woe to the traitor, woe ! " 
 Ben-an's gray scalp the accents knew, 
 The joyous wolf from covert drew, 220 
 
 The exulting eagle screamed afar, — 
 They knew the voice of Alpine's war. 
 
 X. 
 
 The shout was hushed on lake and fell, 
 
 The Monk resumed his muttered spell : 
 
 Dismal and low its accents came, 225 
 
 The while he scathed the Cross with flame ; 
 
 And the few words that reached the air. 
 
 Although the holiest name was there, 
 
 Had more of blasphemy than prayer. 
 
 But when he shook above the crowd 230 
 
 Its kindled points, he spoke aloud : — 
 
 " Woe to the wretch who fails to rear 
 
 At this dread sign the ready spear ! 
 
 For, as the flames this symbol sear. 
 
 His home, the refuge of his fear, 235 
 
 A kindred fate shall know ; 
 Far o'er its roof the volumed flame 
 Clan-Alpine's vengeance shall proclaim, 
 While maids and matrons on his name 
 Shall call down wretchedness and shame, 240 
 
 And infamy and woe." 
 Then rose the cry of females, shrill 
 As goshawk's whistle on the hill, 
 
 219. Ben-An's gray scalp. Bare top. —220. Covert. Shelter, thicket, 
 or hiding-place. — 226. Scathed. Charred.— 241. Infamy. Public dis- 
 grace. — 243. Goshawk. A slender, brown hawk, with white breast. 
 
CANTO III. THE GATHERING. 85 
 
 Denouncing misery and ill, 
 
 Mingled with cliildhood's babbling trill 245 
 
 Of curses stammered slow ; 
 Answering with imprecation dread, 
 " Sunk be his home in embers red ! 
 And cursed be the meanest shed 
 That e'er shall hide the houseless head 2oO 
 
 We doom to want and woe ! " 
 A sharp and shrieking echo gave, 
 Coir-Uriskin, thy goblin cave ! 
 And the gray pass where birches wave 
 
 On Beala-nam-bo. 255 
 
 V 
 
 Then deeper paused the priest anew, 
 
 And hard his laboring breath he drew, 
 
 Wliile, with set teeth and clenched hand, 
 
 And eyes that glowed like fiery brand, 
 
 He meditated curse more dread, 260 
 
 And deadlier, on the clansman's head 
 
 Who, summoned to his chieftain's aid. 
 
 The signal saw and disobeyed. 
 
 The crosslet's points of sparkling wood 
 
 He quenched among the bubbling blood, 265 
 
 248. Embers. Lighted coals smouldering in ashes. 
 
 253. Coir-Uriskin, or Coir-nam-Uriskin ("the corry, or den, of the 
 wild men"), a hollow cleft in the northern side of Benvenue, supposed to 
 be haunted by fairies and evil spirits. It is surrounded by rocks and over- 
 shadowed by birch-trees, so as to give complete shelter. The Urisk is the 
 equivalent of the Grecian Satyr, having a human form with goat's feet. 
 Taylor. 
 
 255. Beala-nam-bo, or the pass of cattle, is a most magnificent glade, 
 overhung with aged birch-trees, a little higher up the mountain than the 
 Coir-nauj-Uriskin. Scott. 
 
86 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto hi. 
 
 And, as again the sign he reared, 
 
 Hollow and hoarse his voice was heard : 
 
 " When flits this Cross from man to man, 
 
 Vich-Alpine's summons to his clan. 
 
 Burst be the ear that fails to heed ! 270 
 
 Palsied the foot that shuns to speed ! 
 
 May ravens tear the careless eyes, 
 
 Wolves make the coward heart their prize ! 
 
 As sinks that blood-stream in the earth, 
 
 So ma}^ his heart's-blood drench his hearth ! 275 
 
 As dies in hissing gore the spark, 
 
 Quench thou his light. Destruction dark ! 
 
 And be the grace to him denied. 
 
 Bought by this sign to all beside ! " 
 
 He ceased ; no echo gave again 280 
 
 The murmur of the deep Amen. 
 
 " XII. 
 
 Then Roderick with impatient look 
 
 From Brian's hand the symbol took : 
 
 " Speed, Malise, speed ! " he said, and gave 
 
 The crosslet to his henchman brave. 285 
 
 '' The muster-place be Lanrick mead — 
 
 Instant the time — speed, Malise, speed ! " 
 
 Like heath-bird, when the hawks pursue, 
 
 A barge across Loch Katrine flew : ^i 
 
 High stood the henchman on the prow; ' '290 
 
 So rapidly the barge-men row. 
 
 The bubbles, where they launched the boat, 
 
 Were all unbroken and afloat, 
 
 271. Palsied. The muscles having lost their power of answering to the 
 will. — 286. Lanrick mead. A meadow bordering on Loch Yennachar. 
 
CANTO III. 
 
 THE GATHERING. 87 
 
 Dancing in foam and ripple still, 
 When it had neared the mainland hill ; 295 
 
 And from the silver beach's side 
 .Still was the prow three fathom wide, 
 When lightly bounded to the land 
 The messenger of blood and brand. 
 
 xni. 
 
 Speed, Malise, speed ! the dun deer's hide 300 
 
 On fleeter foot was never tied. 
 
 Speed, Malise, speed ! such cause of haste 
 
 Thine active sinews never braced. 
 
 Bend 'gainst the steepy hill thy breast. 
 
 Burst down like torrent from its crest ; 305 
 
 With short and springing footstep pass 
 
 The trembling bog and false morass ; 
 
 Across the brook like roebuck bound. 
 
 And thread the brake like questing hound ; 
 
 The crag is high, the scaur is deep, 3io 
 
 Yet shrink not from the desperate leap : 
 
 Parched are thy burning lips and brow, 
 
 Yet by the fountain pause not now ; 
 
 Herald of battle, fate, and fear, 
 
 Stretch onward in thy fleet career ! 315 
 
 The wounded hind thou track'st not now, 
 
 Pursuest not maid through greenwood bough. 
 
 Nor pliest thou now thy flying pace 
 
 With rivals in the mountain race ; 
 
 ."iOO. Dun deer's hide. The ancient huskin of the Highlander was made 
 of the undressed deer's hide, with the bair outwards. 
 
 'SOT. Morass. Soft, wet ground. — 301). Questing. Hunting. 
 310. Scaur [6c«/-]. Steep bank: cliff. —;31(;. Hind. Female deer. 
 
88 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto hi. 
 
 But danger, death, and warrior deed 320 
 
 Are in thy course — speed, Malise, speed ! 
 
 XIV. 
 
 Fast as the fatal symbol flies, 
 
 In arms the huts and hamlets rise ; 
 
 From winding glen, from upland brown. 
 
 They poured each hardy tenant down. 325 
 
 Nor slacked the messenger his pace ; 
 
 He showed the sign, he named the place. 
 
 And, pressing forward like the wind, 
 
 Left clamor and surprise behind. 
 
 The fisherman forsook the strand, 330 
 
 The swarthy smith took dirk and brand ; 
 
 With changed cheer, the mower blithe 
 
 Left in the half-cut swath his scythe ; 
 
 The herds without a keeper strayed, 
 
 The plough was in mid-furrow stayed, 335 
 
 The falconer tossed his hawk away. 
 
 The hunter left the stag at bay ; 
 
 Prompt at the signal of alarms. 
 
 Each son of Alpine rushed to arms ; 
 
 So swept the tumult and affray 340 
 
 Along the margin of Achray. 
 
 Alas, thou lovely lake ! that e'er 
 
 Thy banks should echo sounds of fear! 
 
 The rocks, the bosky thickets, sleep 
 
 So stilly on thy bosom deep, 345 
 
 The lark's blithe carol from the cloud 
 
 Seems for the scene too gayly loud. 
 
 329. Clamor. Loud outcry. — 330. Strand. Shore. — 331. Swarthy. 
 Black. — 333. Swath. The grass cut by the sweep of a scythe in mow- 
 ing.— 344. Bosky. Woody or bushy. — 346. Blithe carol. Merry song. 
 
CANTO III. 
 
 THE GATHERING. 89 
 
 XV. 
 
 Speed, Malise, speed I The lake is past, 
 
 Duncraggan's huts appear at last, 
 
 And peep, like moss-grown rocks, half seen, 350 
 
 Half hidden in the copse so green ; 
 
 There mayst thou rest, thy labor done. 
 
 Their lord shall speed the signal on. — 
 
 As stoops the hawk upon his prey. 
 
 The henchman shot him down the way. 355 
 
 What woeful accents load the gale ? 
 
 The funeral yell, the female wail I 
 
 A gallant hunter's sport is o'er, 
 
 A valiant warrior fights no more. 
 
 Who, in the battle or the chase, 360 
 
 At Roderick's side shall fill his place ! — 
 
 Within the hall, where torch's ray 
 
 Supplies the excluded beams of day, 
 
 Lies Duncan on his lowly bier, 
 
 And o'er him streams his widow's tear,. 365 
 
 His stripling son stands mournful by, 
 
 His youngest weeps, but knows not why ; 
 
 The village maids and matrons round 
 
 The dismal coronach resound. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 He is gone on the mountain, 370 
 
 He is lost to the forest, 
 
 349. Duncraggan. A homestead near the Brigg of Turk. 
 
 369. Coronach. The Coronach of the Highlanders was a wild expres- 
 sion of lamentation, poured forth by the mourners over the body of a departed 
 friend. When the words of it were articulate, they expressed the praises of 
 the deceased, and the loss the clan would sustain by his death. Scott. 
 
90 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 (JANTO III. 
 
 Like a summer-dried fountain, 
 When our need was the sorest. 
 
 The font, reappearing. 
 
 From the rain-drops shall borrow, 375 
 
 But to us comes no cheering, 
 To Duncan no morrow ! 
 
 The hand of the reaper 
 
 Takes the ears that are hoary, 
 But the voice of the weeper 380 
 
 Wails manhood in glory. 
 The autumn winds rushing 
 
 Waft the leaves that are searest, 
 But our flower was in flushing. 
 
 When blighting was nearest. 385 
 
 Fleet foot on the correi, 
 
 Sage counsel in cumber. 
 Red hand in the foray. 
 
 How sound is thy slumber! 
 Like the dew on the mountain, 390 
 
 Like the foam on the river. 
 Like the bubble on the fountain. 
 
 Thou art gone, and forever ! 
 
 XVII. ■ 
 
 See Stumah, who, the bier beside. 
 
 His master's corpse with wonder eyed, 3M5 
 
 Poor Stumah ! whom his least halloo 
 
 Could send like lightning o'er the dew, 
 
 379. Hoary. White with age; ripe for the harvest. — 383. Searest. Dry- 
 est. — 384. Flushing. Full bloom. — 386. Correi. The hollow side of the 
 hill, where game usually lies. — 387. Cumber. Trouble, perplexity. 
 
 394. Stumah. Faithful. The name of a dog. 
 
CANTO III. THE GATHEniNG. 91 
 
 Bristles his crest, and points his ears, 
 
 As if some stranger step he hears. 
 
 'Tis not a mourner's muffled tread, 400 
 
 < 
 
 Who comes to sorrow o'er the dead, 
 
 But headlong haste or deadly fear 
 
 Urge the precipitate career^ 
 
 All stand aghast : — unheeding all, 
 
 Tlie henchman bursts into the hall ; 405 
 
 Before the dead man's bier he stood, 
 
 Held forth the Cross besmeared with blood ; 
 
 " The muster-place is Lanrick mead ; 
 
 Speed forth the signal ! clansmen, speed ! " 
 
 xvni. 
 
 Angus, the heir of Duncan's line, 410 
 
 Sprung forth and seized the fatal sign. 
 
 In haste the stripling to his side 
 
 His father's dirk and broadsword tied ; 
 
 But wlien he saw his mother's eye 
 
 Watch him in speechless agony, 415 
 
 Back to her opened arms he flew. 
 
 Pressed on her lips a fond adieu, — 
 
 '* Alas ! " she sobbed, — " and yet be gone, 
 
 And ^peed thee forth, like Duncan's son ! " 
 
 One look he cast upon the bier, 420 
 
 Dashed from his eye the gathering tear. 
 
 Breathed deep to clear his laboring breast. 
 
 And tossed aloft his bonnet crest, 
 
 Then, like the high-bred colt when, freed, 
 
 First he essays his fire and speed, 425 
 
 He vanished, and o'er moor and moss 
 
 Sped forward with the Fiery Cross. 
 
92 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto hi. 
 
 Suspended was the widow's tear 
 While yet his footsteps she could hear ; 
 And when she marked the henchman's eye 430 
 Wet with unwonted sympathy, 
 . " Kinsman," she said, " his race is run 
 Jli/. That should have sped thine errand on ; 
 The oak has fallen, — the sapling bough 
 Is all Duncraggan's shelter now. 435 
 
 Yet trust I well, his duty done. 
 The orphan's God will guard my son. — 
 And you, in many a danger true, 
 At Duncan's hest your blades that drew. 
 To arms, and guard that orphan's head ! 440 
 
 Let babes and women wail the dead." 
 Then weapon-clang and martial call 
 Resounded tln-ough the funeral hall. 
 While from the walls the attendant band 
 Snatched sword and targe with hurried hand ; 445 
 And short and flitting energy 
 Glanced from the mourner's sunken eye, 
 As if the sounds to warrior dear 
 Might rouse her Duncan from his bier. 
 But faded soon that borrowed force ; 450 
 
 Grief claimed his right, and tears their course. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 y Benledi saw the Gross bi Fire, 
 
 It glanced like^lightning up Strath-Ire. 
 
 439. Hest. Behest, command.— 445. Targe. Target. 
 
 453. Strath-Ire. The first stage of the Fiery Cross is to Duncraggan, a 
 place near the Brigg of Turk, where a short stream divides Loch Achray 
 from Loch Vennachar. From thence, it passes towards Callender, and 
 then, turning to the left up the pass of Leny, is consigned to Norman at 
 
CANTO in. THE GATHERING. 93 
 
 O'er dale and hill the summons flew, 
 
 Nor rest nor pause young Angus knew ; 455 
 
 The tear that gathered in his eye 
 
 He left the mountain-breeze to dry ; 
 
 Until, where Teith's young waters roll 
 
 Betwixt him and a Avooded knoll 
 
 That graced the sable strath with green, 4go 
 
 The chapel of Saint Bride was seen. 
 
 Swoln was the stream, remote the bridge, 
 
 But Angus paused not on the edge ; 
 
 Though the dark waves danced dizzily, 
 
 Though reeled his sympathetic eje, 465 
 
 He dashed amid the torrent's roar : 
 
 His right hand high the crosslet bore, 
 
 His left the pole-axe grasped, to guide 
 
 And stay his footing in the tide. 
 
 He stumbled tmce, — the foam splashed high, 470 
 
 With hoarser swell the stream raced by ; 
 
 And had he fallen, — forever there. 
 
 Farewell Duncraggan's orphan heir! 
 
 But still, as if in parting life, 
 
 Firmer he grasped the Cross of strife, 475 
 
 Until the opposing bank he gained. 
 
 And up the chapel pathway strained. 
 
 XX. 
 
 A blithesome rout that morning-tide 
 Had sought the chapel of Saint Bride. 
 
 the chapel of Saint Bride, which stood on a small and romantic knoll in 
 the middle of the valley, called Strath-Ire. Tombea and Arnandave, or 
 Ardmandave, are names of places in the vicinity. The alarm is then sup- 
 posed to pass along the lake of Lubnaig, aud through the various glens in 
 the district of Balquidder, including the neighboring tracts of Glenfinlas and 
 Strath-Gartney. Scott.— 468. Pole-axe. A kind of long-handled hatchet. 
 
94 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto hi. 
 
 Her troth Tombea's Mary gave 480 
 
 To Norman, heir of Armandave, 
 
 And, issuing from the Gothic arch. 
 
 The bridal now resumed their march. 
 
 In rude but glad procession came 
 
 Bonneted sire and coif-clad dame; 4«5 
 
 And plaided youth, with jest and jeer, 
 
 Which snooded maiden would not hear ; 
 
 And cliildren, that, unwitting why. 
 
 Lent the gay shout their shrilly cry ; 
 
 And minstrels, that in measures vied 490 
 
 Before the young and bonny bride. 
 
 Whose downcast eye and cheek disclose 
 
 The tear and blush of morning rose. 
 
 With virgin step and bashful hand 
 
 She held the kerchief's snowy band. 495 
 
 The gallant bridegroom by her side 
 
 Beheld his prize with victor's pride. 
 
 And the glad mother in her ear 
 
 Was closely whispering word of cheer. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 Who meets them at the churchyard gate ? soo 
 
 The messenger of fear and fate ! 
 
 Haste in his hurried accent lies, 
 
 And grief is swimming in his eyes. 
 
 All dripping from the recent flood, 
 
 Panting and travel-soiled he stood, 505 
 
 The fatal sign of fire and sword 
 
 Held forth, and spoke the appointed word : 
 
 485, 495. Coif, kerchief. See line 116. 
 
CANTO III. 
 
 THE GATHERING. 
 
 95 
 
 528. 
 
 . " The muster-place is Laiirick mead ; 
 vSpeed fortli the signal ! Norman, speed ! " 
 And must he change so soon the hand 5io 
 
 Just linked to his by holy band, 
 f For the fell Cross of blood and brand ? 
 ■^' ^nd must the day so blithe that rose. 
 And promised rapture in the close, 
 Before its setting hour, divide sio 
 
 The bridegroom from the plighted bride ? 
 O fatal doom ! — it must ! it must ! 
 Clan- Alpine's cause, her Chieftain's trust. 
 Her summons dread, brook no delay ; 
 Stretch to the race, — away ! away ! 520 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Yet slow he laid his plaid aside. 
 
 And lingering eyed his lovely bride, 
 
 Until he saw the starting tear 
 
 Speak woe he might not stop to cheer ; 
 
 Then, trusting not a second look, 525 
 
 In haste he sped him up the brook. 
 
 Nor backward glanced till on the heath 
 
 Where Lubnaig's kke supplies the Teith. — 
 
 What in the racer's bosom stirred ? 
 
 The sickening pang of hope deferred, 530 
 
 And memory with a torturing train 
 
 Of all his morning visions vain. 
 
 Mingled with love's impatience, came 
 
 The manly thirst for martial fame ; 
 
 The stormy joy of mountaineers 535 
 
 Ere yet they rush upon the spears ; 
 
 Lubnaig. " The lake of small bends," lying east of Ben Ledi. 
 
96 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto in. 
 
 And zeal for Clan and Chieftain burning, 
 And hope, from well-fought field returning, 
 With war's red honors on his crest. 
 To clasp his Mary to his breast. 540 
 
 Stung by such thoughts, o'er bank and brae, 
 ^>_ Like fire from flint he glanced away,^ 
 ^'^ While high resolve and feeling strong 
 
 Burst into voluntary song. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 The heath this night must be my bed, 545 
 
 The bracken curtain for my head, 
 My lullaby the warder's tread, 
 
 Far, far, from love and thee, Mary ; 
 To-morrow eve, more stilly laid. 
 My couch may be my bloody plaid, 550 
 
 My vesper song thy wail, sweet maid ! 
 
 It will not waken me, Mary ! 
 
 I may not, dare not, fancy now 
 
 The grief that clouds thy lovely brow, 
 
 I dare not think upon thy vow, 5.w 
 
 And all it promised me, Mary. 
 No fond regret must Norman know ; , . 
 When bursts Clan- Alpine on the foe, ryj^ 
 His heart must be like bended bow, 
 
 His foot like arrow free, Mary. 560 
 
 544. Voluntary. Of his own free will. 
 546. Bracken. Fern. 
 
CANTO III. THE GATHERING. 97 
 
 A time will come with feeling fraught, 
 For, if I fall in battle fought, 
 Thy hapless lover's dying thought 
 
 Sliall be a thought on thee, Mary. 
 And if returned from conquered foes, so;" 
 
 How blithely will the evening close. 
 How sweet the linnet sing repose. 
 
 To my young bride and me, Mary ! 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Not faster o'er thy heathery braes, 
 
 Balquidder, speeds the midnight blaze, 570 
 
 Rushing in conflagration strong 
 
 Thy deep ravines and dells along. 
 
 Wrapping thy cliffs in purple glow, 
 
 And reddening the dark lakes below ; 
 
 Nor faster speeds it, nor so far, 575 
 
 As o'er thy heaths the voice of war. 
 
 The signal roused to martial coil 
 
 The sullen margin of Loch Voil, 
 
 Waked still Loch Doine, and to the source 
 
 Alarmed, Balvaig, thy swampy course ; 580 
 
 Thence southward turned its rapid road 
 
 Adown Strath-Gartney's valley broad, 
 
 570. Midnight blaze. The heath on the Scottish moorlands is often set 
 fire to, that the sheep may have the advantage of the young herbage pro- 
 duced, in room of the tough old heather plants. This custom (execrated 
 by sportsmen) produces occasionally the most beautiful nocturnal appear- 
 ances, similar almost to the discharge of a volcano. Scott. 
 
 572. Ravine. A deep and narrow hollow worn by a stream of water; 
 a gorge. 
 
 577. Coil. Tumult, confusion. 
 
 580. Balvaig. River flowing from Lochs Voil and Doine into Lubnaig. 
 
 582. Strath-Gartney. Valley bordering on Loch Katrine. 
 
 ,7 
 
 y^ 
 
 b 
 
 ^:j.^tru<t^^ 
 
 
98 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto hi. 
 
 Till rose in arms each man might claim 
 
 A portion of Clan-Alpine's name, 
 
 From the gray sire, whose trembhng hand 585 
 
 Conlcl hardly buckle on his brand. 
 
 To the raw boy, whose shaft and bow 
 
 Were yet scarce terror to the crow. 
 
 Each valley, each sequestered glen. 
 
 Mustered its little horde of men, 590 
 
 That met as torrents from the height 
 
 In Highland dales their streams unite, 
 
 Still gathering, as they pour along, 
 
 A voice more loud, a tide more strong. 
 
 Till at the rendezvous they stood 595 
 
 By hundreds prompt for blows and blood, 
 
 Each trained to arms since life beo"an. 
 
 Owning no tie but to his clan, 
 
 No oath but by his chieftain's hand. 
 
 No law but Roderick Dhu's command. coo 
 
 XXV. 
 
 That summer morn had Roderick Dhu 
 Surveyed the skirts of Benvenue, 
 And sent his scouts o'er hill and heath. 
 To view the frontiers of Menteith. 
 
 589. Sequestered. Set apart or retired. 
 
 590. Horde. Clan or tribe. 
 
 595. Rendezvous. Au appointed place for meeting, especially for 
 troops or ships of war. 
 
 599. By his chieftain's hand. The deep and implicit respect paid by 
 the Highland clansmen to their chief, rendered this both a common and a 
 solemn oath. In other respects, they were like most savage nations, 
 capricious in their ideas concerning the obligatory power of oaths. Scott. 
 
 602. Skirts. Borders, margins. 
 
CANTO ITT. 
 
 THE GATHERING. 99 
 
 All backward came with news of truce ; no.^ 
 
 Still lay each martial Graeme and Bruce, 
 
 In Rednock courts no horsemen wait. 
 
 No banner waved on Cardross gate, 
 
 On Duchray's towers no beacon shone, 
 
 Nor scared the herons from Loch Con ; uio 
 
 All seemed at peace. — Now wot ye why 
 
 The Chieftain with such anxious eye, 
 
 Ere to the muster he repair. 
 
 This western frontier scanned with care ? — 
 
 In Benvenue's most darksome cleft, oi") 
 
 A fair though cruel pledge was left ; 
 
 For Douglas, to his promise true. 
 
 That morning from the isle withdrew. 
 
 And in a deep sequestered dell 
 
 Had sought a low and lonely cell. 620 
 
 By many a bard in Celtic tongue 
 
 Has Coir-nan-Uriskin been sung ; 
 
 A softer name the Saxons gave, 
 
 And called the grot the Goblin Cave. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 It was a wild and strange retreat, fi25 
 
 As e'er was trod by outlaw's feet. 
 The dell, upon the mountain's crest, 
 Yawned like a gash on warrior's breast ; 
 
 (KX). Grseme. Canto II., line 100.— Bruce. A family illustrious in 
 Scottish history.— G07-0. Rednock, Cardross, Duchray. Castles. 
 
 GIO. Loch Con. "Lake of the dogs," lying between Benvenue and 
 Ben Lomond. 
 
 G14. Scanned. Examined with care. 
 
 G22. Coir-nan-TJriskin. Canto III., line 253. 
 
100 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto hi. 
 
 Its trench had stayed full many a rock, 
 
 Hurled by primeval earthquake shock 630 
 
 From Beuvenue's gray summit wild, 
 
 And here, in random ruin piled, 
 
 They frowned incumbent o'er the spot, 
 
 And formed the rugged sylvan grot. 
 
 The oak and birch with mingled shade 635 
 
 At noontide there a twilight made, 
 
 Unless when short and sudden shone 
 
 Some straggling beam on cliff or stone, 
 
 With such a glimpse as prophet's eye 
 
 Gains on thy depth. Futurity. 640 
 
 No murmur waked the solemn still, 
 
 Save tinkling of a fountain rill ; 
 
 But when the wind chafed with the lake, 
 
 A sullen sound would upward break, 
 
 With dashing hollow voice, that spoke 645 
 
 The incessant war of wave and rock. 
 
 Suspended cliffs with hideous sway 
 
 Seemed nodding o'er the cavern gray. 
 
 From such a den the wolf had sprung, 
 
 In such the wild-cat leaves her young; 650 
 
 Yet Douglas and his daughter fair 
 
 Sought for a space their safety there. 
 
 Gray Superstition's whisper dread 
 
 Debarred the spot to vulgar tread ; 
 
 For there, she said, did fays resort, 655 
 
 And satyrs hold their sylvan court, 
 
 630. Primeval. Belonging to the first ages. — 632. Random. Without 
 
 aim. 
 
 G33. Incumbent. Lying npon, or overhanging. 
 656. Satyr [Sd'tijr]. Note, Canto III., line 253. 
 
CANTO ITI. 
 
 THE GATHERING. . , ;. 101 
 
 By moonlight tread their mystic mazt^, 
 And Wast the rash beholder's gaze. 
 
 ' J , J > 
 . > ^ , ' ' > ' ' 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 Now eve, with western shadows long, 
 
 Floated on Katrine bright and strong, ^^^^ 
 
 When Roderick with a chosen few 
 
 Repassed the heights of Benvenue. 
 
 Above the Goblin Cave they go. 
 
 Through the wild pass of Beal-nam-bo ; 
 
 The prompt retainers speed before, ^^5 
 
 To launch the shallop from the shore, 
 
 For 'cross Loch Katrine lies his way 
 
 To view the passes of Achray, 
 
 And place his clansmen in array. 
 
 Yet lags the Chief in musing mind, 670 
 
 Unwonted sight, his men behind. 
 
 A single page, to bear his sword. 
 
 Alone attended on his lord; 
 
 The rest their way through thickets break. 
 
 And soon await him by the lake. 
 
 It was a fair and gallant sight, 
 
 To view them from the neighboring height. 
 
 By the low-levelled sunbeam's light ! 
 
 For strength and stature, from the clan 
 
 Each warrior was a chosen man, 680 
 
 As even afar might well be seen. 
 
 By their proud step and martial mien. 
 
 Their feathers dance, their tartans float. 
 
 Their targets gleam, as by the boat 
 
 072. Page. Boy-servant. 
 
 ()75 
 
102 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto hi. 
 
 A \vild ai^d warlike group tliey stand, 685 
 
 That well became such mountain-strand. 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 J 
 
 090 
 
 Their Chief with step reluctant still 
 
 Was lingering on the craggy hill. 
 
 Hard by where turned apart the road 
 
 To Douglas's obscure abode. 
 
 It was but with that dawning morn 
 
 That Roderick Dhu had proudly SAvorn 
 
 To drown his love in war's wild roar, 
 
 Nor think of Ellen Douglas more ; 
 
 But he who stems a stream with sand, 695 
 
 And fetters flame with flaxen band, 
 
 Has 3^et a harder task to prove, — 
 
 By firm resolve to conquer love I 
 
 Eve finds the Chief, like restless ghost. 
 
 Still hovering near his treasure lost : 700 
 
 For though his haughty heart deny 
 
 A parting meeting to his eye. 
 
 Still fondly strains his anxious ear 
 
 The accents of her voice to hear, 
 
 And inly did he curse the breeze 7or) 
 
 That waked to sound the rustling trees. 
 
 But hark ! what mingles in the strain ? 
 
 It is the harp of Allan-bane, 
 
 That wakes its measure slow and high. 
 
 Attuned to sacred minstrelsy. 7io 
 
 What melting voice attends the strings ? 
 
 'Tis Ellen, or an angel, sings. 
 
CAXTO III. THE GATHERING. 103 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Pgmn to tijc Ji^irgin. 
 Ave Maria ! maiden mild ! 
 
 Listen to a maiden's prayer ! 
 Thou canst hear though from the wild, 715 
 
 Thou canst save amidst despair. 
 Safe may we sleep beneath thy care, 
 
 Though banished, outcast, and reviled — 
 Maiden ! hear a maiden's prayer ; 
 
 Mother, hear a suppliant child ! 720 
 
 Ave Maria! 
 
 Ave Maria ! undefiled ! 
 
 The flinty couch we now must share 
 Shall seem with down of eider piled, 
 
 If thy protection hover there. 
 The murky cavern's heavy air 725 
 
 Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled ; 
 Then, Maiden I hear a maiden's prayer, 
 
 Mother, list a suppliant child ! 
 
 Ave Maria! 
 
 Ave Maria! stainless styled! 
 
 Foul demons of the earth and air, 730 
 
 From this their wonted haunt exiled, 
 
 Shall flee before thy presence fair. 
 We bow us to our lot of care, 
 
 Beneath thy guidance reconciled ; 
 Hear for a maid a maiden's prayer, 735 
 
 And for a father hear a child ! 
 
 Ave Maria! 
 
 713. Ave Maria! Hail. Mary! The beginning of the Roman Catholic 
 prayer to the Virgin Mary. 
 
 723. Down of eider. Soft, fine feathers of the eider duck, a sea-bird 
 living in extreme northern regions. — 725. Murky. Dark, gloomy. 
 
104 THE LADY OE THE LAKE. <jamo hi. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Died on the harp the closing hymn, — 
 
 Unmoved in attitude and limb, 
 
 As listening still, Clan-Alpine's lord 
 
 Stood leaning on his heavy sword, 74» 
 
 Until the page with humble sign 
 
 Twice pointed to the sun's decline. 
 
 Then while his plaid he round him cast, 
 
 '' It is the last time — 'tis the last," 
 
 He muttered thrice, — "the last time e'er 745 
 
 That angel-voice shall Roderick hear ! " 
 
 It was a goading thought, — his stride 
 
 Hied hastier down the mountain-side ; 
 
 Sullen he flung him in the boat. 
 
 An instant 'cross the lake it shot. 75© 
 
 They landed in that silvery bay. 
 
 And eastward lield their hasty way, 
 
 Till, with the latest beams of light, 
 
 The band arrived on Lanrick height, 
 
 Where mustered in the vale below 755 
 
 Clan-Alpine's men in martial show. 
 
 * XXXI. 
 
 A various scene the clansmen made : 
 
 Some sat, some stood, some slowly strayed ; 
 
 But most, with mantles folded round. 
 
 Were couched to rest upon the ground, 76« 
 
 Scarce to be known by curious eye 
 
 From the deep heather where they lie, 
 
 So well was matched the tartan screen 
 
 With heath-bell dark and brackens green ; 
 
 A 
 
CANTO HI. 
 
 THE GATHERING. 105 
 
 Unless where, here and there, a blade 765 
 
 Or lance's point a glimmer made. 
 
 Like glow-worm twinkling through the shade. 
 
 But when, advancing through the gloom. 
 
 They saw the Chieftain's eagle plume, 
 
 Their shout of welcome, shrill and wide, 770 
 
 Shook the steep mountain's steady side. 
 
 Thrice it arose, and lake and fell 
 
 Three times returned the martial yell ; 
 
 It died upon Bochastle's plain. 
 
 And Silence claimed her evening reign. tl5 
 
OUTLINE OF CANTO FOURTH. 
 
 The clans are gathered, the Lowlanders are at Doune waiting 
 the command to advance, and Brian tries by a weird augury to 
 discover what shall be the issue of the fight. He takes care to 
 magnify his own courage and merit in so doing, and declares, as 
 the result of his spells, that the victory will rest with those that 
 draw the first blood. Meantime the Donglas has left his daughter 
 in Allan's charge, and himself is gone on some secret errand, which 
 he does not confide to them. Ellen's fears are aroused. She feels 
 as by instinct that her father has gone to purchase, by surrender of 
 himself, the release of Malcolm Grasme, whom they imagine to be 
 captive. In vain the minstrel seeks to cheer her grief. She gives 
 little heed to his song. It is hardly ended when Fitz-James again 
 appears, bent now on carrying her off with him to Stirling, away 
 from noise of battle. She has recognized his noble nature, and 
 feels that the safest way is to trust him with her secret. He offers 
 to stay for her protection ; but Ellen knows better than he the 
 danger that this would involve to them both, and declines the 
 offer. So he leaves with her a ring, a pledge, as he says, which he 
 received from the king, and which will assure her of the king's pro- 
 tection. He returns to his guide, who is really a clansman of 
 Roderick, set to draw him on, in the belief that he is a spy. They 
 set off eastward, when suddenly the guide gives a loud whoop. 
 Fitz-James, to whom Allan Bane has already suggested doubts of 
 the man's truth, fancies that this is a signal cry ; but Murdoch 
 manages for the time to lull his suspicions. Presently they come 
 upon a wild-looking woman, taken captive, as Murdoch relates, in 
 one of Clan-Alpine's raids in the Lowlands. It had been her 
 wedding-morn, and her husband had fallen by Roderick's sword. 
 Her reason had given way ; but one passion, that of revenge, is 
 awake still; She recognizes the knight's Lowland dress, and 
 
OUTLINE OF CANTO FOURTH. 107 
 
 warns him in a wild song of his danger. He turns upon his 
 guide, and bids him disclose his treachery. But the man takes 
 to his heels, first discharging a Parthian shot, which grazes the 
 knight's helmet, and fatally wounds poor Blanche. Murdoch's 
 speed is vain ; he is overtaken and slain before he can reach his 
 friends; and Fitz-James, soothing the mad woman in her last 
 hour, swears to avenge her wrong on Roderick. Left without 
 guide in the midst of foes, he deems it prudent not to advance till 
 nightfall. Then he pursues his way as best he can ; but soon 
 comes full upon one of the enemy's watch-fires. He boldly avows 
 himself Roderick's foe ; but the stranger, assured that he is not a 
 spy, refuses to take advantage of his weariness, and gives him 
 shelter for the night, promising to guide him on the morrow to 
 the border of the king's domain. — Taylor. 
 
THE PROPHECY. 
 
 I. 
 
 a 
 
 The rose is fairest when 'tis budding new, 
 
 And hope is brightest when it dawns from fears ; 
 The rose is sweetest washed with morning dew, 
 
 And love is loveliest when embalmed in tears. 
 O wilding rose, whom fancy thus endears, 5 
 
 I bid your blossoms in my bonnet wave, 
 Emblem of hope and love through future years ! " 
 
 Thus spoke young Norman, heir of Armandave, 
 What time the sun arose on Vennachar's broad wave. 
 
 II. 
 
 Such fond conceit, half said, half sung, lo 
 
 Love prompted to the bridegroom's tongue. 
 
 All while he stripped the wild-rose spray, 
 
 His axe and bow beside him lay. 
 
 For on a pass 'twixt lake and wood 
 
 A wakeful sentinel he stood. 15 
 
 Hark ! — on the rock a footstep rung, 
 
 And instant to his arms he sprung. 
 
 " Stand, or thou diest ! — What, Malise ? — soon 
 
 Art thou returned from Braes of Doune. 
 
 10. Conceit. Fancy, anticipation. — 11. Prompted. Suggested, urged. 
 19. Braes of Doune. Hill slopes on the north side of the Teith. 
 
CANTO IV. THE PROPHECY. 109 
 
 By thy keen step and glance I know, 20 
 
 Thou bring'st us tidings of the foe." — 
 
 For while the Fiery Cross hied on, 
 
 On distant scout had Malise gone. — 
 
 "Where sleeps the Chief?" the henchman said. 
 
 " Apart, in yonder misty glade ; 25 
 
 To his lone couch I'll be your guide." — 
 
 Then called a slumberer by his side, 
 
 And stirred him with his slackened bow, — 
 
 " Up, up, Glentarkin ! rouse thee, ho ! 
 
 We seek the Chieftain ; on the track 30 
 
 Keep eagle watch till I come back." 
 
 III. 
 
 Together up the pass they sped: 
 
 " What of the foeman? " Norman said. — 
 
 " Varying reports from near and far ; 
 
 This certain, — that a band of war 35 
 
 Has for two days been ready boune. 
 
 At prompt command to march from Doune ; 
 
 King James the while, with princely powers, 
 
 Holds revelry in Stirling towers. 
 
 Soon will this dark and gathering cloud 40 
 
 Speak on our glens in thunder loud. 
 
 Inured to bide such bitter bout. 
 
 The warrior's plaid may bear it out ; 
 
 But, Norman, how wilt thou provide 
 
 A shelter for thy bonny bride ? " — 45 
 
 " What ! know ye not that Roderick's care 
 
 36. Boune. Prepared. 
 
 42. Inured. Hardened, accustomed. — Bide. Endure. — Bout. A con- 
 flict, contest. 
 
110 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 To the lone isle hath caused repair 
 
 Each maid and matron of the clan, 
 
 And every child and aged man 
 
 Unfit for arms ; and given his charge, 50 
 
 Nor skiff, nor shallop, boat nor barge, 
 
 Upon these lakes shall float at large. 
 
 But all beside the islet moor. 
 
 That such dear pledge may rest secure?" — 
 
 IV. 
 
 " 'Tis well advised, — the Chieftain's plan 55 
 
 Bespeaks the father of his clan. 
 
 But wherefore sleeps Sir Roderick Dhu 
 
 Apart from all his followers true ? " 
 
 " It is because last evening-tide 
 
 Brian an augury hath tried. 
 
 Of that dread kind which must not be 
 
 Unless in dread extremity. 
 
 The Taghairm called ; by which, afar. 
 
 Our sires foresaw the events of war. 
 
 Duncraggan's milk-white bull they slew 
 
 60 
 
 »5 
 
 — 65 
 
 60. Augury. The foretelling of events ; an omen. 
 
 63. Taghairm. The Highlanders, like all rude people, had various 
 superstitious modes of inquiring into futurity. One of the most noted was the 
 Taghairm mentioned in the text. A person was wrapped up in the skin of a 
 newly-slain bullock, and deposited beside a waterfall, or at the bottom of 
 a precipice, or in some other strange, wild, and unusual situation, where 
 the scenery around him suggested nothing but objects of horror. In this 
 situation he revolved in his mind the question proposed, and whatever 
 was impressed upon him by his exalted imagination passed for the inspira- 
 tion of the disembodied spirits who haunt the desolate recesses. — Scott. 
 
CANTO IV. THE PROPHECY. Ill 
 
 MALISE. 
 
 '* Ah ! well the gallant brute I knew ! 
 
 The choicest of the prey we had 
 
 When swept our merrymen Gallangad. 
 
 His hide was snow, his horns were dark, 
 
 His red eye glowed like fiery spark ; 70 
 
 So fierce, so tameless, and so fleet. 
 
 Sore did he cumber our retreat. 
 
 And kept our stoutest kerns in awe. 
 
 Even at the pass of Beal 'maha. 
 
 But steep and flinty was the road, 75 
 
 And sharp the hurrying pikeman's goad, 
 
 And when we came to Dennan's Row 
 
 A child might scathless stroke his brow." 
 
 V. 
 
 NORMAN. 
 
 " That bull was slain ; his reeking hide 
 
 They stretched the cataract beside, 80 
 
 Whose waters their wild tumult toss 
 
 Adown the black and craggy boss 
 
 Of that huge cliff whose ample verge 
 
 Tradition calls the Hero's Targe. 
 
 Couched on a shelf beneath its brink, 85 
 
 Close where the thundering torrents sink, 
 
 73. Kerns. Foot-soldiers of the lowest rank. 
 
 74. Beal 'maha. " The pass of the plain," on the east of Loch Lomond. 
 
 77. Dennan's Row. A starting-place for ascending Ben Lomond. 
 
 78. Scathless. Without harm. 
 82. Boss. A protuherance. 
 
 84. Hero's Targe. The name of a rock in the Forest of Glenfinlas by 
 which a noisy cataract rims. 
 
112 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 Rocking beneath their headlong sway, 
 
 And drizzled by the ceaseless spray, 
 
 'Midst groan of rock and roar of stream, 
 
 The wizard waits prophetic dream. 90 
 
 Nor distant rests the Chief ; — but hush ! 
 
 See, gliding slow through mist and bush, 
 
 The hermit gains yon rock, and stands 
 
 To gaze upon our slumbering bands. 
 
 Seems he not, Malise, like a ghost, 95 
 
 That hovers o'er a slaughtered host ? 
 
 Or raven on the blasted oak. 
 
 That, watching while the deer is broke, 
 
 His morsel claims with sullen croak ? " 
 
 MALISE. 
 
 " Peace ! peace ! to other than to me lOO 
 
 Thy words were evil augury ; 
 
 But still I hold Sir Roderick's blade. 
 
 Clan- Alpine's omen and her aid. 
 
 Not aught that, gleaned from heaven or hell. 
 
 Yon fiend-begotten Monk can tell. los 
 
 The Chieftain joins liim, see — and now 
 
 Together they descend the brow." 
 
 YI. 
 
 And, as they came, with Alpine's Lord 
 The Hermit Monk held solemn word : — 
 
 98. Broke. Quartered. Everything belonging to the chase was mat- 
 ter of solemnity among our ancestors; but nothing was more so than 
 the mode of cutting up, or, as it was technically called, breaking the 
 slaughtered stag. The forester had his allotted portion ; the hounds had 
 a certain allowance; and, to make the division as general as possible, the 
 very birds had their share also. — Scott. 
 
 103. Omen. Sign of good or evil; foreboding. 
 
CANTO IV. THE PROPHECY. 113 
 
 " Roderick ! it is a fearful strife, no 
 
 For man enclowecl with mortal life, 
 
 Whose shroud of sentient clay can still 
 
 Feel feverish pang and fainting chill. 
 
 Whose eye can stare in stony trance. 
 
 Whose hair can rouse like warrior's lance, — ii5 
 
 'Tis hard for such to view, unfurled. 
 
 The curtain of the future world. 
 
 Yet, witness every quaking limb. 
 
 My sunken pulse, mine eyeballs dim, 
 
 My soul with harrowing anguish torn, 120 
 
 This for my Chieftain have I borne ! — 
 
 The shapes that sought my fearful couch 
 
 A human tongue may ne'er avouch ; 
 
 No mortal man — save he, wdio, bred 
 
 Between the living and the dead, 125 
 
 Is gifted beyond nature's law — 
 
 Had e'er survived to say he saw. 
 
 At length the fateful answer came 
 
 In characters of living flame ! 
 
 Not spoke in word, nor blazed in scroll, 130 
 
 But borne and branded on my soul: — 
 
 Which spills the foremost foeman's life, 
 
 That party conquers ik the strife." 
 
 <^. 
 
 112. Sentient. Having sensation or feeling; conscious. 
 
 114. Trance. A state of insensibility to the things of this world. 
 
 123. Avouch. Affirm. 
 
 130. Blazed. Displayed; published. — Scroll. A roll of paper or 
 parchment usually containing some writing. 
 
 133. That party conquers in the strife. Though this be in the text 
 described as a response of the Tagahirm, or Oracle of the Hide, it was 
 of itself an augury frequently attended to. The fate of the battle was 
 often anticipated in the imagination of the combatants, by observing 
 which party first shed blood. It is said that the Highlanders under 
 
114 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 VII. 
 
 " Thanks, Brian, for thy zeal and care ! 
 
 Good is thine augury, and fair. 135 
 
 Clan-Alpine ne'er in battle stood 
 
 But first our broadswords tasted blood. 
 
 A surer victim still I know, 
 
 Self-offered to the auspicious blow : 
 
 A spy has sought my land this morn, — 140 
 
 No eve shall witness his return I 
 
 My followers guard each pass's mouth, 
 
 To east, to westward, and to south ; 
 
 Red Murdoch, bribed to be his guide. 
 
 Has charge to lead his steps aside, 145 
 
 Till in deep path or dingle brown 
 
 He light on those shall bring him down. — 
 
 But see, who comes his news to show ! 
 
 Malise ! what tidings of the foe ? " 
 
 ~- VIII. 
 
 " At Doune, o'er many a spear and glaive 150 
 
 Two Barons proud their banners wave. 
 
 I saw the Moray's silver star, 
 
 And marked the sable -pale of Mar." 
 
 Montrose were so deeply imbued with this notion, that, on the morning of 
 the battle of Tippermoor, they murdered a defenceless herdsman, whom 
 they found in the fields, merely to secure an advantage of so much con- 
 sequence to their party. — Scott. 
 
 139. Auspicious. Of good omen ; fortunate. 
 
 150. Glaive. A broadsword. 
 
 152-53. Moray's silver star . . . sable pale of Mar. The Earls of Moray 
 and Mar were supporters of the King. The shield or banner of the one 
 bore a star, the other a black band going perpendicularly down the centre 
 of the shield, called a pale. 
 
CANTO IV. 
 
 THE PROPHECY. 115 
 
 " By Alpine's soul, high tidings those ! 
 I love to hear of worthy foes. 155 
 
 When move the}^ on ? " " To-morrow's noon 
 Will see them here for battle boune." 
 " Then shall it see a meeting stern ! 
 But, for the place, say, — couldst thou learn 
 Nought of the friendly clans of Earn ? 160 
 
 Strengthened by them, Ave well might bide 
 The battle on Benledi's side. 
 Thou couldst not ? — well ! Clan-Alpine's men 
 Shall man the Trosachs' shaggy glen ; 
 Within Loch Katrine's gorge we'll fight, 165 
 
 All in our maids' and matrons' sight, 
 Each for his hearth and household fire. 
 Father for child, and son for sire. 
 Lover for maid beloved ! — But why — 
 Is it the breeze affects mine eye ? 170 
 
 Or dost thou come, ill-omened tear ! 
 A messenger of doubt or fear ? 
 No I sooner may the Saxon lance 
 Unfix Benledi from his stance. 
 Than doubt or terror can pierce through 175 
 
 The unyielding heart of Roderick Dhu ! 
 -^•'Tis stubborn as his trusty targe. 
 
 Each to his post! — all know their charge." 
 
 The pibroch sounds, the bands advance. 
 
 The broadswords gleam, the banners dance, 180 
 
 Obedient to the Chieftain's glance. — 
 
 1 turn me from the martial roar, 
 
 And seek Coir-Uriskin once more. 
 
 IGO. Earn. District about Loch Earn. 
 174. Stance. Station; foundation. 
 
116 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 IX. 
 
 Where is the Douglas? — he is gone ; 
 
 And Ellen sits on the gray stone 185 
 
 Fast by the cave, and makes her moan, 
 
 While vainly Allan's words of cheer 
 
 Are poured on her unheeding ear. 
 
 " He will return — dear lady, trust ! — 
 
 With joy return ; — he will — he must. 190 
 
 Well was it time to seek afar 
 
 Some refuge from impending war. 
 
 When e'en Clan Alpine's rugged swarm 
 
 Are cowed by the approaching storm. 
 
 I saw their boats with many a light, 195 
 
 Floating the livelong yesternight, 
 
 Shifting like flashes darted forth 
 
 By the red streamers of the north ; 
 
 I marked at morn how close they ride. 
 
 Thick moored by the lone islet's side, 200 
 
 Like wild ducks couching in the fen 
 
 When stoops the hawk upon the glen. 
 
 Since this rude race dare not abide 
 
 The peril on the mainland side, 
 
 Shall not thy noble father's care 205 
 
 Some safe retreat for thee prepare ? " 
 
 X. 
 
 ELLEK. 
 
 " No, Allan, no ! Pretext so kind 
 My wakeful terrors could not blind. 
 
 198. Red streamers of the North. Aurora Borealis, or northern lights. 
 201. Fen. Marsh. 
 
CANTO IV. THE PROPHECY. 117 
 
 When in such tender tone, yet grave, 
 
 Douglas a parting blessing gave, 210 
 
 The tear that glistened in his eye 
 
 Drowned not his purpose fixed and high. 
 
 My soul, thougli feminine and weak. 
 
 Can image his ; e'en as the lake, 
 
 Itself disturbed by slightest stroke, 215 
 
 Reflects the invulnerable rock. 
 
 He hears report of battle rife. 
 
 He deems liimself the cause of strife. 
 
 I saw him redden when the theme 
 
 Turned, Allan, on thine idle dream 220 
 
 Of Malcolm Grseme in fetters bound. 
 
 Which I, thou saidst, about him wound. 
 
 Think'st thou he trowed thine omen aught? 
 
 O no ! 'twas apprehensive thought 
 
 For the kind youth, — for Roderick too — 225 
 
 Let me be just — that friend so true ; 
 
 In danger both, and in our cause ! 
 
 Mhistrel, the Douglas dare not pause. 
 
 Why else that solemn warning given, 
 
 " If not on earth, we meet in heaven ! " 230 
 
 Why else, to Cambus-kenneth's fane, 
 
 If eve return him not again. 
 
 Am I to hie and make me known ? 
 
 Alas ! he goes to Scotland's throne. 
 
 Buys his friends' safety with his own ; 235 
 
 He goes to do — what I had done. 
 
 Had Douglas' daughter been his son ! " 
 
 210. Invulnerable. That cannot be injured: enduring. — 217. Eife. Pre- 
 vailing. — 22o. Trowed. Believed. — 224. Apprehensive. Fearful of danger. 
 231. Cambus-kenneth's fane. An abbey near Stirling. 
 
118 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 XI. 
 
 CANTO IV, 
 
 " Nay, lovely Ellen ! — dearest, nay ! 
 
 If aught should his return delay. 
 
 He only named yon holy fane 240 
 
 As fitting place to meet again. 
 
 Be sure he's safe ; and for the Graeme, — 
 
 Heaven's blessing on his gallant name ! — 
 
 My visioned sight may yet prove true. 
 
 Nor bode of ill to him or you. 245 
 
 When did my gifted dream beguile ? 
 
 Think of the stranger at the isle. 
 
 And think upon the harpings slow 
 
 That presaged this approaching woe ! 
 
 Sooth was my prophecy of fear ; 250 
 
 Believe it when it augurs cheer. 
 
 Would he had left this dismal spot ! 
 
 Ill luck still haunts a fairy grot. 
 
 Of such a wondrous tale I know — 
 
 Dear lady, change that look of woe, 255 
 
 My harp was wont thy grief to cheer." 
 
 ELLEN. 
 
 " Well, be it as thou wilt ; I hear. 
 
 But cannot stop the bursting tear." 
 
 The Minstrel tried his simple art. 
 
 But distant far was Ellen's heart. 26O 
 
 246. Beguile. Deceive. —249. Presaged. Predicted ; prophesied. 
 253. Grot. Grotto; secluded place. 
 
CANTO IV 
 
 THE PROPHECY. 119 
 
 xn. 
 
 ALICE BRAND. 
 
 Merry it is in the good greenwood, 
 
 When the mavis and merle are singing, 
 
 When the deer sweeps by, and the hounds are in cry, 
 And the hunter's horn is ringing. 
 
 " O Alice Brand, my native land 265 
 
 Is lost for love of you; 
 And we must hold by wood and wold, 
 
 As outlaws wont to do. 
 
 " O Alice, 'twas all for thy locks so bright. 
 
 And 'twas all for thine eyes so blue, 270 
 
 That on the night of our luckless flight 
 Thy brother bold I slew. 
 
 " Now must I teach to hew the beech 
 
 The hand that held the glaive. 
 For leaves to spread our lowly bed, 276 
 
 And stakes to fence our cave. 
 
 " And for vest of pall, thy fingers small. 
 
 That wont on harp to stray, 
 A cloak must shear from the slaughtered deer. 
 
 To keep the cold away." 280 
 
 " O Richard ! if my brother died, 
 'Twas but a fatal chance ; 
 
 262. Mavis. Thrush. —Merle. Blackbird. 
 
 267. Wold. Open grassy country. 
 
 277. Vest of pall. An outer garment of rich material. 
 
120 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 For darkling was the battle tried, 
 And fortune sped the lance. 
 
 " If pall and vair no more I wear, 285 
 
 Nor thou the crimson sheen, 
 As warm, we'll say, is the russet gray, 
 
 As gay the forest-green. 
 
 " And, Richard, if our lot be hard, 
 
 And lost thy native land, 290 
 
 Still Alice has her own Richard, 
 
 And he his Alice Brand." 
 
 XIII. 
 
 ^allnb Conthm^b'. 
 'Tis merry, 'tis merry, in good greenwood ; 
 
 So blithe Lady Alice is singing ; 
 On the beech's pride, and oak's brown side, 295 
 
 Lord Richard's axe is ringing. 
 
 Up spoke the moody Elfin King, 
 
 Who woned within the hill, — 
 Like wind in the porch of a ruined church, 
 
 His voice was ghostly shrill. 300 
 
 " Why sounds yon stroke on beech and oak, 
 
 Our moonlight circle's screen? 
 Or who comes here to chase the deer. 
 
 Beloved of our Elfin Queen ? 
 
 283. Darkling. In the dark.— 285. Vair. The fur of a small, bluish- 
 gray animal resembling a polecat. Such furs were only worn by ladies of 
 rank. Yonge. — 298. Woned. Dwelt. 
 
 304. Elfin Queen. Fairies, if not positively malevolent, are capricious 
 and easily offended. They are, like other proprietors of forests, peculiarly 
 jealous of their rights of vert and venison. Scott. 
 
CANTO IV. THE PROPHECY. 121 
 
 Or who may dare on wold to wear 305 
 
 The fairies' fatal green ? 
 
 " Up, Urgan, up ! to yon mortal hie, 
 
 For thou wert christened man ; 
 For cross or sign thou wilt not fly. 
 
 For muttered word or ban. 310 
 
 " Lay on him the curse of the withered heart, 
 
 The curse of the sleepless eye ; 
 Till he wish and pray that his life would part, 
 
 Nor yet find leave to die." 
 
 XIV. 
 
 ^allab Conlinucb. 
 'Tis merry, 'tis merry, in good greenwood, 3i5 
 
 Though the birds have stilled their singing ; 
 The evening blaze doth Alice raise. 
 
 And Richard is fagots bringing. 
 
 Up Urgan starts, that hideous dwarf. 
 
 Before Lord Richard stands, 320 
 
 And, as he crossed and blessed himself, 
 ^' I fear not sign," quoth the grizzly elf, 
 
 " That is made with bloody hands." 
 
 But out then spoke she, Alice Brand, 
 
 That woman void of fear, — 325 
 
 " And if there's blood upon his hand, 
 'Tis but the blood of deer." 
 
 306. Fatal green. As the Daoine Shi', or Men of Peace, wore green 
 habits, they were supposed to take offence when any mortals ventured to 
 assume their favorite color. Indeed, from some reason, which has been, 
 perhaps, originally a general superstitiou, r/ree/i is held in Scotland to be 
 unlucky to particular tribes and counties. — Scott. 
 
122 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 " Now loud thou liest, thou bold of mood ! 
 
 It cleaves unto his hand, 
 The stain of thine own kindly blood, 330 
 
 The blood of Ethert Brand." 
 
 Then forward stepped she, Alice Brand, 
 
 And made the holy sign, — 
 " And if there's blood on Richard's hand, 
 
 A spotless hand is mine. 335 
 
 " And I conjure thee, demon elf. 
 
 By Him whom demons fear, 
 To show us whence thou art thyself, 
 
 And what thine errand here ? " 
 
 XV. 
 
 ^allab Cotttinuebf. 
 " 'Tis merry, 'tis merry, in Fairy-land, 340 
 
 When fairy birds are singing, 
 When the court doth ride by their monarch's side. 
 
 With bit and bridle ringing : 
 
 '* And gayly shines the Fairy-land — 
 
 But all is glistening show, 345 
 
 Like the idle gleam that December's beam 
 
 Can dart on ice and snow. 
 
 " And fading, like that varied gleam. 
 
 Is our inconstant shape. 
 Who now like knight and lady seem, 350 
 
 And now like dwarf and ape. 
 
 330. Kindly. Kindred. — 33(5. Conjure. Implore. 
 349. Inconstant. Changeable. 
 
CANTO IV. 
 
 THE PROPHECY. 123 
 
 " It was between the night and day, 
 
 When the Fairy King has power, 
 That I sunk down in a sinful fray, 
 And 'twixt life and death was snatched away 355 
 
 To the joyless Elfin bower. 
 
 " But wist I of a woman bold, 
 
 Who thrice my brow durst sign, 
 I might regain my mortal mould. 
 
 As fair a form as thine." 360 
 
 She crossed him once — she crossed him twice — 
 
 That lady was so brave ; 
 The fouler grew his goblin hue. 
 
 The darker grew the cave. 
 
 She crossed him thrice, that lady bold ; 365 
 
 He rose beneath her hand 
 The fairest knight on Scottish mould. 
 
 Her brother, Ethert Brand ! 
 
 Merry it is in good greenwood, 
 
 When the mavis and merle are singing, 370 
 
 But merrier were they in Dunfermline gray, 
 
 When all the bells were ringing. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Just as the minstrel sounds were stayed, 
 
 A stranger climbed the steepy glade ; 
 
 His martial step, his stately mien, 375 
 
 His hunting-suit of Lincoln green, 
 
 357. Wist. Knew. — 359. Mould. Form. — 367. Mould. Soil. 
 371. Dunfermline. A town on the Firth of Forth; the seat of an ex- 
 tensive abbey, and the residence of the kings of Scotland in early times. 
 
124 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 His eagle glance, remembrance claims — 
 
 'Tis Snowdoun's Knight, 'tis James Fitz-James. 
 
 Ellen beheld as in a dream. 
 
 Then, starting, scarce suppressed a scream : 380 
 
 " O stranger ! in such hour of fear 
 
 What evil hap has brought thee here ? " 
 
 " An evil hap how can it be 
 
 That bids me look again on thee ? 
 
 By promise bound, my former guide 385 
 
 Met me betimes this morning-tide, 
 
 And marshalled over bank and bourne 
 
 The happy path of my return." 
 
 " The happy path ! — what ! said he naught 
 
 Of war, of battle to be fought, 390 
 
 Of guarded pass ? " " No, by my faith ! 
 
 Nor saw I aught could augur scathe." 
 
 " O haste thee, Allan, to the kern : 
 
 Yonder his tartans I discern ; 
 
 Learn thou his purpose, and conjure 395 
 
 That he will guide the stranger sure ! — 
 
 What prompted thee, unhappy man? 
 
 The meanest serf in Roderick's clan 
 
 Had not been bribed, by love or fear. 
 
 Unknown to him to guide thee here." 400 
 
 XVII. 
 
 " Sweet Ellen, dear my life must be, 
 
 Since it is worthy care from thee ; 
 
 Yet life I hold but idle breath 
 
 When love or honor's weighed with death. 
 
 386. Betimes. Early. — 387. Bourne. Stream. 
 
 392. Augur scathe. Predict injury. — 398. Serf. Slave. 
 
CANTO IV. THE PROPHECY. 125 
 
 Then let me profit by my chance, 405 
 
 And speak my purpose bokl at once. 
 
 I come to bear thee from a wild 
 
 Where ne'er before such blossom smiled, 
 
 By this soft hand to lead thee far 
 
 From frantic scenes of feud and war. 410 
 
 Near Bochastle my horses wait ; 
 
 They bear us soon to Stirling gate. 
 
 I'll place thee in a lovely bower, 
 
 I'll guard thee like a tender flower — " 
 
 " O hush. Sir Knight ! 'twere female art, 415 
 
 To say I do not read thy heart ; 
 
 Too much, before, my selfish ear 
 
 Was idly soothed my praise to hear. 
 
 That fatal bait hath lured thee back. 
 
 In deathful hour o'er dangerous track ; 420 
 
 And how, O how, can I atone 
 
 The wreck my vanity brought on ! — 
 
 One way remains — I'll tell him all — 
 
 Yes ! struggling bosom, forth it shall ! 
 
 Thou, whose light folly bears the blame, 425 
 
 Buy thine own pardon with thy shame ! 
 
 But first — my father is a man 
 
 Outlawed and exiled, under ban ; 
 
 The price of blood is on his head, 
 
 With me 'twere infamy to wed. 430 
 
 Still wouldst thou speak ? — then hear the truth ! 
 
 Fitz-James, there is a noble youth — 
 
 If yet he is ! — exposed for me 
 
 And mine to dread extremity — 
 
 410. Feud. A deadly strife between clans. 
 
126 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 Thou hast the secret of my heart ; ^35 
 
 Forgive, be generous, and depart ! " 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 Fitz-James knew every wily train 
 
 A lady's fickle heart to gain, 
 
 But here he knew and felt them vain. 
 
 There shot no glance from Ellen's eye, 440 
 
 To give her steadfast sj^eech the lie ; 
 
 In maiden confidence she stood, 
 
 Though mantled in her cheek the blood, 
 
 And told her love with such a sigh 
 
 Of deep and hopeless agony, 445 
 
 As death had sealed her Malcolm's doom 
 
 And she sat sorrowing on his tomb. 
 
 Hope vanished from Fitz- James's eye. 
 
 But not with hope fled sympathy. 
 
 He proffered to attend her side, 450 
 
 As brother would a sister guide. 
 
 "O little know'st thou Roderick's heart! 
 
 Safer for both we go apart. 
 
 O haste thee, and from Allan learn 
 
 If thou mayst trust yon wily kern." 455 
 
 With hand upon his forehead laid, 
 
 The conflict of his mind to shade, 
 
 A parting step or two he made ; 
 
 Then, as some thought had crossed his brain. 
 
 He paused, and turned, and came again. 460 
 
 437. Train. Persuasion or enticement. 
 455. Wily. Artful, sly. 
 
CANTO IV. THE PROPHECY. 127 
 
 XIX. 
 
 " Hear, lady, yet a parting word ! — 
 
 It chanced in fight that my poor sword 
 
 Preserved the life of Scotland's lord. 
 
 This ring the grateful Monarch gave. 
 
 And bade, when I had boon to crave, 465 
 
 To bring it back, and boldly claim 
 
 The recompense that I would name. 
 
 Ellen, I am no courtly lord, 
 
 But one who lives by lance and sword, 
 
 Whose castle is his helm and shield, 470 
 
 His lordship the embattled field. 
 
 What from a prince can I demand, 
 
 Who neither reck of state nor land ? 
 
 Ellen, thy hand — the ring is thine ; 
 
 Each guard and usher knows the sign. 475 
 
 Seek thou the King without delay ; 
 
 This signet shall secure thy way : 
 
 And claim thy suit, whate'er it be, 
 
 As ransom of his pledge to me." 
 
 He placed the golden circlet on, 480 
 
 Paused — kissed her hand — and then was gone. 
 
 The aged Minstrel stood aghast, 
 
 So hastily Fitz-James shot past. 
 
 He joined his guide, and wending down 
 
 The ridges of the mountain brown, 485 
 
 Across the stream they took their way 
 
 That joins Loch Katrine to Achray. 
 
 4C5. Boon to Crave. Favor to ask. 
 
 470. Helm. Helmet; defensive armor for the head. 
 
 471. Hi^lordship the embattled field. His estate the battle-field. 
 473. Keck of. Mind or care for. —477. Signet. Seal in the ring. 
 
128 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 XX. 
 
 All in the Trosachs' glen was still, 
 
 Noontide was sleeping on the hill : 
 
 Sudden liis guide whooped loud and high — 490 
 
 " Murdoch ! was that a signal cry ? " — 
 
 He stammered forth, " I shout to scare 
 
 Yon raven from his dainty fare." 
 
 He looked — he knew the raven's prey, 
 
 His own brave steed : " Ah ! gallant gray ! 495 
 
 For thee — for me, perchance — 'twere well 
 
 We ne'er had seen the Trosachs' dell. — 
 
 Murdoch, move first — but silently ; 
 
 Whistle or whoop, and thou shalt die I " 
 
 Jealous and sullen on they fared, 500 
 
 Each silent, each upon his guard. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 Now wound the path its dizzy ledge 
 
 Around a precipice's edge. 
 
 When lo ! a wasted female form. 
 
 Blighted by wrath of sun and storm, 505 
 
 In tattered weeds and wild array, 
 
 Stood on a cliff beside the way, 
 
 And glancing round her restless eye. 
 
 Upon the wood, the rock, the sky. 
 
 Seemed naught to mark, yet all to spy. 5io 
 
 Her brow was wreathed with gaudy broom ; 
 
 With gesture wild she waved a plume 
 
 Of feathers, which the eagles fling 
 
 To crag and cliff from dusky wing 
 
 500. Fared. Journeyed. — 506. Weeds. Dress. 
 
CANTO IV. THE PROPHECY. 129 
 
 Such spoils her desperate step had sought, 515 
 
 Where scarce was footing for the goat. 
 
 The tartan plaid she first descried, 
 
 And shrieked till all the rocks replied ; 
 
 As loud she laughed when near they drew. 
 
 For then the Lowland garb she knew ; 520 
 
 And then her hands she wildly wrung, 
 
 And then she wept, and then she sung — 
 
 She sung I — the voice, in better time. 
 
 Perchance to harp or lute might chime ; 
 
 And now, though strained and roughened, still 525 
 
 Rung wildly sweet to dale and hill. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 They bid me sleep, they bid me pray, 
 
 They say my brain is warped and wrung, — 
 
 I cannot sleep on Highland brae, 
 
 I cannot pray in Highland tongue. 530 
 
 But were I now where Allan glides, 
 
 Or heard my native Devan's tides. 
 
 So sweetly would I rest, and pray 
 
 That heaven would close my wintry day ! 
 
 'Twas thus my hair they bade me braid, 535 
 
 They made me to the church repair ; 
 
 It was my bridal morn they said, 
 
 And my true love would meet me there. 
 
 But woe betide the cruel guile 
 
 That drowned in blood the morning smile ! 540 
 
 531-532. Allan, Devan. Small streams tributary to the Forth. 
 539. Guile. Deceit. 
 
130 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 And woe betide the fairy dream ! 
 I only waked to sob and scream. 
 
 xxin. 
 
 " Who is this maid ? what means her lay ? 
 
 She hovers o'er the hollow way, 
 
 And flutters wide her mantle gray, 545 
 
 As the lone heron spreads his wing. 
 
 By twilight, o'er a haunted spring," 
 
 " 'Tis Blanche of Devan," Murdoch said, 
 
 " A crazed and captive Lowland maid, 
 
 Ta'en on the morn she was a bride, 550 
 
 When Roderick forayed De van-side. 
 
 The gay bridegroom resistance made, 
 
 And felt our Chief's unconquered blade. 
 
 I marvel she is now at large, 
 
 But oft she 'scapes from Maudlin's charge. — 555 
 
 Hence, brain-sick fool ! " — He raised his bow : — 
 
 " Now, if thou strik'st her but one blow, 
 
 I'll pitch thee from the cliff as far 
 
 As ever peasant pitched a bar ! " 
 
 " Thanks, champion, thanks I " the Maniac cried, 560 
 
 And pressed her to Fitz-James's side. 
 
 " See the graj^ pennons I prepare. 
 
 To seek my true love through the air ! 
 
 I will not lend that savage groom. 
 
 To break his fall, one downy plume ! 565 
 
 No ! — deep amid disjointed stones. 
 
 The wolves shall batten on his bones, 
 
 551. For'ayed. Plundered. 
 
 562. Pennons. Lar2:e wing-feathers. —567. Batten, Fatten. 
 
CAXTO IV. THE PROPHECY. 131 
 
 And then shall his detested plaid, 
 
 By bush and brier in mid-air stayed, 
 
 Wave forth a banner fair and free, 570 
 
 Meet signal for their revelry." 
 
 XXIY. 
 
 " Hush thee, poor maiden, and be still ! " 
 
 " O ! thou look'st kindly, and I will. 
 
 Mine eye has dried and wasted been. 
 
 But still it loves the Lincoln green ; 575 
 
 And, though mine ear is all unstrung, 
 
 Still, still it loves the Lowland tongue. 
 
 " For O my sweet William was forester true. 
 He stole poor Blanche's heart away ! 
 
 His coat it was all of the greenwood hue, 580 
 
 And so blithely he trilled the Lowland lay ! 
 
 " It was not that I meant to tell . . . 
 
 But thou art wise and guessest well." 
 
 Then, in a low and broken tone. 
 
 And hurried note, the song went on. 585 
 
 Still on the Clansman fearfully 
 
 She fixed her apprehensive eye. 
 
 Then turned it on the Knight, and then 
 
 Her look glanced wildly o'er the glen. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 " The toils are pitched, and the stakes are set, — soo 
 Ever sing merrily, merrily ; 
 
 578. my sweet William. The sight of the Lincoln green reminds 
 Blanche of her husband, and she is led to warn the stranger of his peril. 
 590. Toils. Xets, snares. 
 
132 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 The bows they bend, and the knives they whet, 
 Hunters live so cheerily. 
 
 " It was a stag, a stag of ten, 
 
 Bearing its branches sturdily ; 595 
 
 He came stately down the glen, — 
 
 Ever sing hardily, hardily. 
 
 " It was there he met with a wounded doe, 
 
 She was bleeding deathfully ; 
 She warned him of the toils below, 600 
 
 O, so faithfully, faithfully ! 
 
 " He had an eye, and he could heed, — 
 
 Ever sing warily, warily ; 
 He had a foot, and he could speed, — 
 
 Hunters watch so narrowly." 605 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 Fitz-James's mind was passion-tossed, 
 
 When Ellen's hints and fears were lost ; 
 
 But Murdoch's shout suspicion wrought, 
 
 And Blanche's song conviction brought. 
 
 Not like a stag that spies the snare, eio 
 
 But lion of the hunt aware. 
 
 He waved at once his blade on high, 
 
 " Disclose thy treachery, or die ! " 
 
 Forth at full speed the Clansman flew, 
 
 But in his race his bow he drew. 6i5 
 
 593. Hunters live so cheerily, etc. The hunters are Clan- Alpine's 
 men; the stag of ten is Fitz- James; the wounded doe is Blanche herself. 
 
 594. Stag of ten. Stag having ten branches on his horns. 
 603. Warily. Cautiously. — G08. Wrought. Worked; caused. 
 
CANTO IV. THE PROPHECY. 133 
 
 The shaft just grazed Fitz-James's crest, 
 
 And thrilled in Blanche's faded breast. — 
 
 Murdoch of Alpine ! prove thy speed, 
 
 For ne'er had Alpine's son such need ; 
 
 With heart of fire, and foot of wind, 620 
 
 The fierce avenger is behind ! 
 
 Fate judges of the rapid strife — 
 
 The forfeit death — the prize is life ; 
 
 Thy kindred ambush lies before, 
 
 Close couched upon the heathery moor ; 625 
 
 Them couldst thou reach ! — it may not be — 
 
 Thine ambushed kin thou ne'er shalt see. 
 
 The fiery Saxon gains on thee I — 
 
 Resistless speeds the deadly thrust, 
 
 As lightning strikes the pine to dust ; 630 
 
 With foot and hand Fitz-James must strain 
 
 Ere he can win his blade again. 
 
 Bent o'er the fallen with falcon eye. 
 
 He grimly smiled to see him die, 
 
 Then slower wended back his way, 635 
 
 Where the poor maiden bleeding lay. 
 
 xxvn. 
 
 She sat beneath the birchen tree. 
 
 Her elbow resting on her knee ; 
 
 She had withdrawn the fatal shaft, 
 
 And gazed on it, and feebly laughed ; 640 
 
 Her wreath of broom and feathers gray. 
 
 Daggled with blood, beside her lay. 
 
 623, Forfeit. Penalty; fine. — G24. Ambush. Armed men lyiug cou- 
 cealod. — 042. Daggled. Spattered. 
 
134 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 The Knight to stanch the life-stream tried, — 
 
 " Stranger, it is in vain ! " she cried. 
 
 " This hour of death has given me more 645 
 
 Of reason's power than years before ; 
 
 For, as these ebbing veins decay, 
 
 My frenzied visions fade away. 
 
 A helpless injured wretch I die, 
 
 And something tells me in thine eye 650 
 
 That thou wert mine avenger born. 
 
 Seest thou this tress? — O, still I've worn 
 
 This little tress of yellow hair. 
 
 Through danger, frenzy, and despair ! 
 
 It once was bright and clear as thine, 655 
 
 But blood and tears have dimmed its shine. 
 
 I will not tell thee when 'twas shred, 
 
 Nor from what guiltless victim's head, — 
 
 My brain would turn ! — but it shall wave 
 
 Like plumage on thy helmet brave, 660 
 
 Till sun and wind shall bleach the stain, 
 
 And thou wilt bring it me again. 
 
 I waver still. — O God ! more bright 
 
 Let reason beam her parting light I — 
 
 O, by thy knighthood's honored sign, 665 
 
 And for thy life preserved by mine, 
 
 When thou shalt see a darksome man. 
 
 Who boasts him Chief of Alpine's Clan, 
 
 With tartans broad and shadowy plume, 
 
 And hand of blood, and brow of gloom, 670 
 
 Be thy heart bold, thy weapon strong. 
 
 And wreak poor Blanche of Devan's Avrong ! — 
 
 648. Frenzied Distracted. — 657. Shred. Rent, torn. 
 
CANTO IV. 
 
 THE PROrHECY. 135 
 
 They watch for thee by pass and fell . . . 
 Avoid the path . . . O God ! . . . farewell." 
 
 . XXVIII. 
 
 A kindly heart had brave Fitz-Janies ; 675 
 
 Fast poured his eyes at pity's claims ; 
 
 And now, with mingled grief and ire, 
 
 He saw the murdered maid expire. 
 
 " God, in my need, be my relief. 
 
 As I wreak this on yonder Chief ! " 680 
 
 A lock from Blanche's tresses fair 
 
 He blended with her bridegroom's hair; 
 
 The mingled braid in blood he dyed, 
 
 And placed it on his bonnet-side: 
 
 " By Him whose word is truth, I swear, 685 
 
 No other favor will I wear. 
 
 Till this sad token I imbrue 
 
 In the best blood of Roderick Dhu ! — 
 
 But hark ! what means yon faint halloo ? 
 
 The chase is up, — but they shall know, 690 
 
 The stag at bay's a dangerous foe." 
 
 Barred from the known but guarded way, 
 
 Through copse and cliffs Fitz-James must stray, 
 
 And oft must change his desperate track. 
 
 By stream and precipice turned back. 605 
 
 Heartless, fatigued, and faint, at length. 
 
 From lack of food and loss of strength. 
 
 He couched him in a thicket hoar. 
 
 And thought his toils and perils o'er : — 
 
 ().S0. Wreak. Avenge.— 080. Favor. Gift of a lady to a Knight, as 
 a glove or a scarf to be worn by him. — 087. Imbrue. Drench. 
 
136 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 " Of all my rash adventures past, too 
 
 This frantic feat must prove the last ! 
 
 Who e'er so mad but might have guessed 
 
 That all this Highland hornet's nest 
 
 Would muster up in swarms so soon 
 
 As e'er they heard of bands at Doune ? — 705 
 
 Like bloodhounds now they search me out, — 
 
 Hark, to the whistle and the shout ! — 
 
 If farther through the wilds I go, 
 
 I only fall upon the foe : 
 
 I'll couch me here till evening gray, 7io 
 
 Then darkling try my dangerous way." 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 The shades of eve come slowly down. 
 
 The woods are wrapt in deeper brown, 
 
 The owl awakens from her dell, 
 
 The fox is heard upon the fell ; 715 
 
 Enough remains of glimmering light 
 
 To guide the wanderer's steps aright, 
 
 Yet not enough from far to show 
 
 His figure to the watchful foe. 
 
 With cautious step and ear awake, 720 
 
 He climbs the crag and threads the brake * 
 
 And not the summer solstice there 
 
 Tempered the midnight mountain air. 
 
 But every breeze that swept the wold 
 
 Benumbed his drenched limbs with cold. 725 
 
 In dread, in danger, and alone. 
 
 Famished and chilled, through ways unknown, 
 
 722. Summer solstice. The longest clay, when the heat is greatest. 
 
CANTO IV. THE PROPHECY. 137 
 
 Tangled and steep, he journeyed on ; 
 Till, as a. rock's huge j^oint he turned, 
 A watch-fire close before him burned. 
 
 730 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Beside its embers red and clear, 
 
 Basked in his plaid a mountaineer ; 
 
 And up he sprung with sword in hand, — 
 
 " Thy name and purpose ! Saxon, stand ! " 
 
 " A stranger." " What dost thou require? " 735 
 
 " Rest and a guide, and food and fire. 
 
 My life's beset, my path is lost. 
 
 The gale has chilled my limbs with frost." 
 
 " Art thou a friend to Roderick ? " " No " 
 
 " Thou dar'st not call thyself a foe ? " 740 
 
 " I dare ! to him and all the band 
 
 He brings to aid his murderous hand." 
 
 "Bold words! — but, though the beast of game 
 
 The privilege of chase may claim, 
 
 Though space and law the stag we lend, 745 
 
 Ere hound we slip or bow we bend, 
 
 Who ever recked, where, how, or when. 
 
 The prowling fox Avas trapped or slain ? 
 
 Thus treacherous scouts, — yet sure they lie. 
 
 Who say thou cam'st a secret spy ! " — 750 
 
 " They do, by heaven ! — come Roderick Dim, 
 
 And of his clan the boldest two, 
 
 And let me but till morning rest, 
 
 I write the falsehood on their crest." 
 
 732. Basked. Lay exposed to genial heat. 
 74G. Slip. Let loose for the game. 
 
138 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto iv. 
 
 " If by the blaze I mark aright, 755 
 
 Thou bear'st the belt and spur of Knight." 
 
 " Then by these tokens mayst thou know 
 
 Each proud oppressor's mortal foe." 
 
 "Enough, enough; sit down and share 
 
 A soldier's couch, a soldier's fare." 760 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 He gave him of his Highland cheer. 
 
 The hardened flesh of mountain deer ; 
 
 Dry fuel on the fire he laid, 
 
 And bade the Saxon share his plaid. 
 
 He tended him like welcome guest, 765 
 
 Then thus his further speech addressed : — 
 
 " Stranger, I am to Roderick Dhu 
 
 A clansman born, a kinsman true ; 
 
 Each wordiagainst his honor spoke 
 
 Demands of me avenging stroke ; 770 
 
 Yet more, — upon thy fate, 'tis said, 
 
 A mighty augury is laid. 
 
 It rests with me to wind my horn, — 
 
 Thou art with numbers overborne ; 
 
 It rests with me, here, brand to brand, 775 
 
 Worn as thou art, to bid thee stand : 
 
 But, not for clan, nor kindred's cause. 
 
 Will I depart from honor's laws ; 
 
 To assail a wearied man were shame, 
 
 And stranger is a holy name ; . 780 
 
 762. Hardened flesh. The Scottish Highlanders in former times had a 
 way of preparing their venison without cooking, by simply pressing it be- 
 tween two pieces of wood, so as to force out the blood and render it ex- 
 tremely hard. This was considered a great delicacy. 
 
CANTO IV. THE PROPHECY. 139 
 
 Guidance and rest, and food and fire, 
 
 In vain he never must require. 
 
 Then rest thee here till dawn of day ; 
 
 Myself will guide thee on the way, 
 
 O'er stock and stone, through watch and ward, 785 
 
 Till past Clan- Alpine's outmost guard. 
 
 As far as Coilantogle's ford ; 
 
 From thence thy warrant is thy sword." 
 
 " I take thy courtesy, by heaven. 
 
 As freely as 'tis nobly given ! " 790 
 
 "Well, rest thee ; for the bittern's cry 
 
 Sings us the lake's wild lullaby." 
 
 With that he shook the gathered heath, 
 
 And spread his plaid upon the wreath; 
 
 And the brave foemen, side by side, 795 
 
 Lay peaceful down like brothers tried, 
 
 And slept until the dawning beam 
 
 Purpled the mountain and the stream. 
 
 785. Through watch and ward. Through the midst of those who keep 
 watch by night and guard by day. 
 
 787. Coilantogle's ford. On arriving at Coilantogle's ford, near the 
 foot of Loch Vennachar, Fitz-James, having passed beyond the limits of 
 the lawless Highlands, came within the district loyal to the Scottish king, 
 and, therefore, needed no further protection from the Highland chief. 
 
 788. Warrant. Safeguard. 
 
OUTLINE OF CANTO FIFTH. 
 
 After a hasty morning meal the two start upon their journey, 
 and the Gael's enquiries as to the knight's object in thus venturing 
 in these wilds without a pass from the chief lead to an interesting 
 conversation betwixt them. Fitz-James shows that Roderick's 
 suspicions of a war-gathering are mistaken, but hints that his 
 preparations may possibly lead to an encounter which had not 
 been intended. He avows his enmity against Roderick, with 
 whom he has vowed to match himself, and expresses the keenest 
 desire to meet " the rebel chieftain and his band." " Have, then, 
 thy wish," is the reply. His companion's shrill signal makes the 
 whole hillside bristle with armed men, who have been lying concealed 
 among the heather and the bracken, and the guide proclaims him- 
 self the very man whom he seeks. At a fresh sign the warriors 
 disappear as suddenly as they sprang to light, and the two pursue 
 their course. They pass the foot of Lake Vennachar, and at last 
 reach the ford, which is the limit of Roderick's protection. There 
 Fitz-James must defend himself with his own sword. The Gael, 
 to make the fight more equal, throws away his targe, and thus the 
 science which makes the good blade both sword and shield gives 
 the knight the advantage over his adversary. The latter, thrice 
 severely wounded, loses his sword, but makes a final effort, and 
 springs at his opponent's throat. Clasj)ed in his strong arms the 
 knight falls under him, and the issue of the fight would have been 
 changed had not Roderick turned giddy from loss of blood and 
 missed his aim. Poor Blanche is thus revenged. The victor 
 winds his bugle, and four attendants come galloping to the spot. 
 Leaving two of them to look to the wounded man, he hastes with 
 the others back to Stirling. As they come to the castle they catch 
 sight of the Douglas, who comes to give himself up to the king 
 
OUTLINE OF CANTO FIFTH. 141 
 
 in the hope of liberating the Graeme, and of saving Roderick from 
 a calamitous war. On his arrival he finds the town in a bustle of 
 preparation for the burghers' sports, and determines to take part 
 in them, and so introduce himself to the king. He proves victor 
 in all that he undertakes, so that the multitude begin to suspect 
 who he is ; but the king gives him the prize as to an utter stranger. 
 All this he bears patiently ; but when his hound, Ellen's plajrfellow, 
 is maltreated by the king's huntsman, he can bear it no longer, and, 
 with a sound cuff, stretches the offender on the ground, and pro- 
 claims himself and his purpose in coming. He is carried off cap- 
 tive to the castle. The people attempt a rescue, but are appeased 
 by Douglas himself, and retire, though with gloomy forebodings of 
 his fate. 
 
 While the king is brooding over the fickleness of the crowd, a 
 messenger comes from the Earl of Mar to warn him that Clan- 
 Alpine is rising, and that he must confine his sport to guarded 
 ground. The earl himself is gone to quell the rising, and hopes 
 soon to encounter the foe. James sends in all speed to stay the 
 army's march, as Roderick is already a captive, and the people 
 must not suffer for his crimes. But the message, as will be seen, 
 comes too late. — Taylor. 
 
A 
 
 THE COMBAT. 
 I. 
 
 Fair as the earliest beam of eastern light, 
 
 When first, by the bewildered pilgrim spied. 
 It smiles upon the dreary brow of night, 
 
 And silvers o'er the torrent's foaming tide. 
 And lights the fearful path on mountain-side, — 5 
 
 Fair as that beam, although the fairest far, 
 Giving to horror grace, to danger pride. 
 
 Shine martial Faith, and Courtesy's bright star. 
 Through all the wreckful storms that cloud the 
 \ brow of War. 
 
 II. 
 
 That early beam, so fair and sheen, lo 
 
 Was twinkling through the hazel screen, 
 
 When, rousing at its glimmer red. 
 
 The warriors left their lowly bed. 
 
 Looked out upon the dappled sky, 
 
 Muttered their soldier matins by, 15 
 
 And then awaked their fire, to steal. 
 
 As short and rude, their soldier meal. 
 
 That o'er, the Gael around him threw 
 
 8. Martial. AVarlike. — 14. Dappled. Spotted. — 16. To steal their 
 meal. To eat hurriedly. — 18. Gael. The Highlander is called f/ae^, and 
 the Lowlauder Saxon. 
 
CANTO V 
 
 THE COMBAT. 143 
 
 20 
 
 His graceful plaid of varied hue, 
 
 And, true to promise, led the way, 
 
 By thicket green and mountain gray. 
 
 A wildering path ! — they winded now 
 
 Along the precipice's brow. 
 
 Commanding the rich scenes beneath. 
 
 The windings of the Forth and Teith, 25 
 
 And all the vales between that lie, 
 
 Till Stirling's turrets melt in sky; 
 
 Then, sunk in copse, their farthest glance 
 
 Gained not the length of horseman's lance. 
 
 'Twas oft so steep, the foot was fain 30 
 
 Assistance from the hand to gain ; 
 
 So tangled oft that, bursting through. 
 
 Each hawthorn shed her showers of dew, — 
 
 That diamond dew, so pure and clear, 
 
 It rivals all but Beauty's tear ! 35 
 
 III. 
 
 At leno-th thev came where, stern and steep. 
 
 The hill sinks down upon the deep. 
 
 Here Vennachar in silver flows. 
 
 There, ridge on ridge, Benledi rose ; 
 
 Ever the hollow path twined on, 40 
 
 Beneath steep bank and threatening stone ; 
 
 A hundred men might hold the post 
 
 With hardihood against a host. 
 
 The rugged mountain's scanty cloak 
 
 Was dwarfish shrubs of birch and oak, 45 
 
 With shingles bare, and cliffs between. 
 
 And patches bright of bracken green, 
 
 46. Shingles. Gravel. 
 
144 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 And heather black, that waved so high, 
 
 It held the copse in rivalry. 
 
 But where the lake slept deep and still, so 
 
 Dank osiers fringed the swamp and hill ; 
 
 And oft both path and hill were torn, 
 
 Where wintry torrent down had borne, 
 
 And heaped upon the cumbered land 
 
 Its wreck of gravel, rocks, and sand. 55 
 
 So toilsome was the road to trace. 
 
 The guide, abating of his pace, 
 
 Led slowly through the pass's jaws. 
 
 And asked Fitz-James by what strange cause 
 
 He sought these wilds, traversed by few, oo 
 
 Without a pass from Roderick Dhu. 
 
 IV. 
 
 " Brave Gael, my pass, in danger tried, 
 
 Hangs in my belt and by my side ; 
 
 Yet, sooth to tell," the Saxon said, 
 
 " I dreamt not now to claim its aid. 65 
 
 When here, but three days since, I came. 
 
 Bewildered in pursuit of game. 
 
 All seemed as peaceful and as still 
 
 As the mist slumbering on yon hill ; 
 
 Thy dangerous Chief was then afar, 70 
 
 Nor soon expected back from war. 
 
 Thus said, at least, my mountain-guide, 
 
 Though deep perchance the villain lied." 
 
 " Yet why a second venture try ? " 
 
 " A warrior thou, and ask me why ! — 75 
 
 51. Dank osiers. Damp willows. 
 
CANTO V. THE COMBAT. 145 
 
 Moves our free course by such fixed cause 
 
 As gives the poor mechanic laws ? 
 
 Enough, I sought to drive away 
 
 The lazy hours of peaceful day; 
 
 Slight cause will then suffice to guide 80 
 
 A Knight's free footsteps far and wide, — 
 
 A falcon flown, a greyhound strayed, 
 
 The merry glance of mountain maid ; 
 
 Or, if a path be dangerous known, 
 
 The danger's self is lure alone." 85 
 
 V. 
 
 '' Thy secret keep, I urge thee not ; — 
 
 Yet, ere again ye sought this spot. 
 
 Say, heard ye naught of Lowland war, 
 
 Against Clan- Alpine, raised by Mar ? " 
 
 " No, by my word ; — of bands prepared 90 
 
 To guard King James's sports I heard ; 
 
 Nor doubt I aught, but, when they hear 
 
 This muster of the mountaineer. 
 
 Their pennons will abroad be flung. 
 
 Which else in Doune had peaceful hung." 95 
 
 " Free be they flung ! for Ave were loath 
 
 Their silken folds should feast the moth. 
 
 Free be they flung ! — as free shall wave 
 
 Clan-Alpine's pine in banner brave. 
 
 But, stranger, peaceful since you came, lOO 
 
 Bewildered in the mountain-game, 
 
 85. Lure. Enticement: that which invites by the prospect of advantage 
 or pleasure. — 03. Muster. Gathering. — 94. Pennons. Flags or streamers. 
 95. Doune. Note, Canto V., line 492. 
 
146 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 Whence the bold boast by which you show 
 
 Vich-Alpine's vowed and mortal foe ? " 
 
 " Warrior, but yester-morn I knew 
 
 Naught of thy Chieftain, Roderick Dhu, 105 
 
 Save as an outlawed, desperate man, 
 
 The chief of a rebellious clan, 
 
 Who, in the Regent's court and sight. 
 
 With ruffian dagger stabbed a knight ; 
 
 Yet this alone might from his part no 
 
 Sever each true and loyal heart." 
 
 VI. 
 
 Wrathful at such arraignment foul. 
 
 Dark lowered the clansman's sable scowl. 
 
 A space he paused, then sternly said, 
 
 "And heardst thou why he drew his blade ? ii5 
 
 Heardst thou that shameful word and blow 
 
 Brought Roderick's vengeance on his foe ? 
 
 What recked the Chieftain if he stood 
 
 On Highland heath or Holy-Rood ? 
 
 He rights such wrong where it is given, 120 
 
 If it were in the court of heaven." 
 
 " Still was it outrage ; — yet, 'tis true. 
 
 Not then claimed sovereignty his due ; 
 
 While Albany with feeble hand 
 
 Held borrowed truncheon of command, 125 
 
 The young King, mewed in Stirling tower, 
 
 Was stranger to respect and power. 
 
 112. Arraignment. Accusation. —113. Lowered. Frowned. 
 
 119. Holy Rood. Note, Canto 11., line 221. — 124. Albany. John 
 Stewart, Duke of Albany, was regent or ruler during the minority of the 
 king. — 125. Truncheon. Staff. — 126. Mewed. Imprisoned. 
 
 127. Stranger to respect and power. There is scarcely a more dis- 
 
CANTO V. THE COMBAT. 147 
 
 But then, thy Chieftain's robber life I — 
 Winning mean prey by causeless strife, 
 Wrenching from ruined Lowland swain 130 
 
 His herds and harvest reared in vain, — 
 Methinks a soul like thine should scorn 
 The spoils from such foul foray borne." 
 
 VII. 
 
 The Gael beheld him grim the while. 
 
 And answered with disdainful smile : 135 
 
 " Saxon, from yonder mountain high, 
 
 I marked thee send delighted eye 
 
 Far to the south and east, where lay. 
 
 Extended in succession gay, 
 
 Deep waving fields and pastures green, 140 
 
 With gentle slopes and groves between : — 
 
 These fertile plains, that softened vale. 
 
 Were once the birthright of the Gael, 
 
 The stranger came with iron hand. 
 
 And from our fathers reft the land. 145 
 
 Where dwell we now ? See, rudely swell 
 
 Crag over crag, and fell o'er fell. 
 
 Ask we this savage hill we tread 
 
 For fattened steer or household bread, 
 
 Ask we for flocks these shingles dry, 15C 
 
 And well the mountain might reply, — 
 
 ' To you, as to your sires of yore, 
 
 Belong the target and claymore ! 
 
 orderly period in Scottish history than that which succeeded the battle of 
 riodden, and occupied the minority of James V. Feuds of ancient stand- 
 ing broke out like old wounds, and every quarrel among the independent 
 nobility, which occurred daily, and almost hourly, gave rise to fresh blood- 
 shed. Scott. 
 
148 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 I give you shelter in my breast, 
 
 Your own good blades must win the rest.' 155 
 
 Pent in this fortress of the North, 
 
 Think'st thou we will not sally forth, 
 
 To spoil the spoiler as we may. 
 
 And from the robber rend the prey? 
 
 Ay, by my soul ! — While on yon plain 160 
 
 The Saxon rears one shock of grain. 
 
 While of ten thousand herds there strays 
 
 But one along yon river's maze, — 
 
 The Gael, of plain and river heir. 
 
 Shall with strong hand redeem his share. 165 
 
 Where live the mountain Chiefs who hold 
 
 That plundering Lowland field and fold 
 
 Is aught but retribution true ? 
 
 Seek other cause 'gainst Roderick Dhu." 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Answered Fitz-James : " And, if I sought, 170 
 Think'st thou no other could be brought ? 
 What deem ye of my path waylaid? 
 My life given o'er to ambuscade?" 
 
 156. Pent. Shut up. — 161. Shock. A pile of sheaves or bundles of 
 grain. — 163. Maze. Wiuding course. 
 
 169. Seek other cause 'gainst Roderick Dhu. So far, indeed, was a 
 Crecu/h, or foray, from being held disgraceful, that a young chief was 
 always expected to show his talents for command, so soon as he assumed it, 
 by leading his clan on a successful enterprise of this nature, either against 
 a neighboring sept, for which constant feuds usually furnished an apology, 
 or against the Saxons, or Lowlanders, for which no apology was necessary. 
 The Gael, great traditional historians, never forgot that the Lowlands bad, 
 at some remote period, been the property of their Celtic forefathers, which 
 furnished an ample vindication of all the ravages that they could make o'n 
 the unfortunate districts which lay within their reach. Scott. 
 
 173. Ambuscade. A concealed place where troops lie hidden. 
 
CANTO V. THE COMBAT. 149 
 
 " As of a meed to rashness due : 
 
 Hadst thou sent warning fair and true, — 175 
 
 I seek my hound or falcon strayed, 
 
 I seek, good faith, a Highland maid, — 
 
 Free hadst thou been to come and go ; 
 
 But secret path marks secret foe. 
 
 Nor yet for this, even as a spy, iso 
 
 Hadst thou, unheard, been doomed to die, 
 
 Save to fulfil an augury." 
 
 "Well, let it pass; nor will I now 
 
 Fresh cause of enmity avow. 
 
 To chafe thy mood and cloud thy brow. 185 
 
 Enough, I am by j^romise tied 
 
 To match me with this man of pride : 
 
 Twice have I sought Clan- Alpine's glen 
 
 In peace ; but when I come again, 
 
 I come with banner, brand, and bow, 190 
 
 As leader seeks his mortal foe. 
 
 For love-lorn swain in lady's bower 
 
 Ne'er panted for the appointed hour, 
 
 As I, until before me stand 
 
 This rebel Chieftain and his band ! " 195 
 
 IX. 
 
 " Have then thy wish ' " — He whistled shrill. 
 
 And he was answered from the hill ; 
 
 Wild as the scream of the curlew, 
 
 From crag to crag the signal flew. 
 
 Instant, through copse and heath, arose 200 
 
 Bonnets and spears and bended bows ; 
 
 198. Curlew. Wading-bird frequenting the sea-shore in winter and the 
 mountains in summer. 
 
150 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 On right, on left, above, below, 
 
 Sprung up at once the lurking foe ; 
 
 From shingles gray their lances start. 
 
 The bracken busli sends forth the dart, 205 
 
 The rushes and the willow-wand 
 
 Are bristling into axe and brand. 
 
 And every tuft of broom gives life 
 
 To plaided w^arrior armed for strife. 
 
 That whistle garrisoned the glen 210 
 
 At once with full five hundred men. 
 
 As if the yawning liill to heaven 
 
 A subterranean host had given. 
 
 Watching their leader's beck and will. 
 
 All silent there they stood and still. 215 
 
 Like the loose crags whose threatening mass 
 
 Lay tottering o'er the hollow pass. 
 
 As if an infant's touch could urge 
 
 Their headlong passage down the verge. 
 
 With step and weapon forward flung, 220 
 
 Upon the mountain-side they hung. 
 
 The Mountaineer cast glance of pride 
 
 Along Benledi's living side. 
 
 Then fixed his eye and sable brow 
 
 Full on Fitz-James: "How say'st thou now? 225 
 
 These are Clan-Alj^ine's warriors true ; 
 
 And, Saxon, — I am Roderick Dhu ! " 
 
 X. 
 
 Fitz-James was brave : — though to his heart 
 The life-blood thrilled with sudden start, 
 
 210. Garrisoned. Defended. —213. Subterranean. Lying under the 
 surface of the earth. — 214. Beck. Nod. 
 

 CANTO V. THE COMBAT. 151 
 
 He manned himself with dauntless air, 230 
 
 Returned the Chief his haughty stare, 
 
 His back against a rock he bore, 
 
 And firmly placed his foot before : — 
 
 "Come one, come all! this rock shall fly 
 
 From its firm base as soon as I." 235 
 
 Sir Roderick marked, — and in his eyes 
 
 Respect was mingled with surprise. 
 
 And the stern joy which warriors feel 
 
 In foeman worthy of their steel. 
 
 Short space he stood — then waved his hand: 240 
 
 Down sunk the disappearing band ; 
 
 Each warrior vanished where he stood. 
 
 In broom or bracken, heath or wood ; 
 
 Sunk brand and spear and bended bow. 
 
 In osiers pale and copses low ; 245 
 
 It seemed as if their mother Earth 
 
 Had swallowed up her warlike birth. 
 
 The wind's last breath had tossed in air 
 
 Pennon and plaid and plumage fair, — 
 
 The next but swept a lone hill-side, 250 
 
 Where heath and fern were Avaving wide : 
 
 The sun's last glance was glinted back 
 
 From spear and glaive, from targe and jack, — 
 
 The next, all unreflected, shone 
 
 On bracken green and cold gray stone. 255 
 
 xr. 
 
 Fitz-James looked round, — yet scarce believed 
 The witness that his sight received ; 
 
 252. Glinted. Flashed. —253. Prom targe and jack. From shield 
 and coat of armor. The peasant's coat of armor was a leathern jacket. 
 
152 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 Such apparition well might seem 
 
 Delusion of a dreadful dream. 
 
 Sir Roderick in suspense he eyed, 260 
 
 And to his look the Chief replied : 
 
 " Fear naught — nay, that I need not say — 
 
 But — doubt not aught from mine array. 
 
 Thou art my guest ; — I pledged my word 
 
 As far as Coilantogle ford : 265 
 
 Nor would I call a clansman's brand 
 
 For aid against one valiant hand. 
 
 Though on our strife lay every vale 
 
 Rent by the Saxon from the Gael. 
 
 So move we on; — I only meant 270 
 
 To show the reed on which you leant. 
 
 Deeming this path you might pursue 
 
 Without a pass from Roderick Dhu." 
 
 They moved ; — I said Fitz-James was brave 
 
 As ever knight that belted glaive, 275 
 
 Yet dare not say that now his blood 
 
 Kept on its wont and tempered flood, 
 
 As, following Roderick's stride, he drew 
 
 That seeming lonesome pathway through, 
 
 Which yet by fearful proof was rife 280 
 
 With lances, that, to take his life, 
 
 Waited but signal from a guide. 
 
 So late dishonored and defied. 
 
 258. Apparition. Sudden appearance. — 259. Delusion. Deception. 
 
 260. Suspense. Dread uncertainty. 
 
 273. "Without a pass from Roderick Dhu. This incident, like some 
 other passages in the poem, illustrative of the character of the ancient 
 Gael, is not imaginary, but borrowed from fact. The Highlanders, with 
 the inconsistency of most nations in the same state, were alternately capable 
 of great exertions of generosity, and of cruel revenge and perfidy. Scott. 
 
CANTO V. THE COMBAT. 153 
 
 Ever, by stealth, his eye sought round 
 
 The vanished guardians of the ground, 285 
 
 And still from copse and heather deep 
 
 Fancy saw spear and broadsword peep. 
 
 And in the plover's shrilly strain 
 
 The signal whistle heard again. 
 
 Nor breathed he free till far behind 290 
 
 The pass was left , for then they wind 
 
 Along a wide and level green. 
 
 Where neither tree nor tuft was seen, 
 
 Nor rush nor bush of broom was near, 
 
 To hide a bonnet or a spear. 295 
 
 XII. 
 
 The Chief in silence strode before. 
 
 And reached that torrent's sounding shore, 
 
 Which, daughter of three mighty lakes, 
 
 From Yennachar in silver breaks. 
 
 Sweeps through the plain, and ceaseless mines 300 
 
 On Bochastle the mouldering lines, 
 
 Where Rome, the Empress of the world. 
 
 Of yore her eagle wings unfurled. 
 
 And here his course the Chieftain stayed, 
 
 288. Plover. A bird frequenting the sea-shore and banks of rivers. 
 
 298. Three mighty lakes. Katrine, Achray, and Yennachar. 
 
 301. Bochastle. The torrent which discharges itself from Loch Yen- 
 nachar, the lowest and eastmost of the three lakes which form the scenery 
 adjoining to the Trosachs, sweeps through a flat and extensive moor called 
 Bochastle. Upon a small eminence called the Bun of Bochastle, and, in- 
 deed, on the plain itself, are some intrenchments which have been thought 
 Roman. Pcott. 
 
 303. Eagle wings unfurled. The eagle was the principal standard of 
 the Roman army. 
 
154 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 Threw down his target and his plaid, 305 
 
 And to the Lowland warrior said : 
 
 " Bold Saxon ! to his promise just, 
 
 Vich-Alpine has discharged his trust. 
 
 This murderous Chief, this ruthless man. 
 
 This head of a rebellious clan, 310 
 
 Hath led thee safe, through watch and ward. 
 
 Far past Clan-Alpine's outmost guard. 
 
 Now, man to man, and steel to steel, 
 
 A Chieftain's vengeance thou shalt feel. 
 
 See, here all vantageless I stand, 315 
 
 Armed like thyself with single brand ; 
 
 For this is Coilantogle ford. 
 
 And thou must keep thee with thy sword." 
 
 XIII. 
 
 The Saxon paused: "I ne'er delayed. 
 
 When foeman bade me draw my blade ; 320 
 
 Nay more, brave Chief, I vowed thy death ; 
 
 Yet sure thy fair and generous faith. 
 
 And my deep debt for life preserved, 
 
 A better meed have well deserved : 
 
 Can naught but blood or feud atone ? 325 
 
 Are there no means ? " — " No, stranger, none ! 
 
 And hear, — to fire thy flagging zeal, — 
 
 The Saxon cause rests on thy steel; 
 
 For thus spoke Fate by prophet bred 
 
 Between the living and the dead : 330 
 
 'Who spills the foremost foeman's life, 
 
 His party conquers in the strife.' " 
 
 " Then, by my word," the Saxon said, 
 
 " The riddle is already read. 
 
CANTO V. THE COMBAT. I55 
 
 Seek yonder brake beneath the cliff, 335 
 
 . There lies Red Murdoch, stark and stiff. 
 Thus Fate hath solved her prophecy ; 
 Then yield to Fate, and not to me. 
 To James at Stirlino- let us go. 
 When, if thou wilt be still his foe, 
 Or if the King shall not agree 
 To grant thee grace and favor free, 
 I plight mine honor, oath, and word 
 That, to thy native strengths restored, 
 With each advantage shalt thou stand 
 That aids thee now to guard thy land." 
 
 340 
 
 345 
 
 XIV. 
 
 Dark lightning flashed from Roderick's eye : 
 '' Soars thy presumption, then, so high. 
 Because a wretched kern ye slew. 
 Homage to name to Roderick Dhu ? 350 
 
 He yields not, he, to man nor Fate I 
 
 Thou add'st but fuel to my hate ; 
 
 My clansman's blood demands revenge. 
 
 Not yet prepared? — By heaven, I change 
 
 My thought, and hold thy valor light 355 
 
 As that of some vain carpet knight. 
 
 Who ill deserved my courteous care, 
 
 And whose best boast is but to wear 
 
 A braid of his fair lady's hair." 
 
 " I thank thee, Roderick, for the word ! m 
 
 It nerves my heart, it steels my sword ; 
 
 350. Homage. Deference, submission. 
 
 35G. Carpet knight. One who wins his honors in royal halls by 
 favoritism rather than by bravery on the battle-field. 
 
156 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 For I have sworn this braid to stain 
 
 In the best blood that warms th}^ vein. 
 
 Now, trnce, farewell ! and, ruth, begone ! — 
 
 Yet think not that by thee alone, 365 
 
 Proud Chief ! can courtesy be shown ; £.^ 'j 
 
 Though not from copse, or heath, or can-n, 
 
 Start at my whistle clansmen stern, 
 
 Of this small horn one feeble blast 
 
 Would fearful odds against thee cast. sto 
 
 But fear not — doubt not — which thou wilt — 
 
 We try this quarrel hilt to hilt." 
 
 Then each at once his falchion drew, 
 
 Each on the ground his scabbard threw, 
 
 Each looked to sun and stream and plain 375 
 
 As what they ne'er might see again ; 
 
 Then foot and point and eye opposed, 
 
 In dubious strife they darkly closed. 
 
 XY. 
 
 Ill fared it then with Roderick Dhu, 
 
 That on the field his targe he threw, 380 
 
 Whose brazen studs and tough bull-hide 
 
 Had death so often dashed aside ; 
 
 For, trained abroad his arms to wield, 
 
 Fitz-James's blade was sword and shield. 
 
 He practised every pass and ward, 385 
 
 To thrust, to strike, to feint, to guard ; 
 
 364. Truce. Temporary cessation of hostilities. — Ruth. Pity. 
 
 380. His targe he threw, etc. A round target of light wood, covered 
 with strong leather, and studded with brass or iron, was a necessary part 
 of a Highlander's equipment. In charging regular troops, they received 
 the thrust of the bayonet in this buckler, twisted it aside, and used the 
 broadsword against the encumbered soldier. Scott. 
 
 386. Feint. To pretend an attack. 
 
CANTO V. THE COMBAT. 157 
 
 While less expert, though stronger far, 
 
 The Gael maintained unequal war. 
 
 Three times in closing strife they stood, 
 
 And thrice the Saxon blade drank blood ; 3<k) 
 
 No stinted draught, no scanty tide. 
 
 The gushing flood the tartans dyed. 
 
 Fierce Roderick felt the fatal drahi. 
 
 And showered his blows like wintry rain ; JLv"^^ 
 
 And, as firm rock or castle-roof 395 
 
 Against the winter shower is proof. 
 
 The foe, invulnerable still. 
 
 Foiled his wild rage by steady skill ; 
 
 Till, at advantage ta'en, his brand 
 
 Forced Roderick's weapon from his hand, 400 
 
 And backward borne upon the lea. 
 
 Brought the proud Chieftain to his knee. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 " Now yield thee, or by Him who made 
 The world, thy heart's blood dies my blade ! " 
 " Thy threats, thy mercy, T defy ! 405 
 
 Let recreant yield, who fears to die.'' 
 Like adder darting from his coil, /^.^*>wV» 
 Like wolf that dashes through the toil, ^^^^^^.^.xj)^ 
 Like mountain-cat who guards her young, ^^►vw^' 
 Full at Fitz- James's throat he sprung ; 4io 
 
 Received, but recked not of a Avound, 
 And locked his arms his foeman round. — 
 Now, gallant Saxon, hold thine own ! 
 No maiden's hand is round thee thrown! 
 
 406. Recreant, A cowardly wretch. 
 
158 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 That desperate grasp thy frame might feel 4i5 
 
 Through bars of brass and triple steel ! 
 
 They tug, they strain ! down, down they go, 
 
 The Gael above, Fitz-James below. 
 
 Tlie Chieftain's gripe his throat compressed. 
 
 His knee was planted on his breast ; 420 
 
 His clotted locks he backward threw, 
 
 Across his broAV his hand he drew, 
 
 From blood and mist to clear his sight, 
 
 Then gleamed aloft his dagger bright ! 
 
 But hate and fury ill supplied 425 
 
 The stream of life's exhausted tide. 
 
 And all too late the advantage came, 
 
 To turn the odds of deadly game ; 
 
 For, while the dagger gleamed on high. 
 
 Reeled soul and sense, reeled brain and eye. 430 
 
 Down came the blow ! but in the heath 
 
 The erring blade found bloodless sheath. 
 
 The struggling foe may now unclasp 
 
 The fainting Chief's relaxing grasp ; 
 
 Unwounded from the dreadful close, 435 
 
 But breathless all, Fitz-James arose. 
 
 xvir. 
 
 He faltered thanks to Heaven for life. 
 
 Redeemed, unhoped, from desperate strife ; 
 
 Next on his foe his look he cast. 
 
 Whose every gasp appeared his last ; 440 
 
 In Roderick's gore he dipped the braid, — 
 
 " Poor Blanche ! thy wrongs are dearly paid; 
 
 416. Triple steel. Three-fold armor. —435. Close. Grapple. 
 
CANTO V. THE COMBAT. 159 
 
 Yet with thy foe must die or live 
 
 The praise that faith and valor give." 
 
 With that he blew a bugle note, 445 
 
 Undid the collar from his throat, 
 
 Unbonneted, and by the wave 
 
 Sat doAvn his brow and hands to lave. 
 
 Then faint afar are heard the feet 
 
 Of rushing steeds in gallop fleet ; 450 
 
 The sounds increase, and now are seen 
 
 Four mounted squires in Lincoln green ; 
 
 Two who bear lance, and two who lead 
 
 By loosened rein a saddled steed ; 
 
 Each onward held his headlong course, 455 
 
 And by Fitz-James reined up his horse, — 
 
 With wonder viewed the bloody spot, — 
 
 " Exclaim not,, gallants ! question not. — 
 
 You, Herbert and Luffness, alight. 
 
 And bind the wounds of yonder knight ; 4r)0 
 
 Let the gray palfrey bear his weight, 
 
 We destined for a fairer freight. 
 
 And bring him on to Stirling straight ; 
 
 I will before at better speed, 
 
 To seek fresh horse and fitting weed. 465 
 
 The sun rides high ; — I must be boune 
 
 To see the archer-game at noon ; 
 
 But lightly Bayard clears the lea. — 
 
 De Yaux and Herries, follow me. 
 
 458. Gallants. Brave men. 
 
 401. Palfrey. A small saddle-horse for ladies' use. 
 
 4GG. Boune. Ready. 
 
160 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 "Stand, Bayard, stand!" — the steed obeyed, 470 
 
 With arching neck and bended head. 
 
 And glancing eye and quivering ear. 
 
 As if he loved his lord to hear. 
 
 No foot Fitz-James in stirrup stayed, 
 
 No grasp upon the saddle laid, 475 
 
 But wreathed his left hand in the mane, 
 
 And lightly bounded from the plain. 
 
 Turned on the horse his armed heel. 
 
 And stirred his courage with the steel. 
 
 Bounded the fiery steed in air, 480 
 
 The rider sat erect and fair, 
 
 Then like a bolt from steel crossbow 
 
 Forth launched, along the plain they go. 
 
 They dashed that rapid torrent through. 
 
 And u]3 Carhonie's hill they flew ; 485 
 
 Still at the gallop pricked the Knight, 
 
 His merrymen followed as they might. 
 
 Along thy banks, swift Teitli ! they ride. 
 
 And in the race they mock thy tide ; 
 
 Torry and Lendrick now are past, 490 
 
 And Deanstown lies behind them cast ; 
 
 They rise, the bannered toAvers of Doune, 
 
 They sink in distant woodland soon ; 
 
 486. Pricked. Spurred or rode. 
 
 490-497. Torry, Lendrick, Dernstown, Blair-Drummond, Ochtertyre, 
 and Kier lie on the banks of the Teith, and were all familiar to Scott in 
 his early years. 
 
 492. The bannered towers of Doune. The ruins of Doune Castle, 
 formerly the residence of the Earls of Menteith, now the property of 
 the Earl of Moray, are situated at the confluence of the Ardoch and the 
 Teith. Scott. 
 
^^^To ^'- THE COMBAT. 1(31 
 
 Blair-Dnimmond sees the hoofs strike fire, 
 
 They sweep like breeze through Ochtertjre ; 495 
 
 They mark just gLance and disappear 
 
 The lofty brow of ancient Kier ; 
 
 They bathe their coursers' sweltering sides, 
 
 Dark Forth ! amid thy sluggish tides. 
 
 And on the opposing shore take ground, 500 
 
 With plash, with scramble, and with bound. 
 
 Right-hand they leave thy chffs, Craig-Forth ! 
 
 And soon the bulwark of the North, 
 
 Gray Stirling, with her towers and town, 
 
 Upon their fleet career looked down. 505 
 
 XIX. 
 
 As up the flinty path they strained, 
 Sudden his steed the leader reined ; 
 A signal to his squire he flung. 
 
 Who instant to his stirrup sprung : 
 
 " Seest thou, De Vaux, yon woodsman gray, 5io 
 
 Who townward holds the rocky way, 
 
 Of stature tall and poor array ? 
 
 Mark'st thou the firm, yet active stride. 
 
 With which he scales the mountain-side ? 
 
 Know'st thou from whence he comes, or whom?" 515 
 
 " No, by my word ; — a burly groom 
 
 He seems, who in the field or chase 
 
 A baron's train would nobly grace — " 
 
 " Out, out, De Vaux ! can fear supply, 
 
 And jealousy, no sharper eye ? 520 
 
 504. Stirling. This castle was one of the principal fortresses of Scot- 
 land and the residence of James Y. Standing upon a lofty rock, it com- 
 mands a fine view of the surrounding country and Firth of Forth 
 
162 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 Afar, ere to the hill he drew, 
 
 That stately form and step I knew ; 
 
 Like form in Scotland is not seen, 
 
 Treads not such step on Scottish green. 
 
 'Tis James of Douglas, by Saint Serle ! 525 
 
 The uncle of the banished Earl. 
 
 Away, away, to court, to show 
 
 The near approach of dreaded foe : 
 
 The King must stand upon his guard; 
 
 Douglas and he must meet prepared." 530 
 
 Then right-hand wheeled their steeds, and straight 
 
 They won the Castle's postern gate. 
 
 XX. 
 
 The Douglas, who had bent his way 
 
 From Cambus-kenneth's abbey gray, 
 
 NoAV, as he climbed the rocky shelf, 535 
 
 Held sad communion with himself : — 
 
 " Yes ! all is true my fears could frame ; 
 
 A prisoner lies the noble Grseme, 
 
 And fiery Roderick soon will feel 
 
 The vengeance of the royal steel. 540 
 
 I, only I, can ward their fate, — 
 
 God grant the ransom come not late ! 
 
 The Abbess hath her promise given. 
 
 My child shall be the bride of Heaven ; — 
 
 Be pardoned one repining tear ! 545 
 
 For He who gave her knows how dear, 
 
 532. Postern gate. Back gate. 
 
 544. Bride of Heaven. One whose life is wholly devoted to the 
 church. 
 
CANTO V. THE COMBAT. 163 
 
 How excellent ! — but that is by, 
 
 And now my business is — to die. — 
 
 Ye towers ! within whose circuit dread 
 
 A Douglas by his sovereign bled ; 550 
 
 And thou, O sad and fatal mound ! 
 
 That oft hast heard the death-axe sound. 
 
 As on the noblest of the land 
 
 Fell the stern headsman's bloody hand, — 
 
 The dungeon, block, and nameless tomb 555 
 
 Prepare — for Douglas seeks his doom ! 
 
 But hark ! what blithe and jolly peal 
 
 Makes the Franciscan steeple reel? 
 
 And see ! upon the crowded street, 
 
 In motley groups what masquers meet ! 560 
 
 Banner and pageant, pipe and drum. 
 
 And merry morrice-dancers come. 
 
 I guess, by all this quaint array. 
 
 The burghers hold their sports to-day. 
 
 547. By. Past. 
 
 uoO. Douglas. The fate of William, eighth Earl of Douglas, whom 
 James II. stabbed iu Stirling Castle with his owu hand, and while under 
 his royal safe conduct, is familiar to all who read Scottish history. Scott. 
 
 551. sad and fatal mound. An eminence on the north-east of the 
 Stirling Castle where state criminals were executed. Stirling was often 
 polluted with noble blood. Scott. 
 
 558. Franciscan. A Roman Catholic order founded by St. Francis on 
 the principle of poverty. He held that neither the individual nor an insti- 
 tution should acquire or hold any right of property. —5G0. Motley. Made 
 up of various kinds. —Masquers. Players disguised in masks. 
 
 562. Morrxce-dancers. Performers of a Moorish dance, a popular 
 amusement of the day, in which all classes of society joined. The actors, 
 personating certain characters, as Friar Tuck, Robin Hood, etc., were dis- 
 guised iu curious vestments of fawn-colored silk in the form of a tunic, 
 with trappings of green and red satin, and wore bells around their ankles, 
 with which they kept time to the music. See note, Canto V., line 615. 
 
 56.'^.. Quaint. Odd and fanciful. 
 
 5(>i. The burghers hold their sports to-day. Every burgh of Scotland 
 
164 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 James will be tliere : he loves such show, 565 
 
 Where the good yeoman bends his bow, 
 
 And the tough wrestler foils his foe, 
 
 As well as where, in proud career, 
 
 The high-born tilter shivers spear. 
 
 I'll foUoAv to the Castle-park, 570 
 
 And play my prize ; — King James shall mark 
 
 If age has tamed these sinews stark, 
 
 Whose force so oft in liappier days 
 
 His boyish wonder loved to praise." 
 
 XXI. 
 
 The Castle gates were open flung, 575 
 
 The quivering drawbridge rocked and rung. 
 
 And echoed loud the flinty street 
 
 Beneath the coursers' clattering feet, 
 
 As slowly down the steejD descent 
 
 Fair Scotland's King and nobles went, 580 
 
 While all along the crowded way 
 
 Was jubilee and loud huzza. 
 
 And ever James was bending low 
 
 To his white jennet'^ saddle-bow, 
 
 of the least note, but more especially the considerable towns, had their 
 solemn itlay, or festival, when feats of archery were exhibited, and prizes 
 distributed to those who excelled in wrestling, hurling the bar, and the 
 other gymnastic exercises of the period. Stirling, a usual place of royal 
 residence, was not likely to be deficient in pomp upon such occasions, 
 especially since James V. was very partial to them. His ready participa- 
 tion in these popular amusements was one cause of his acquiring the title 
 of King of the Commons. — Scott. 
 
 566. Yeoman. A countryman; in England, next in order of rank to 
 the gentry. The term is also applied to a member of the King's guard. 
 
 569, Tilter. One using the lance on horseback. 
 
 571. Stark. Strong, rugged. —575. Castle. Stirling. Note, Canto V., 
 line 504. —584. Jennet. A small Spanish horse. 
 
CANTO V. THE COMBAT. 165 
 
 Doffing his cap to city dame, 585 
 
 Who smiled and blushed for pride and shame. 
 
 And well the simperer might be vain, — 
 
 He chose the fairest of the train. 
 
 Gravely he greets each city sire. 
 
 Commends each pageant's quaint attire, 590 
 
 Gives to the dancers thanks aloud, 
 
 And smiles and nods upon the crowd. 
 
 Who rend the heavens with their acclaims, — 
 
 " Long live the Commons' King, King James ! " 
 
 Behind the King thronged peer and knight, 595 
 
 And noble dame and damsel bright. 
 
 Whose fiery steeds ill brooked the stay 
 
 Of the steep street and crowded way. 
 
 But in the train you might discern 
 
 Dark lowering brow and visage stern ; goo 
 
 There nobles mourned their pride restrained, 
 
 And the mean burgher's joys disdained ; 
 
 And chiefs, who, hostage for their clan. 
 
 Were each from home a banished man. 
 
 There thought upon their own gray tower, 605 
 
 Their waving woods, their feudal power. 
 
 And deemed themselves a shameful part 
 
 Of pageant which they cursed in heart. 
 
 585. Doffing. Taking off. 
 
 594. Commons' King. So called because he favored the common people 
 as opposed to the nobles. 
 
 603. Hostage. A person given as security for the performance of the 
 conditions of a treaty. 
 
 600. Feudal power. Power to command the services of tenants or 
 vassals iu case of war. 
 
166 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Now, in the Castle-park, drew out 
 
 Their checkered bands the joyous rout. cio 
 
 There morricers, with bell at heel 
 
 And blade in hand, their mazes wheel ; 
 
 But chief, beside the butts, there stand 
 
 Bold Robin Hood and all his band, — 
 
 Friar Tuck with quarter staff and cowl, 615 
 
 Old Scathelocke with his surly scowl, 
 
 Maid Marian, fair as ivory bone, 
 
 Scarlet, and Mutch, and Little John ; 
 
 Their bugles challenge all that will. 
 
 In archery to prove their skill. 620 
 
 The Douglas bent a bow of might, — 
 
 His first shaft centred in the white, 
 
 And when in turn he shot again, 
 
 His second split the first in twain. 
 
 From the King's hand must Douglas take 625 
 
 A silver dart, the archers' stake ; 
 
 Fondly he watched, with watery eye. 
 
 Some answering glance of sympathy, — 
 
 No kind emotion made reply ! 
 
 Indifferent as to archer wight, 630 
 
 The monarch gave the arrow bright. 
 
 610. Checkered bands. Compauies of players in gay dresses. — Rout. 
 Noisy crowd. — 613. Butts. Targets. 
 
 614. Eobin Hood. A noted robber or outlaw in the reign of Richard I., 
 about the year 1190. The exhibition of this renowned outlaw and his band 
 was a favorite frolic at festivals in which king-; did not disdain to be actors. 
 
 615-lfi. Friar Tuck, Scathelocke, Maid Marian, Scarlet, Mutch, and 
 Little John were companions of Robin Hood, renowned in ballad, and 
 mentioned in Scott's Iranhoe. — Quarterstaff . A stout staff used as a 
 weapon of defence. — Cowl. A monk's hood. 
 
 630. Archer wight. Common archer. 
 
CANTO V. 
 
 THE COMBAT. 167 
 
 XXIIT. 
 
 Now, clear the ring I for, hand to hand. 
 
 The manly wrestlers take their stand. 
 
 Two o'er the rest superior rose, 
 
 And proud demanded mightier foes, — 635 
 
 Nor called in vain, for Douglas came. — 
 
 For life is Hugh of Larbert lame ; 
 
 Scarce better John of Alloa's fare, 
 
 Whom senseless home his comrades bare. 
 
 Prize of the wrestling match, the King 640 
 
 To Douglas gave a golden ring. 
 
 While coldly glanced his eye of blue, ) 
 
 As frozen drop of wintry dew. A"^-^^^ ' 
 
 Douglas would speak, but in his breast 
 
 His struggling soul his words suppressed ; 645 
 
 Indignant then he turned him where 
 
 Their arms the brawny yeomen bare, 
 
 To hurl the massive bar in air. 
 
 When each his utmost strength had shown, 
 
 The Douglas rent an earth-fast stone 650 
 
 From its deep bed, then heaved it high. 
 
 And sent the fragment through the sky 
 
 A rood beyond the farthest mark ; 
 
 And still in Stirling's royal park. 
 
 The gray-haired sires, who know the past, 655 
 
 To strangers point the Douglas cast, 
 
 And moralize on the decay 
 
 Of Scottish strength in modern day. 
 
 647. Brawny. Sinewy, strong. 
 
665 
 
 1(38 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. cantg v. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 The vale with loud applauses rang, 
 
 The Ladies' Rock sent back the clang. 660 
 
 The King, with look unmoved, bestowed 
 
 A purse well filled with pieces broad. 
 
 Indignant smiled the Douglas proud, 
 
 And threw the gold among the crowd, 
 
 Who now with anxious wonder scan, 
 
 And sharper glance, the dark gray man ; 
 
 Till whispers rose among the throng. 
 
 That heart so free, and hand so strong. 
 
 Must to the Douglas blood belong. 
 
 The old men marked and shook the head, 670 
 
 To see his hair with silver spread, 
 
 And winked aside, and told each son 
 
 Of feats upon the English done. 
 
 Ere Douglas of the stalwart hand 
 
 Was exiled from his native land. 675 
 
 The women praised his stately form, 
 
 Though wrecked by many a winter's storm ; 
 
 The youth with awe and wonder saw 
 
 His strength surpassing Nature's law. 
 
 Thus judged, as is their wont, the crowd, 680 
 
 Till murmurs rose to clamors loud. 
 
 But not a glance from that proud ring 
 
 Of peers who circled round the King 
 
 With Douglas held communion kind. 
 
 Or called the banished man to mind ; 685 
 
 No, not from those who at the chase 
 
 Once held his side the honored place, 
 
 660. The Ladies' Rock. The ladies' stand for viewing the sports. 
 674. Stalwart. Strong. 
 
CANTO V. THE COMBAT. Igg 
 
 Begirt his board, and in the field 
 
 Found safet}^ underneath Ids shield ; 
 
 For he ^^'hom royal eyes disown, 690 
 
 When was his form to courtiers known ! 
 
 XXV. 
 
 The Monarch saw the gambols flag, 
 
 And bade let loose a gallant stag. 
 
 Whose pride, the holiday to crown. 
 
 Two favorite greyhounds should pull down, 695 
 
 That venison free and Bourdeaux wine 
 
 Might serve the archery to dine. 
 
 But Lufra, — whom from Douglas' side 
 
 Nor bribe nor threat could e'er divide. 
 
 The fleetest hound in all the North, — 700 
 
 Brave Lufra saw, and darted forth. 
 
 She left the royal hounds midway. 
 
 And dashing on the antlered prey, 
 
 Sunk her sharp muzzle in his flank. 
 
 And deep the flowing life-blood drank. 705 
 
 The King's stout huntsman saw the sport 
 
 By strange intruder broken short. 
 
 Came up, and with his leash unbound 
 
 In anger struck the noble hound. 
 
 The Douglas had endured, that morn, 710 
 
 The King's cold look, the nobles' scorn, 
 
 And last, and worst to spirit proud. 
 
 Had borne the pity of the crowd ; 
 
 But Lufra had been fondly bred. 
 
 To share his board, to watch his bed, 7i5 
 
 708. Leash. A thoug of leather, or long line, by which a hunter holds 
 his dog. 
 
170 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 And oft would Ellen Liifra's neck 
 
 In maiden glee with garlands deck ; 
 
 They were such playmates that with name 
 
 Of Lufra Ellen's image came. 
 
 His stifled wrath is brimming high, 720 
 
 In darkened brow and flashing eye ; 
 
 As waves before the bark divide, 
 
 The crowd gave way before his stride ; 
 
 Needs but a buffet and no more. 
 
 The groom lies senseless in his gore. 725 
 
 Such blow no other hand could deal. 
 
 Though gauntleted in glove of steel. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 Then clamored loud the roval train, 
 
 And brandished swords and staves amain, 
 
 Bat stern the Baron's warning: "Back! 730 
 
 Back, on your lives, ye menial pack ! 
 
 Beware the Douglas. — Yes ! behold. 
 
 King James ! The Douglas, doomed of old. 
 
 And vainly sought for near and far, 
 
 A victim to atone the war, 735 
 
 A willing victim, now attends, 
 
 Nor craves thy grace but for his friends." — 
 
 " Thus is my clemency repaid ? 
 
 Presumptuous Lord ! " the Monarch said : 
 
 " Of thy misproud ambitious clan, 740 
 
 Thou, James of Bothwell, wert the man. 
 
 The only man, in whom a foe 
 
 My woman-mercy would not know ; 
 
 724. Buffet. A blow with the hand ; a cuff. 
 
 738. Clemency. Mercy. —740. Misproud. Mistakenly proud. 
 
CANTO V. 
 
 THE COMBAT. 171 
 
 But shall a Monarch's presence brook 
 
 Injurious blow and haughty look ? — 745 
 
 What ho ! the Captam of our Guard ! ^ 
 
 Give the offender fitting ward. — 
 
 Break off the sports ! " — for tumult rose, 
 
 And yeomen 'gan to bend their bows, — 
 
 " Break off the sports ! " he said and frowned, 750 
 
 " And bid our horsemen clear the ground." 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 Then uproar wild and misarray 
 
 Marred the fair form of festal day. 
 
 The horsemen pricked among the crowd, 
 
 Repelled by threats and insult loud; 755 
 
 To earth are borne the old and weak. 
 
 The timorous fly, the women shriek ; 
 
 With flint, with shaft, with staff, with bar, 
 
 The hardier urge tumultuous war. 
 
 At once round Douglas darkly sweep 760 
 
 The royal spears in circle deep. 
 
 And slowly scale the pathway steep. 
 
 While on the rear in thunder pour 
 
 The rabble with disordered roar. 
 
 With grief the noble Douglas saw 765 
 
 The Commons rise against the law, 
 
 And to the leading soldier said : 
 
 " Sir John of Hyndford, 'twas my blade 
 
 That knighthood on thy shoulder laid ; 
 
 747. Fitting ward. Suitable confinement under guard. 
 
 700. Knighthood. This degree was conferred with a stroke of the flat 
 part of a sword upon the shoulder by the prince or his representative. See 
 note, Canto I., line 18. 
 
172 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 For that good deed permit me then 770 
 
 A word with these misguided men. — 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 " Hear, gentle friends, ere yet for me 
 
 Ye break the bands of fealty. 
 
 My life, my honor, and my cause, 
 
 I tender free to Scotland's laws. 775 
 
 Are these so weak as must require 
 
 The aid of your misguided ire ? 
 
 Or if I suffer causeless wrong. 
 
 Is then my selfish rage so strong, 
 
 My sense of public weal so low, 780 
 
 That, for mean vengeance on a foe, 
 
 Those cords of love I should unbind 
 
 Which knit my country and my kind ? 
 
 O no ! Believe, in yonder tower 
 
 It will not soothe my captive hour, 785 
 
 To know those sj)ears our foes should dread 
 
 For me in kindred gore are red : 
 
 To know, in fruitless brawl begun. 
 
 For me that mother wails her son. 
 
 For me that widow's mate expires, 790 
 
 For me that orphans weep their sires, 
 
 That patriots mourn insulted laws. 
 
 And curse the Douglas for the cause. 
 
 O let your patience ward such ill. 
 
 And keep your right to love me still ! " 795 
 
 773. Fealty. Loyalty. 
 
CANTO V. 
 
 THE COMBAT. 173 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 The crowd's wild fury sunk again 
 
 In tears, as tempests melt in rain. 
 
 With lifted hands and eyes, they prayed 
 
 For blessings on his generous head 
 
 Who for his country felt alone, 800 
 
 And prized her blood beyond his own. 
 
 Old men upon the verge of life 
 
 Blessed him who stayed the civil strife ; 
 
 And mothers held their babes on high. 
 
 The self-devoted Chief to spy, 805 
 
 Triumphant over wrongs and ire. 
 
 To whom the prattlers owed a sire. 
 
 Even the rough soldier's heart was moved ; 
 
 As if behind some bier beloved. 
 
 With trailing arms and drooping head, 8io 
 
 The Douglas up the hill he led, 
 
 And at the Castle's battled verge. 
 
 With sighs resigned his honored charge. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 The offended Monarch rode apart. 
 
 With bitter thought and swelling heart, 815 
 
 And would not now vouchsafe again 
 
 Through Stirling streets to lead his train. 
 
 " O Lennox, who would wish to rule 
 
 This changeling crowd, this common fool? 
 
 Hear'st thou," he said, " the loud acclaim 820 
 
 With which they shout the Douglas name ? 
 
 810. Trailing arms. Carrying a gun in an oblique position, pointing 
 forward with the breech near tlie ground. 
 
 812. Battled Verge. See note, Canto I., line 199. 
 
174 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto v. 
 
 With like acclaim the vulgar throat 
 
 Strained for King James their morning note ; 
 
 With like acclaim thev hailed the dav 
 
 When first I broke the Douglas sway ; 825 
 
 And like acclaim would Douglas greet 
 
 If he could hurl me from my seat. 
 
 Who o'er the herd would wish to reign, 
 
 Fantastic, fickle, fierce, and vain ? 
 
 Vain as the leaf upon the stream, 830 
 
 And fickle as a changeful dream ; 
 
 Fantastic as a woman's mood. 
 
 And fierce as Frenzy's fevered blood. 
 
 Thou many-headed monster-thing, 
 
 Avho would Avish to be thy king ? — 835 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 " But soft ! what messenger of speed 
 Spurs hitherward his panting steed ? 
 
 1 guess his cognizance afar — 
 
 What from our cousin, John of Mar?" 
 
 " He prays, my liege, your sports keep bound 8io 
 
 Within the safe and guarded ground : 
 
 For some foul purpose yet unknown, — 
 
 Most sure for evil to the throne, — 
 
 The outlawed Chieftain, Roderick Dhu, 
 
 Has summoned his rebellious crew ; 845 
 
 'Tis said, in James of Bothwell's aid 
 
 These loose banditti stand arraj^ed. 
 
 The Earl of Mar this morn from Doune 
 
 To break their muster marched, and soon 
 
 838. Cognizance. A badge by which a knight in armor could be recog- 
 nized. —847. Banditti. Robbers. 
 
CANTO V. 
 
 THE COMBAT. 175 
 
 Your Grace will hear of battle fought ; 850 
 
 But earnestly the Earl besought, 
 Till for such danger he provide, 
 With scanty train you will not ride." 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 " Thou warn'st me I have done amiss, — 
 
 I should have earlier looked to this; 855 
 
 I lost it in this bustling day. — 
 
 Retrace with speed thy former way ; 
 
 Spare not for spoiling of thy steed, 
 
 The best of mine shall be thy meed. 
 
 Say to our faithful Lord of Mar, 860 
 
 We do forbid the intended war ; 
 
 Roderick this morn in single fight 
 
 Was made our prisoner by a knight, 
 
 And Douglas hath himself and cause 
 
 Submitted to our kingdom's laws. 865 
 
 The tidings of their leaders lost 
 
 Will soon dissolve the mountain host, 
 
 Nor would we that the vulgar feel. 
 
 For their Chiefs crimes, avenging steel. 
 
 Bear Mar our message, Braco, fly ! 870 
 
 He turned his steed, — " My liege, I hie, 
 
 Yet ere I cross this lily lawn 
 
 I fear the broadswords will be drawn." 
 
 The turf the flying courser spurned. 
 
 And to his towers the King returned. 875 
 
 868. Vulgar. Common people. 
 
176 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto r. 
 
 xxxni. 
 
 Ill with King James's mood that day 
 
 Suited gay feast and minstrel lay ; 
 
 Soon were dismissed the courtly throng, 
 
 And soon cut short the festal song. 
 
 Nor less upon the saddened town 88o 
 
 The evening sunk in sorrow down. 
 
 The burghers spoke of civil jar, 
 
 Of rumored feuds and mountain war. 
 
 Of Moray, Mar, and Roderick Dhu, 
 
 All up in arms ; — the Douglas too, 885 
 
 They mourned him pent within the hold, 
 
 "Where stout Earl William was of old." — 
 
 And there his word the speaker stayed. 
 
 And finger on his lip he laid. 
 
 Or pointed to his dagger blade. 890 
 
 But jaded horsemen from the west 
 
 At evening to the Castle pressed. 
 
 And busy talkers said they bore 
 
 Tidings of fight on Katrine's shore ; 
 
 At noon the deadly fray begun, 895 
 
 And lasted till the set of sun. 
 
 Thus giddy rumor shook the town, 
 
 Till closed the Night her pennons brown. V^/^-M' ^ 
 
 887. Earl William. Note, Canto V., line 550. 
 
OUTLINE OF CAXTO SIXTH. 
 
 This Canto introduces us to the guard-room in Stirling Castle, 
 amid the remains of the debauch which has followed the games of the 
 previous day. "While the few soldiers who remain awake are finish- 
 ing their carouse, and talking over the rumors of yesterday's battle, 
 they are joined by one of their mates who has been in the field, 
 and brings with hini a maiden and a minstrel (Ellen and Allan 
 Bane). They are at first disposed to treat the maiden roughly, 
 but the sight of her innocent beauty and her story of misfortune 
 touch the heart of one of the roughest in the company, who be- 
 comes her champion. Presently they are joined by the officer of 
 the guard, who, at sight of Fitz-James's ring, commits the lady to 
 proper care, while John of Brent, the guardsman who had inter- 
 fered, grants Allan's request to see his master ; but, fancying that 
 the minstrel is one of Roderick's clansmen, he shows him into the 
 wrong cell, where he finds the wounded chief. After anxious 
 inquiries as to the safety of his kindred, Roderick asks news of the 
 fight, and the minstrel, in spii'ited verse, sings the battle of Beal' 
 an Duine, whose issue was left doubtful by the arrival of a mes- 
 senger from the king with orders to stay the fight. But before he 
 had finished his song the stern spirit had fled, and the minstrel's 
 harp changes its tune from battle-song to death-dirge. 
 
 Meanwhile Ellen waits anxiously and impatiently for her audience 
 with the king. At last Fitz-James appears to escort her to the 
 audience chamber. Faltering, she looks round to find the king, 
 and sees, to her surprise, that her companion alone remains covered, 
 and " Snowdoun's knight is Scotland's king." He tells her how 
 the feud with Douglas is at an end, and that her father is now to 
 be " the friend and bulwark of his throne." But she has still the 
 ring, still some boon to ask. She begs for Roderick's life, but that 
 is past giving ; and when she shrinks from further request, "the king 
 calls forth Malcolm, and throws over him a golden chain, which he 
 gives to Ellen to keep. — Taylor. 
 
THE GUARD-ROOM. 
 I. 
 
 The sun, awakening, through the smoky air 
 
 Of the dark city casts a sullen glance, 
 Rousing each caitiff to his task of care, 
 
 Of sinful man the sad inheritance ; 
 Summoning revellers from the lagging dance, 5 
 
 Scaring the prowlhig robber to his den ; 
 Gilding on battled tower the warder's lance. 
 
 And warning student pale to leave his pen. 
 And yield his drowsy eyes to the kind nurse of men. 
 
 What various scenes, and O, what scenes of woe, lo 
 
 Are witnessed by that red and struggling beam ! 
 The fevered patient, from his pallet low, 
 
 Through crowded hospital beholds it stream ; 
 The ruined maiden trembles at its gleam. 
 
 The debtor wakes to thought of gyve and jail, 15 
 
 The love-lorn wretch starts from tormenting dream ; 
 
 The wakeful mother, by the glimmering pale. 
 Trims her sick infant's couch, and soothes his feeble wail. 
 
 II. 
 At dawn the towers of Stirling rang 
 With soldier-step and weapon-clang, 20 
 
 3. Caitiff. Miserable wretch. — 12. Pallet. Bed of straw. 
 15. Gyve [jiv]. A fetter or chain to confine the legs. 
 
CANTO VI. 
 
 THE GUARD-KOOM. 179 
 
 While drums with rolling note foretell 
 
 Relief to wear}- sentinel. 
 
 Through narrow loop and casement barred, 
 
 The sunbeams sought the Court of Guard, 
 
 And, struggling with the smoky air, 25 
 
 Deadened the torches' yellow glare. 
 
 In comfortless alliance shone 
 
 The lights through arch of blackened stone, 
 
 And showed wild shapes in garb of war. 
 
 Faces deformed with beard and scar, 30 
 
 All haggard from the midnight watch, 
 
 And fevered with the stern debauch ; 
 
 For the oak table's massive board. 
 
 Flooded with wine, with fragments stored. 
 
 And beakers drained, and cups o'erthrown, 35 
 
 Showed in what sport the night had flown. 
 
 Some, weary, snored on floor and bench ; 
 
 Some labored still their thirst to quench ; 
 
 Some, chilled with watching, spread their hands 
 
 O'er the huge chimney's dying brands, -io 
 
 While round them, or beside them flung, 
 
 At every step their harness rung. 
 
 III. 
 
 These drew not for their fields the sword, 
 
 Like tenants of a feudal lord. 
 
 Nor owned the patriarchal claim 45 
 
 Of Chieftain in their leader's name ; 
 
 23. Loop. Loop-hole ; a narrow opening in a fortification through 
 which small arms are discharged. — Casement. Window. 
 
 35. Beakers. Large drinkiug-cups. —42. Harness. Armor. 
 
180 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. caxto vi. 
 
 Adventurers they, from far who roved, 
 
 To live by battle which they loved. 
 
 There the Italian's clouded face. 
 
 The swarthy Spaniard's there you trace ; 50 
 
 The mountain-loving Switzer there 
 
 More freely breathed in mountain-air ; 
 
 The Fleming there desj)ised the soil 
 
 That paid so ill the laborer's toil ; 
 
 Their rolls showed French and German name ; 55 
 
 And merry England's exiles came, 
 
 To share, with ill-concealed disdain, 
 
 Of Scotland's pay the scanty gain. 
 
 All brave in arms, well trained to wield 
 
 The heavy halberd, brand, and shield ; 60 
 
 In camps licentious, wild, and bold ; 
 
 In pillage fierce and uncontrolled ; 
 
 And now, by holytide and feast, 
 
 From rules of discipline released. 
 
 IV. 
 
 They held debate of bloody fray, 65 
 
 Fought 'twixt Loch Katrine and Achray. 
 Fierce was their speech, and 'mid their words 
 Their hands oft grappled to their swords ; 
 
 47. Adventurers. The Scottish armies consisted chiefly of the nobility 
 and barons, with their vassals, who held lands under them, for military 
 service by themselves and their tenants. James V. seems first to have 
 introduced, in addition to the militia furnished from these sources, the 
 service of a small number of mercenaries, who formed a body-guard, called 
 the Foot-Band, Scott. — 51. Switzer. An inhabitant of Switzerland. 
 
 53. Fleming. A citizen of Flanders, now part of Belgium. 
 
 60. Halberd. A kind of broad axe now rarely used. 
 
 63. Holytide. Holiday; festal season (tide means time). 
 
CANTO VI. THE GUARD-ROOM. 181 
 
 Nor sunk their tone to spare the ear 
 
 Of wounded comrades groaning near, 70 
 
 Whose mangled limbs and bodies gored 
 
 Bore token of the mountain sword, 
 
 Though, neighboring to the Court of Guard, 
 
 Their prayers and feverish wails were heard, — 
 
 Sad burden to the ruffian joke, 75 
 
 And savage oath by fury spoke ! — 
 
 At length up started John of Brent, 
 
 A yeoman from the banks of Trent ; 
 
 A stranger to respect or fear. 
 
 In peace a chaser of the deer, 80 
 
 In host a hardy mutineer. 
 
 But still the boldest of the crew 
 
 When deed of danger was to do. 
 
 He grieved that day their games cut short. 
 
 And marred the dicer's brawling sport, 85 
 
 And shouted loud, " Renew the bowl ! 
 
 And, while a merry catch I troll, 
 
 Let each the buxom chorus bear. 
 
 Like brethren of the brand and spear." 
 
 V. 
 
 Our vicar still preaches that Peter and Poule 90 
 
 Laid a swinging long curse on the bonny brown bowl. 
 That there's wrath and despair in the jolly black-jack. 
 And the seven deadly sins in a flagon of sack ; 
 
 71. Gored. Pierced and torn. — 81. Host. An army. 
 
 87. Troll. Sing loudly. —88. Buxom. Brisk; frolicsome. 
 
 92. Black-jack. A pitcher made of leather-colored black. 
 
182 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. oanto ri. 
 
 Yet whoop, Barnaby ! off with thy liquor, 
 Drink upsees out, and a fig for the vicar ! 
 
 Our vicar he calls it damnation to sip 
 The ripe ruddy dew of a woman's dear lip, 
 Says that Beelzebub lurks in her kerchief so sly, 
 And Apollyon shoots darts from her merry black eye ; 
 Yet whoop, Jack ! kiss Gillian the quicker, lOO 
 
 Till she bloom like a rose, and a fig for the vicar ! 
 
 Our vicar thus preaches, — and why should he not ? 
 For the dues of his cure are the placket and pot ; ^-t^ 
 And 'tis right of his office poor laymen to lurch 
 Who infringe the domains of our good Mother Church. 105 
 Yet whoop, bully-boys ! off with your liquor, 
 Sweet Marjorie's the word, and a fig for the vicar ! 
 
 VI. 
 
 The warder's challenge, heard without, 
 
 Stayed in mid-roar the merry shout. 
 
 A soldier to the portal went, — no 
 
 "Here is old Bertram, sirs, of Ghent; 
 
 And — beat for jubilee the drum ! — 
 
 A maid and minstrel wdth him come." 
 
 Bertram, a Fleming, gray and scarred. 
 
 Was entering now the Court of Guard, lis 
 
 A harper with him, and, in plaid 
 
 All muffled close, a mountain maid, 
 
 Who backward shrunk to 'scape the view 
 
 Of the loose scene and boisterous crew. 
 
 " What news ? " they roared : — "I only know, 120 
 
 From noon till eve we fought with foe, 
 
CANTO VI. THE GUARD-ROOM. 183 
 
 As wild and as untamable 
 
 As the rude mountains where they dwell ; 
 
 On both sides store of blood is lost, 
 
 Nor much success can either boast." — 125 
 
 "But whence thy captives, friend? such spoil 
 
 As theirs must needs reward thy toil. 
 
 Old dost thou wax, and wars grow sharp ; 
 
 Thou now hast glee-maiden and harp ! 
 
 Get thee an ape, and trudge the land, 130 
 
 The leader of a juggler band." 
 
 VII. 
 
 " No, comrade ; — no such fortune mine. 
 After the fight these sought our line. 
 That aged harper and the girl. 
 And, having audience of the Earl, 135 
 
 Mar bade I should purvey them steed. 
 And bring them hitherward with speed. 
 Forbear your mirth and rude alarm. 
 For none shall do them shame or harm." — 
 " Hear ye his boast ? " cried John of Brent, 140 
 
 j^ver to strife and jangling bent ; 
 ^^' Shall he strike doe beside our lodge, 
 . And yet the jealous niggard grudge 
 To pay the forester his fee ^ 
 
 I'll have my share howe'er it be, 145 
 
 Despite of Moray, Mar, or thee." 
 
 131. Juggler. The jugglers used to call in the aid of various assistants 
 to render these performances as captivating as possible. The glee-maiden 
 was a necessary attendant. Her duty was tumbling and dancing; and, 
 therefore, the Anglo-Saxon version of Saint Mark's Gospel states Herodias 
 to have vaulted or tumbled before King Herod. Scott. 
 
 ISO. Purvey. Provide. 
 
184 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto vi. 
 
 Bertram his forward step withstood ; 
 
 And, burning in his vengeful mood, 
 
 Old Allan, though unfit for strife, 
 
 Laid hand upon his dagger-knife ; 150 
 
 But Ellen boldly stepped between, 
 
 And dropped at once the tartan screen : — 
 
 So, from his morning cloud, appears 
 
 The sun of May through summer tears. 
 
 The savage soldiery, amazed, 155 
 
 As on descended angel gazed ; 
 
 Even hardy Brent, abashed and tamed. 
 
 Stood half admiring, half ashamed. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Boldly she spoke : " Soldiers, attend ! 
 
 My father was the soldier's friend, 160 
 
 Cheered him in camps, in marches led, 
 
 And with him in the battle bled. 
 
 Not from the valiant or the strong" 
 
 Should exile's daughter suffer wrong." 
 
 Answered De Brent, most forward still 165 
 
 In every feat of good or ill ; 
 
 " I shame me of the part I played ; 
 
 And thou an outlaw's child, poor maid 1 
 
 An outlaw I by forest laws. 
 
 And merry Needwood knows the cause. 170 
 
 Poor Rose, — if Rose be living now," — 
 
 He wiped his iron eye and brow, — 
 
 " Must bear such age, I think, as thou. — 
 
 Hear ye, my mates ! I go to call 
 
 The Captain of our watch to hall : 175 
 
 170. Needwood. A royal forest in England. 
 
CANTO VI. THE GUARD-ROOM. 185 
 
 There lies my halberd on the floor ; 
 
 And he that steps my halberd o'er, 
 
 To do the maid injurious part, 
 
 My shaft shall quiver in his heart ! 
 
 Beware loose speech, or jesting rough ; 180 
 
 Ye all know John de Brent. Enough." 
 
 IX. 
 
 Their Captain came, a gallant young, — 
 
 Of Tullibardine's house he sprung, — 
 
 Nor wore he yet the spurs of knight ; 
 
 Gay was his mien, his humor light, 185 
 
 And, though by courtesy controlled, 
 
 Forward his speech, his bearing bold. 
 
 The liigh-born maiden ill could brook 
 
 The scanning of his curious look 
 
 And dauntless eye : — and yet, in sooth, 190 
 
 Young Lewis was a generous youth ; 
 
 But Ellen's lovely face and mien, 
 
 111 suited to the garb and scene. 
 
 Might lightly bear construction strange, 
 
 And give loose fancy scope to range. 195 
 
 " Welcome to Stirling towers, fair maid ! 
 
 Come ye to seek a champion's aid, 
 
 On palfrey white, with harper hoar. 
 
 Like errant damosel of yore ? 
 
 Does thy high quest a knight require, 200 
 
 Or may the venture suit a squire ? " 
 
 Her dark eje flashed ; — she paused and sighed : — 
 
 " O what have I to do with pride ! — 
 
 183. Tullibardine's house. The seat of the Miirrays, who were noted 
 for their pride. — VX). Errant damosel. Wandering maiden. 
 
186 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto vi. 
 
 Through scenes of sorrow, shame, and strife, 
 
 A suppliant for a father's Ufe, 205 
 
 I crave an audience of the King. 
 
 Behold, to back my suit, a ring, 
 
 The royal pledge of grateful claims, 
 
 Given by the Monarch to Fitz-James." 
 
 X. 
 
 The signet ring young Lewis took 210 
 
 With deep respect and altered look. 
 
 And said : " This ring our duties own ; ♦ 
 
 And pardon, if to worth unknown. 
 
 In semblance mean obscurely veiled, 
 
 Lady, in aught my folly failed. 215 
 
 Soon as the day flings wide his gates, 
 
 The King shall know what suitor waits. 
 
 Please you meanwhile in fitting bower 
 
 Repose you till his waking hour ; 
 
 Female attendance shall obey 220 
 
 Your hest, for service or array. 
 
 Permit I marshal you the way." 
 
 But, ere she followed, with the grace 
 
 And open bounty of her race. 
 
 She bade her slender purse be shared 225 
 
 Among the soldiers of the guard. 
 
 The rest with thanks their guerdon took, 
 
 But Brent, with shy and awkward look. 
 
 On the reluctant maiden's hold 
 
 Forced bluntly back the proffered gold : — 230 
 
 " Forgive a haughty English heart. 
 
 And O, forget its ruder part ! 
 
 221. Array. Dress.— 227. Guerdon. Qitt; reward. 
 
CANTO VI. THE GUARD-ROOM. 187 
 
 The vacant purse shall be my share, 
 
 Which in my barret-cap I'll bear, 
 
 Perchance, in jeopardy of war, 235 
 
 Where gayer crests may keep afar." 
 
 With thanks — 'twas all she could — the maid 
 
 His rugged courtes}- repaid. 
 
 XI. 
 
 When Ellen forth with Lewis went, 
 
 Allan made suit to John of Brent : — 240 
 
 '' My lady safe, O let your grace 
 
 Give me to see my master's face I 
 
 His minstrel I, — to share his doom 
 
 Bound from the cradle to the tomb. 
 
 Tenth in descent, since first my sires 245 
 
 Waked for his noble house their lyres. 
 
 Nor one of all the race Avas known 
 
 But prized its weal above their own. 
 
 With the Chief's birth begins our care ; 
 
 Our harp must soothe the infant heir, 250 
 
 Teach the youth tales of fight, and grace 
 
 His earliest feat of field or chase ; 
 
 In peace, in war, our rank we keep. 
 
 We cheer his board, we soothe his sleep. 
 
 Nor leave him till we pour our verse — 255 
 
 A doleful tribute I — o'er his hearse. 
 
 Then let me share his captive lot ; 
 
 It is my right, — deny it not ! " 
 
 " Little we reck," said John of Brent, 
 
 " We southern men, of long descent ; 260 
 
 234. Barret-cap. A cap formerly worn by soldiers. 
 
 235. Jeopardy. Peril. 
 
188 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto vi. 
 
 Nor wot we how a name — a word — 
 
 Makes clansmen vassals to a lord : 
 
 Yet kind m}" noble landlord's part, — 
 
 God bless the house of BeaudesertU 
 
 And, but I loved to drive the deer 265 
 
 More than to guide the laboring steer, 
 
 I had not dwelt an outcast here. 
 
 Come, good old Minstrel, follow me ; 
 
 Thy Lord and Chieftain shalt thou see." 
 
 XII. 
 
 Then, from a rusted iron hook, 270 
 
 A bunch of ponderous keys he took, 
 
 Lighted a torch, and Allan led 
 
 Through grated arch and passage dread. 
 
 Portals they passed, where, deep Avithin, 
 
 Spoke prisoner's moan and fetters' din ; 275 
 
 Through rugged vaults, where, loosely stored, 
 
 Lay wheel, and axe, and headsman's sword. 
 
 And many a hideous engine grim. 
 
 For wrenching joint and crushing limb, 
 
 By artists formed who deemed it shame 280 
 
 And sin to give their work a name. 
 
 They halted at a low-browed porch, 
 
 And Brent to Allan gave the torch, 
 
 While bolt and chain he backward rolled. 
 
 And made the bar uuhasp its hold. 285 
 
 They entered : — 'twas a prison-room 
 
 Of stern security and gloom. 
 
 Yet not a dungeon ; for the day 
 
 Through lofty gratings found its way. 
 
CANTO VI. THE GUARD-ROOM. 189 
 
 And rude and antique garniture 290 
 
 Decked the sad walls and oaken floor, 
 
 Such as the rugged days of old 
 
 Deemed fit for captive noble's hold. 
 
 '' Here," said De Brent, " thou niajst remain 
 
 Till the Leech visit him again. 295 
 
 Strict is his charge, the warders tell, 
 
 To tend the noble prisoner well." 
 
 Retiring then the bolt he drew, 
 
 And the lock's murmurs growled anew. 
 
 Roused at the sound, from lowlv bed 300 
 
 A captive feebly raised his head ; 
 
 The wondering Minstrel looked, and knew — 
 
 Not his dear lord, but Roderick Dhu ! 
 
 For, come from where Clan-Alpine fought, 
 
 They, erring, deemed the Chief he sought. . 305 
 
 XIII. 
 
 As the tall ship, whose lofty prore 
 
 Shall never stem the billows more, 
 
 Deserted by her gallant band. 
 
 Amid the breakers lies astrand, — 
 
 So on his couch lay Roderick Dhu ! 3io 
 
 And oft his fevered limbs he threw 
 
 In toss abrupt, as when her sides 
 
 Lie rocking in the advancing tides. 
 
 That shake her frame with ceaseless beat, 
 
 Yet cannot heave her from her seat ; — 315 
 
 290. Antique garniture. Ancient decoration or furnishings. 
 295. Leech. Pli^si<!ian. — 30G. Prore. The prow or forward part of a 
 ship. — 309. Astrand. Ashore. 
 
190 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto vi. 
 
 O, how unlike her course at sea ! 
 
 Or his free step on hill and lea ! — 
 
 Soon as the Minstrel he could scan, — 
 
 " What of thy lady ? — of my clan ? — 
 
 My mother ? — Douglas ? — tell me all ! 320 
 
 Have they been ruined in my fall ? 
 
 Ah, yes I or wherefore art thou here ? 
 
 Yet speak, — speak boldly, — do not fear." — 
 
 For Allan, who his mood well knew. 
 
 Was choked wdth grief and terror too. — 325 
 
 " Who fought ? — who fled ? — Old man, be brief ; — 
 
 Some might, — for they had lost their Chief. 
 
 Who basely live ? — who bravely died ? " 
 
 " O, calm thee, Chief I " the Minstrel cried, 
 
 " Ellen is safe ! " '^ For that thank Heaven I " 330 
 
 " And hopes are for the Douglas given ; — 
 
 The Lady Margaret, too, is well ; 
 
 And, for thy clan, — on field or fell. 
 
 Has never harp of minstrel told 
 
 Of combat fought so true and bold. 335 
 
 Thy stately Pine is yet unbent, 
 
 Though many a goodly bough is rent." 
 
 XIV. 
 
 The Chieftain reared his form on high, 
 
 And fever's fire was in his eye ; 
 
 But ghastly, pale, and livid streaks 340 
 
 Checkered his swarthy brow and cheeks. 
 
 *' Hark, Minstrel ! I have heard thee play, 
 
 With measure bold on festal day. 
 
 In yon lone isle, — again where ne'er 
 
 Shall harper play or warrior hear ! — 345 
 
CANTO VI. THE GUARD-ROOM. 191 
 
 That stirring air that peals on high, 
 
 O'er Dermid's race our victory. — 
 
 Strike it! — and then, — for Avell thou canst, — 
 
 Free from thy minstrel-spirit glanced, 
 
 Fling me the picture of the fight, 350 
 
 When met my clan the Saxon might. 
 
 I'll listen, till my fancy hears 
 
 The clang of swords, the crash of spears ! 
 
 These grates, these walls, shall vanish then 
 
 For the fair field of fighting men, 355 
 
 And my free spirit burst away. 
 
 As if it soared from battle fray." 
 
 The trembling Bard with awe obeyed, — 
 
 Slow on the harp his hand he laid ; 
 
 But soon remembrance of the sight 360 
 
 He witnessed from the mountain's height, 
 
 With w^hat old Bertram told at night, 
 
 Awakened the full power of song, 
 
 And bore him in career along ; — 
 
 As shallop launched on river's tide, 365 
 
 That slow and fearful leaves the side. 
 
 But, when it feels the middle stream, 
 
 Drives downward swift as lightning's beam. 
 
 XV. 
 
 §Mt of §car an guinc. 
 
 " The Minstrel came once more to view 
 
 The eastern ridge of Benvenue, 370 
 
 365. Shallop. Boat. — 369. Battle of Beal' an Duine. A skirmish 
 actually took place at a pass thus called in the Trosachs, and closed with 
 the remarkable incident mentioned in the text. It was greatly posterior 
 in date to the reign of James V. Scott. 
 
192 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto vi. 
 
 For ere lie parted he would say 
 
 Farewell to lovely Loch Achray — 
 
 Where shall he find, in foreign land. 
 
 So lone a lake, so sweet a strand ! — 
 
 There is no breeze upon the fern, 375 
 
 No ripple on the lake, 
 Upon her eyry nods the erne. 
 
 The deer has sought the brake ; 
 The small birds will not sing aloud, 
 
 The springing trout lies still, 380 
 
 So darkly glooms yon thunder-cloud. 
 That swathes, as with a purple shroud, 
 
 Benledi's distant hill. 
 Is it the thunder's solemn sound 
 
 That mutters deep and dread, 385 
 
 Or echoes from the groaning ground 
 
 The warrior's measured tread ? 
 Is it the lightning's quivering glance 
 
 That on the thicket streams. 
 Or do they flash on spear and lance 390 
 
 The sun's retiring beams? — 
 I see the dagger-crest of Mar, 
 I see the Moray's silver star, 
 Wave o'er the cloud of Saxon war. 
 That up the lake comes winding far ! 395 
 
 To hero bound for battle-strife. 
 
 Or bard of martial lay, 
 'Twere worth ten years of peaceful life, 
 
 One glance at their array ! 
 
 377. Eyry. The eagle's uest. — Erne. The sea-eagle. 
 
CANT« VI. THE GUARD-ROOM. 193 
 
 XVI. 
 
 " Their light-armed archers far and near 400 
 
 Surveyed the tangled ground, 
 Their centre ranks, with pike and spear, 
 
 A twilight forest frowned, 
 Their barded horsemen in the rear 
 
 The stern battalia crowned. 405 
 
 No cymbal clashed, no clarion rang. 
 
 Still were the pipe and drum ; 
 Save heavy tread, and armor's clang. 
 
 The sullen march was dumb. 
 There breathed no wind their crests to shake, 4io 
 
 Or wave their flags abroad ; 
 Scarce the frail aspen seemed to quake, 
 
 That shadowed o'er their road. 
 Their vaward scouts no tidings bring. 
 
 Can rouse no lurking foe, 415 
 
 Nor spy a trace of living thing. 
 
 Save when they stirred the roe ; 
 The host moves like a deep-sea wave. 
 Where rise no rocks its pride to brave, 
 
 High-swelling, dark, and slow, 420 
 
 The lake is passed, and now they gain 
 A narrow and a broken plain. 
 Before the Trosach's rugged jaws ; 
 And here the horse and spearmen pause. 
 While, to explore the dangerous glen, 425 
 
 Dive through the pass the archer-men. 
 
 ■AOi. Barded. Wearing armor. —405. Battalia. Order of battle. 
 
 406. Cymbals. Brass musical iustrumeuts, circular iu form, which, being 
 struck together, produce a sharp ringing sound. 
 
 414. Vaward scouts. A small body of men sent out in advance of an 
 army to gain information of the enemy. 
 
194 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto vi. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 " At once there rose so wild a yell 
 Within that dark and narrow dell, 
 As all the fiends from heaven that fell 
 Had pealed the banner-cry of hell I 430 
 
 Forth from the pass in tnmnlt driven, 
 Like chaff before the wind of heaven. 
 
 The archery appear : 
 For life ! for life I their flight they ply — 
 And shriek, and shout, and battle-cry, 435 
 
 And plaids and bonnets waving high. 
 And broadswords flashing to the sky. 
 
 Are maddening in the rear. 
 Onward they drive in dreadful race, 
 
 Pursuers and pursued ; 440 
 
 Before that tide of flight and chase. 
 How shall it keep its rooted place. 
 
 The spearmen's twilight wood ? — 
 ' Down, down,' cried Mar, ' your lances down ! 
 
 Bear back both friend and foe 1 ' — 445 
 
 Like reeds before the tempest's frown, 
 That serried grove of lances brown 
 
 At once lay levelled low ; 
 And closely shouldering side to side. 
 The bristling ranks the onset bide. — 460 
 
 'We'll quell the savage mountaineer, 
 
 As their Tinchel cows the game ! 
 
 They come as fleet as forest deer, 
 
 We'll drive them back as tame.' 
 V 
 
 447. Serried. Crowded. 
 
 452. Tinchel. A circle of sportsmen, by surrounding a great space, 
 and gradually narrowing, brought immense quantities of deer together, 
 which usually made desperate efforts to break through the Tinchel. Scott. 
 
CANTO VI. THE GUARD-ROOM. 195 
 
 455 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 " Bearing before them ia their course 
 The relics of the archer force, 
 Like wave with crest of sparkling foam, 
 Right onward did Clan-Alpine come. 
 Above the tide, each broadsword bright 
 Was brandishing like beam of light, 400 
 
 Each targe was dark below ; 
 And with the ocean's mighty swing, * 
 When heaving to the tempest's wing, 
 They hurled them on the foe. 
 I heard the lance's shivering crash, 465 
 
 As when the whirlwind rends the ash ; 
 I heard the broadsword's deadly clang, 
 As if a hundred anvils rang ! 
 But Moray wheeled his rearward rank 
 Of horsemen on Clan-Alpine's flank, — 470 
 
 ' My banner-man, advance I 
 I see,' he cried, ' their column shake. 
 Now, gallants ! for your ladies' sake, 
 
 Upon them with the lance ! ' — 
 The horsemen dashed among the rout, 475 
 
 As deer break through the broom ; 
 Their steeds are stout, their swords are out, 
 
 They soon make lightsome room. 
 Clan-Alpine's best are backward borne — 
 
 Where, where was Roderick then ! 480 
 
 One blast upon his bugle-horn 
 
 Were worth a thousand men. 
 And refluent through the pass of fear 
 The battle's tide was poured ; 
 
 483. Refluent. Flowing back : ebbing. 
 
196 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto vi. 
 
 Vanished the Saxon's struggling spear, 485 
 
 Vanished the mountain-sword. 
 As Bracklinn's chasm, so black and steep, 
 
 Receives her roaring linn, 
 As the dark caverns of the deep 
 
 Suck the wild whirlpool in, 490 
 
 So did the deep and darksome pass 
 Devour the battle's mingled mass ; 
 None linger now upon the plain, 
 Save those who ne'er shall fight again. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 " Now westward rolls the battle's din, 495 
 
 That deep and doubling pass within. — 
 
 Minstrel, away ! the work of fate 
 
 Is bearing on ; its issue wait. 
 
 Where the rude Trosachs' dread defile 
 
 Opens on Katrine's lake and isle. 500 
 
 Gray Ben venue I soon repassed. 
 
 Loch Katrine lay beneath me cast. 
 
 The sun is set ; — the clouds are met, 
 The lowering scowl of heaven 
 
 An inky hue of livid blue 505 
 
 To the deep lake has given ; 
 Strange gusts of wind from mountain glen 
 Swept o'er the lake, then sunk again. 
 I heeded not the eddying surge. 
 Mine eye but saw the Trosachs' gorge, 5io 
 
 Mine ear but heard that sullen sound. 
 Which like an earthquake shook the ground. 
 And spoke the stern and desperate strife 
 That parts not but with parting life. 
 
CANTO VI. THE GUARD-ROOM. 197 
 
 Seeming, to minstrel ear, to toll 615 
 
 The dirge of many a passing soul. 
 
 Nearer it comes — the dim-wood olen 
 
 The martial flood disgorged again, 
 But not in mingled tide ; 
 
 The plaided warriors of the North 520 
 
 High on the mountain thunder forth 
 And overhang its side. 
 
 While by the lake below appears 
 
 The darkening cloud of Saxon spears. 
 
 At weary bay each shattered band, 625 
 
 Eying their foemen, sternly stand ; 
 
 Their banners stream like tattered sail, 
 
 That flings its fragments to the gale, 
 
 And broken arms and disarray 
 
 Marked the fell havoc of the day. 530 
 
 XX. 
 
 " Viewing the mountain's ridge askance. 
 The Saxons stood in sullen trance. 
 Till Moray pointed with his lance. 
 And cried : ' Behold yon isle ! — 
 See ! none are left to guard its strand 635 
 
 But women weak, that wring the hand : 
 'Tis there of yore the robber band 
 
 Their booty wont to pile ; — 
 My purse, with bonnet-pieces store. 
 To him will swim a bow-shot o'er, 540 
 
 And loose a shallop from the shore. 
 
 516. Dirge. Mournful music accompanying funeral rites. 
 
 539. Bonnet pieces. A gold coin on which the king's head was rep- 
 resented with a bonnet instead of a crown, coined by the "Commons' 
 King." Taylor. 
 
198 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto vi. 
 
 Lightly Ave '11 tame the war-wolf then, 
 
 Lords of his mate, and brood, and den.' 
 
 Forth from the ranks a spearman sprung, 
 
 On earth his casque and corselet rung, 545 
 
 He plunged him in the wave : — 
 All saw the deed, — the purpose knew, 
 And to their clamors Ben venue 
 
 A mingled echo gave ; 
 The Saxons shout, their mate to cheer, 550 
 
 The helpless females scream for fear. 
 And yells for rage the mountaineer. 
 'Twas then, as by the outcry riven, 
 Poured down at once the lowering heaven : 
 A whirlwind swept Loch Katrine's breast, 555 
 
 Her billows reared their snowy crest. 
 Well for the swimmer swelled tliey high. 
 To mar the Highland marksman's eye ; 
 For round him showered, mid rain and hail. 
 The vengeful arrows of the Gael. 560 
 
 Li vain. — He nears the isle — and lo ! 
 His hand is on a shallop's bow. 
 Just then a flash of lightning came. 
 It tinged the waves and strand with flame ; 
 I marked Duncraggan's widowed dame, 565 
 
 Behind an oak I saw her stand, 
 A naked dirk gleamed in her hand : — 
 It darkened, — but amid the moan 
 Of waves I heard a dying groan j — 
 Another flash I — the spearman floats 570 
 
 A weltering corse beside the boats, 
 
 545. Casque. A piece of armor for protecting the head and neck in battle; 
 a hehnet. — Corselet. A piece of armor for protecting the front of the body. 
 
CAN-TO VI. THE GUAKD-ROOM. 199 
 
 And the stern matron o'er him stood^ 
 Her hand and dagger streaming blood. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 " ' Revenge I revenge ! ' tlie Saxons cried, 
 
 The Gaels' exulting shout replied. 575 
 
 Despite the elemental rage, 
 
 Again they hurried to engage ; 
 
 But, ere they closed in desperate fight, 
 
 Bloody with spurring came a knight. 
 
 Sprung from his horse, and from a crag 580 
 
 Waved 'twixt the hosts a milk-white flag. 
 
 Clarion and trumpet by his side 
 
 Rung forth a truce-note high and wide. 
 
 While, in the Monarch's name, afar 
 
 A herald's voice forbade the war, 585 
 
 For Bothwell's lord and Roderick bold 
 
 Were both, he said, in captive hold." — 
 
 But here the lay made sudden stand, 
 
 The harp escaped the Minstrel's hand ! 
 
 Oft had he stolen a glance, to spy 5[»o 
 
 How Roderick brooked his minstrelsy : 
 
 At first, the Chieftain, to the chime, 
 
 With lifted hand kept feeble time ; 
 
 That motion ceased, — yet feeling strong 
 
 Varied his look as changed the song ; 595 
 
 At length, no more his deafened ear 
 
 The minstrel melody can hear ; 
 
 His face grows sharp, — his hands are clenched. 
 
 As if some pang his heart-strings wrenched ; 
 
 Set are his teeth, his fading eye coo 
 
 Is sternly fixed on vacancy ; 
 
200 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto xi. 
 
 Thus, motionless and moanless, drew 
 
 His parting breath stout Rederick Dhu ! — 
 
 Old Allan-bane looked on aghast, 
 
 While grim and still his spirit jDassed ; 605 
 
 But when he saw that life was fled. 
 
 He poured his wailing o'er the dead. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 ITamenl. 
 
 " And art thou cold and lowly laid, 
 
 Thy foeman's dread, thy peo^^le's aid, 
 
 Breadalbane's boast. Clan- Alpine's shade I . 6if 
 
 For thee shall none a requiem say? — 
 
 For thee, who loved the minstrel's lay^ 
 
 For thee, of Bothwell's house the stay^ 
 
 The shelter of her exiled line, 
 
 E'en in this prison-house of thine, 615 
 
 I'll wail for Alpine's honored Pine ! 
 
 " What groans shall yonder valleys fill ! 
 
 What shrieks of grief shall rend yon hill ! 
 
 What tears of burning rage shall thrill. 
 
 When mourns thy tribe thy battles done, 62i 
 
 Thy fall before the race was won, , ip )^ 
 
 Thy sword ungirt ere set of sun ! ,■ 
 
 There breathes not clansman of thy line, 
 
 But would have given his life for thine. 
 
 O, woe for Alpine's honored Pine ! 625 
 
 " Sad was thy lot on mortal stage ! — 
 The captive thrush may brook the cage, 
 
 611. Bequiem. A hymn, or mass, sung for the repose of the soul after 
 death. 
 
CANT© VI. THE GUAKD-KOOM. 211 
 
 The prisoned eagle dies for rage. 
 
 Brave spirit, do not scorn my strain ! 
 
 And, when its notes awake again, 63« 
 
 Even she, so long beloved in vain, 
 
 Shall with my harp her voice combine, 
 
 And mix her woe and tears with mine. 
 
 To wail Clan-Alpine's honored Pine." 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 Ellen the while, with bursting heart, 635 
 
 Remained in lordly bower apart. 
 
 Where played, with many-colored gleams, 
 
 Through storied pane the rising beams. 
 
 In vain on gilded roof they fall. 
 
 And lightened up a tapestried Avail, 64« 
 
 And for her use a menial train 
 
 A rich collation spread in vain. 
 
 The banquet proud, the chamber gay, 
 
 Scarce draw one curious glance astray ; 
 
 Or if she looked, 'twas but to say, 645 
 
 With better omen dawned the day 
 
 In that lone isle, where waved on high 
 
 The dun-deer's hide for canopy ; 
 
 Where oft her noble father shared 
 
 The simple meal her care prepared, 65# 
 
 While Lufra, crouching by her side. 
 
 Her station claimed with jealous pride. 
 
 And Douglas, bent on woodland game, 
 
 Spoke of the chase to Malcolm Gr^me, 
 
 638. Storied pane. Windows adorned with historical paintings. 
 640. Tapestried. Hung with an ornamental figured cloth of wool or 
 silk. — Gil. Menial train. A train of servants. 
 
202 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto vi. 
 
 AVhose answer, oft at random made, 655 
 
 The wandering of his thoughts betrayed. 
 
 Those who such simple joys have known 
 
 Are taught to prize them when they're gone. 
 
 But sudden, see, she lifts her head. 
 
 The window seeks with cautious tread. eeu 
 
 What distant music has the power 
 
 To win her in this Avoful hour? 
 
 'Twas from a turret that o'erhung 
 
 Her latticed bower, the strain was sung. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 I^ag of t^e Imprisoneb punlsman. 
 
 " My hawk is tired of perch and hood, 665 
 
 My idle gre3diound loathes his food. 
 
 My horse is weary of his stall. 
 
 And I am sick of captive thrall. 
 
 I wish I were as I have been, 
 
 Hunting the hart in forest green, 670 
 
 With bended bow and bloodhound free. 
 
 For that's the life is meet for me. 
 
 I hate to learn the ebb of time 
 
 From yon dull steeple's drowsy chime. 
 
 Or mark it as the sunbeams crawl, 675 
 
 Inch after inch, along the wall. 
 
 The lark was wont my martins ring, 
 
 The sable rook my vespers sing ; 
 
 These towers, although a king's they be, 
 
 Have not a hall of joy for me. 680 
 
 No more at dawning morn I rise, 
 
CANTO VI. THE GUAKD-ROOM. 203 
 
 And sun myself in Ellen's eyes, 
 
 Drive the fleet deer the forest through, 
 
 And homeward wend with evening dew ; 
 
 A blithesome welcome blithely meet, 685 
 
 And lay my trophies at her feet. 
 
 While fled the eve on wing of glee, — 
 
 That life is lost to love and me ! " 
 
 XXV. 
 
 The heart-sick lay was hardl}* said, 
 
 The listener had not turned her head, 690 
 
 It trickled still, the starting tear. 
 
 When light a footstep struck her ear. 
 
 And Snowdoun's graceful Knight was near. 
 
 vShe turned the hastier, lest again 
 
 The prisoner should renew his strain. 695 
 
 " O welcome, brave Fitz-James ! " she said; 
 
 " How may an almost orphan maid 
 
 Pay the deep debt — " " O say not so ! 
 
 To me no gratitude you owe. 
 
 Not mine, alas ! the boon to give, too 
 
 And bid thy noble father live ; 
 
 I can but be thy guide, sweet maid, 
 
 With Scotland's King thy suit to aid. 
 
 No tyrant he, though ire and pride 
 
 May lay his better mood aside. 705 
 
 Come, Ellen, come I 'tis more than time. 
 
 He holds his court at morning prime." 
 
 With beating heart, and bosom wrung, 
 
 As to a brother's arm she clung. 
 
 707. Morning prime. Dawn. 
 
204 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto vi. 
 
 Gently he dried the falling tear, 7io 
 
 And gently whispered hope and cheer ; 
 
 Her faltering steps half led, half stayed, 
 
 Through gallery fair and high arcade, 
 
 Till at his touch its wings of pride 
 
 A portal arch unfolded wide. 715 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 Within 'twas brilliant all and light, 
 
 A thronging scene of figures bright ; 
 
 It glowed on Ellen's dazzled sight. 
 
 As when the setting sun has given. 
 
 Ten thousand hues to summer even, 720 
 
 And from their tissue fancy frames 
 
 Aerial knights and fairy dames. 
 
 Still by Fitz-James her footing staid ; 
 
 A few faint steps she forward made, 
 
 Then slow her drooping head she raised, 725 
 
 And fearful round the presence gazed ; 
 
 For him she sought who owned this state. 
 
 The dreaded Prince whose will was fate ! — 
 
 She gazed on man}^ a princely port 
 
 Might well have ruled a royal court ; 730 
 
 On many a splendid garb she gazed, — 
 
 Then turned bewildered and amazed, 
 
 For all stood bare ; and in the room 
 
 Fitz-James alone wore cap and plumes 
 
 To him each lady's look was lent, 735 
 
 On him each courtier's eye was bent \ 
 
 713. Arcade. A series of openings, or recesses, with arched ceilings 
 supported by columns. — 720. Presence. Presence-chamber; the room in 
 which a great person receives guests. 
 
CANTO VI. y THE (ILARD-HOOM. ^^^T ' ' 205 
 
 Midst fui's and silks and jewels sheen, (^ 
 
 He stood, in simple Lincoln green, 
 
 The centre of the glittering ring, — 
 
 And Snowdoun's Knight is Scotland's King I 740 
 
 /- ^ . /xxvii. r /. 
 
 t 
 
 As wreath of snow 9n mountain-breast 
 
 Slides from the rock that gave it rest, 
 
 Poor Ellen glided from her stay,__/ . 
 
 And at (the Monarch's feet slie lay ; '^''^ 
 
 No word her choking voice commands, — 745 
 
 She showed; the ring^ — she clasped her hands. 
 
 O, not a moment could he brook. 
 
 The generous Prince,) that suppliant look ! /^ 
 
 Gently- he raised her, — and, the while. 
 
 Checked with a glance the circle's smile ; "50 
 
 Graceful,! but grave, lier brow he kissed, 
 
 And bade her ter^^ors be dismissed : — 
 
 " Yes, fair ; the Wandering poor Fitz- James 
 
 The fealty of Scotland claims. 
 
 To him thy woes, thy wishes, bring ; 7.55 
 
 He will redeem his signet ring. 
 
 Ask naught for Douglas ; — yester even. 
 
 His Prince and he have much forgiven ; 
 
 740. Snowdoun's Knight is Scotland's King. James V., of whom we 
 are treating, was a monarch whose good and benevolent intentions often 
 r.-ndered his romantic freaks venial, if not respectable, since, from his 
 anxious attention to the interests of the lower and most oppressed class of 
 his subjects, he was, as we have seen, popularly termed the Kinu of the 
 Commons. For the purpose of seeing that justice was regularly adminis- 
 tered, and frequently from the less justifiable motive of gallantry, he used 
 to traverse the vicinage of his several palaces in various disguises. Scott. 
 
 757. Yester even. Yesterday evening. 
 
206 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto vi. 
 
 Wrong hath he had from slanderous tongue, 
 
 I, from his rebel kmsmen, wrong. 760 
 
 We would not to the vulgar crowd, 
 
 Yield what they craved with clamor loud ; 
 
 Calmly we heard and judged his cause. 
 
 Our council aided and our laws. 
 
 I stanched thy father's death-feud stern 765 
 
 With stout De Vaux and gray Glencairn ; 
 
 And Bothwell's Lord henceforth we own 
 
 The friend and bulwark of our throne. — 
 
 But, lovely inlidel, how now ? 
 
 What clouds thy misbelieving brow ? 770 
 
 Lord James of Douglas, lend thine aid ; 
 
 Thou must confirm this doubting maid.'* 
 
 XXVIII. ^ 
 
 Then forth the noble Douglas sprung, 
 
 And on his neck his daughter hung. 
 
 The Monarch drank, that happy hour, 775 
 
 The sweetest, holiest draught of Power, — 
 
 When it can say with godlike voice, 
 
 Arise, sad Virtue, and rejoice ! 
 
 Yet would not James the general eye 
 
 On nature's raptures long should pry ; 780 
 
 He stepped between — " Nay, Douglas, nay, 
 
 Steal not my proselyte away I 
 
 The riddle 'tis my right to read, 
 
 That brought this happy chance to speed. 
 
 Yes, Ellen, when disguised I stray 785 
 
 In life's more low but happier way, 
 
 782. Proselyte. New convert. 784. To speed. To a successful result. 
 
CANTO VI. THE GUARD-ROOM. 207 
 
 'Tis under name which veils my power, 
 
 Nor falsely veils, — for Stirling's tower 
 
 Of yore the name of Snowdoun claims. 
 
 And Normans call me James Fitz- James. 790 
 
 Thus watch I o'er insulted laws. 
 
 Thus learn to right the injured cause." • 
 
 Then, in a tone apart and low, — 
 
 " Ah, little traitress ! none must know 
 
 What idle dream, what lighter thought, 795 
 
 What vanity full dearly bought. 
 
 Joined to thine eye's dark witchcraft, drew 
 
 My spell-bound steps to Benvenue 
 
 In dangerous hour, and all but gave 
 
 Thy Monarch's life to mountain glaive ! " 800 
 
 Aloud he spoke : " Thou still dost hold 
 
 That little talisman of gold. 
 
 Pledge of my faith, Fitz-James's rijig, — 
 
 What seeks fair Ellen of the King ? " 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Full well the conscious maiden guessed 805 
 
 He probed the weakness of her breast ; 
 
 But with that consciousness there came 
 
 A lightening of her fears for Graeme, 
 
 And more she deemed the Monarch's ire 
 
 Kindled 'gainst him who for her sire 8io 
 
 Rebellious broadsword boldly drew ; 
 
 And, to her generous feeling true. 
 
 She craved the grace of Roderick Dhu. 
 
 802. Talisman. An image supposed to produce a magical or extraordi- 
 nary effect in preventing evil. 
 
208 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. canto vi. 
 
 " Forbear thy suit ; — the King of kings 
 
 Alone can stay life's parting wings. 815 
 
 I know his heart, I know his hand, 
 
 Have shared his cheer, and proved his brand ; — 
 
 My fairest earldom would I give 
 
 To bid Clan-Alpine's Chieftain live ! — 
 
 Hast thou no other boon to crave ? 820 
 
 No other captive friend to save ? " 
 
 Blushing, she turned her from the King, 
 
 And to the Douglas gave the ring, 
 
 As if she wished her sire to speak 
 
 The suit that stained her glowing cheek. 825 
 
 " Nay, then, my pledge has lost its force, 
 
 And stubborn justice holds her course. 
 
 Malcolm, come forth ! " — and, at the word, 
 
 Down kneeled the Graeme to Scotland's Lord. 
 
 " For thee, rash youth, no suppliant sues, 830 
 
 From thee may Vengeance claim her dues. 
 
 Who nurtured underneath our smile, 
 
 Hast paid our care by treacherous wile, 
 
 And sought amid thy faithful clan 
 
 A refuge for an outlawed man, 835 
 
 Dishonoring thus thy loyal name. — 
 
 Fetters and warder for the Graeme ! "' 
 
 His chain of gold the King unstrung, 
 
 The links o'er Malcolm's neck he flung. 
 
 Then gently drew the glittering band, 840 
 
 And laid the clasp on Ellen's hand. 
 
 825. stained. Flushed. 
 
 833. Treacherous wile. A plot for tlie betrayal of a trust. 
 
CANTO VI. THE GUARD-ROOM. 209 
 
 « 
 
 Harp of the North, farewell ! The hills grow dark, 
 
 On purple peaks a deeper shade descending ; 
 In twilight copse the glow-worm lights her spark, 
 
 The deer, half seen, are to the covert wending. 845 
 Resume thy wizard elm 1 the fountain lending, 
 
 And the wild breeze, thy wilder minstrelsy ; 
 Thy numbers sweet with nature's vespers blending. 
 
 With distant echo from the fold and lea. 
 And herd-boy's evening pipe, and hum of housing bee. 
 
 Yet, once again, farewell, thou Minstrel Harp I 85i 
 
 Yet, once again, forgive my feeble sway. 
 And little reck I of the censure sharp 
 
 May idly cavil at an idle lay. 
 Much have I owed thy strains on life's long way, 855 
 
 Through secret woes the world has never known. 
 When on the weary night dawned wearier day. 
 
 And bitterer was the grief devoured alone. — 
 That I o'erlive such woes, Enchantress I is thine OAvn. 
 
 Hark ! as my lingering footsteps slow retire, 860 
 
 Some Spirit of the Air has waked thy string ! 
 'Tis now a seraph bold, with touch of fire, 
 
 'Tis now the brush of Fairy's frolic wing. 
 Receding now the dying numbers ring 
 
 Fainter and fainter down the rugged dell ; so.") 
 
 And now the mountain breezes scarcely bring 
 
 A wandering witch-note of the distant spell — 
 And now, 'tis silent all ! — Enchantress, fare thee well ! 
 
 854. Cavil. Fiud fault, without cause. 
 
 862. Seraph. Au augel of the highest rank. 
 
IlfTDEX TO NOTES. 
 
 [The Numbers refer to Pages.] 
 
 According pause, 4. 
 
 Adventures, 180. 
 
 Aghast, 76. 
 
 Albany, 146. 
 
 Allan, 129. 
 
 Allan-bane, 37. 
 
 Allies, 65. 
 
 Alpine, 46. 
 
 Amain, 11. 
 
 Ambuscade, 148. 
 
 Ambush, 133. 
 
 Anathema, 83. 
 
 And the best of Loch Lomond, etc., 55. 
 
 Antique garniture, 189. 
 
 Antiquity, 76. 
 
 Apparition, 152. 
 
 Apprehensive, 117. 
 
 Arcade, 204. 
 
 Archer wight, 1(36. 
 
 Ardent symphony, 4. 
 
 Arraignment, 146. 
 
 Array, 186. 
 
 Ascabart, 28. 
 
 Aspen, 14. 
 
 .\ssuage, 44. 
 
 Astound, 06. 
 
 Astrand, 189. 
 
 Aught, 59. 
 
 Augured, 81. 
 
 Augur scathe, 124. 
 
 Augury, 110. 
 
 Auspicious, 114. 
 
 Ave Maria, 103. 
 
 Avouch, 113. 
 
 Balvaig, 97. 
 
 Ban, 82. 
 
 Banditti, 174. 
 
 Bannered jrlne, 52. 
 
 Bannochar, 55. 
 
 Barded, 193. 
 
 Barret-cap, 187. 
 
 Basked, 137. 
 
 Battalia, 193. 
 
 Batten, 130. 
 
 Battled fence, 66. 
 
 Battled verge, 173. 
 
 Battlement, 13. 
 
 Battle of Bear an Duine, 191. 
 
 Beacon, 5. 
 
 Bead, 17. 
 Beala-nambo, 85. 
 Bear maha. 111. 
 Beakers, 179. 
 Beamed frontlet, 5. 
 Beck, 150. 
 Beetled, 66. 
 Beguile, 118. 
 Beltane game, 51. 
 Ben-an, 16. 
 
 Ben-an's gray scalp, 84. 
 Benharrow, 77. 
 Benighted, 22. 
 Benledi, 8. 
 Ben-Shie, 81. 
 Benvenue, 8. 
 Benvoirlich, 5. 
 Beshrew, 17. 
 Betimes, 124. 
 
212 
 
 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 Bide, 109. 
 
 Bittern, 31. 
 
 Black-jack, 181. 
 
 Black Sir Roderick, 46. 
 
 Blair-Drumraond, 160. 
 
 Blautj^re, 58. 
 , Blazed, 113. 
 \ Bleeding Heart, 45. 
 \ Blench, 05. 
 ^ Blithe carol, 88. 
 
 Bochastle, 153. 
 
 ^^ochastle's heath, 8. 
 
 Boding, 44. 
 
 Bonnet pieces, 197. 
 
 Bonnets, 52. 
 
 Boon to crave, 127. 
 
 Bootless, 65. 
 
 Bosky, 88. 
 
 Boss, 111. 
 
 Both well's bannered hall, 43. 
 
 Boune, 109, 159. 
 
 Bout, 109. 
 
 Bourne, 124. 
 
 Bower, 41. 
 
 Bracken, 96. 
 
 Bracklinn, 49. 
 
 Braes, 63. 
 
 Braes of Doune, 108. 
 
 Brake, 9. 
 
 Brand, 34. 
 
 Brawny, 167. 
 
 Breadalbane, 55. 
 
 Bride of Heaven, 162. 
 
 Brigg of Turk, 9. 
 
 Broke, 112. 
 
 Brooch, 19. 
 
 Brook, 28. 
 
 Broom, 15. 
 
 Bruce, 99. 
 
 Bucklered, 78. 
 
 Buffet, 170. 
 
 Burden, 54. 
 
 Burgeon, 54. 
 
 Butts, 166. 
 
 Buxom, 181. 
 
 By, 103. 
 
 By his chieftain's hand, 98. 
 
 By the rood, 22. 
 
 Cabala, 80. 
 
 Cadence, 31, 54. 
 
 Cairn, 6. 
 
 Caitiff, 178. 
 
 Caledon, 3. 
 
 Cambus-kenneth's fane, 117. 
 
 Cambusmou. 8. 
 
 Canna, 51. 
 
 Cardross, 99. 
 
 Carpet knight, 155. 
 
 Casement, 179. 
 
 Casque, 198. 
 
 Castle, 164. 
 
 Cavil, 209. 
 
 Chalice, 74. 
 
 Chanter, 52. 
 
 Checkered bauds, 166. 
 
 Checkered shroud, 68. 
 
 Chiding, 11. 
 
 Clamor, 88. 
 
 Clan, 41. 
 
 Clarion, 53. 
 
 Claymore, 49, 
 
 Clemency, 170. 
 
 Cloister, 16. 
 
 Close, 158. 
 
 Cognizance, 174. 
 
 Coif, 94. 
 
 Coil, 97. 
 
 Coilantogle's ford, 139. 
 
 Coir-Uriskin, 85, 99. 
 
 Combating, 67. 
 
 Common's King, 165. 
 
 Compeers, 79. 
 
 Conceit, 108. 
 
 Conjure, 122. 
 
 Copse, 6. 
 
 Cormorant, 72. 
 
 Coronach, 89. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 213 
 
 Coronet, 45. 
 Correi, CO. 
 Corselet, 198. 
 Couched, 11. 
 Courier, 62. 
 Covert, 84. 
 Cowl, 1G(3. 
 Coy, 74. 
 Crested, 4. 
 Crosslet, 82. 
 Cubit, 82. 
 Cumber, 90. 
 Curlew, 149. 
 Cushat, 76. 
 Cymbals, 193. 
 
 Daggled, 133. 
 
 Dappled, 142. 
 
 Dank osiers, 144. 
 
 Darkling, 120. 
 
 Death halloo, 10. 
 
 Death wound, 10. 
 
 Dell, 72. 
 
 Delusion, 152. 
 
 Dennan's Row, 111. 
 
 Dernstown, IGO. 
 
 Despite old spleen, 61. 
 
 Devan, 129. 
 
 Device, 25. 
 
 Dewing, 30. 
 
 Dingle, 12. 
 
 Dirge, 197. 
 
 Disembodied world, 81. 
 
 Dispensation, 47. 
 
 Disowned by every noble peer, 47, 
 
 Doffing, 165. 
 
 Domain, 67. 
 
 Douglases, 43, 163. 
 
 Doune, 145, 160. 
 
 Down, 71. 
 
 Down of eider, 103. 
 
 Druid, 77. 
 
 Duchray, 99. 
 
 Dun, 27. 
 
 Dun deer's hide, 87. 
 Duncraggan, 89. 
 Dun of crmline, 123. 
 
 Eagle wings unfurled, 153. 
 
 Earl William, 176. 
 
 Earn, 115. 
 
 Earth-born castles, 13. 
 
 Eglantine, 13. 
 
 Elfin Queen, 120. 
 
 Embers, 85. 
 
 Emblem, 44. 
 
 Embossed, 9. 
 
 Emprise, 24. 
 
 Enow, 65. 
 
 Envenomed, 68. 
 
 Erne, 192. 
 
 Errant damosel, 185. 
 
 Errant-knight, 24. 
 
 Erst, 42. 
 
 Espial, 63. 
 
 Estranged, 79. 
 
 Ettrick, 63. 
 
 Execration, 83. 
 
 Eyry, 192. 
 
 Fabled goddess, 59. 
 Fain, 7. 
 Falchion, 18. 
 Falcon, 6. 
 Fallow, 31. 
 Fared, 128. 
 Fatal green, 121. 
 Favor, 135. 
 Fay, 23. 
 Fealty, 172. 
 Feint, 156. 
 Fell, 70. 
 Fellest, 29. 
 Fen, 116. 
 Ferragus, 28. 
 Feud, 125. 
 Feudal power, 165. 
 Field fare, 78. 
 
214 
 
 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 Fiery Cross, 74. 
 
 Filial love, 20. 
 
 Fitting ward, 171. 
 
 Fleet, 40. 
 
 Fleming, 180. 
 
 Flushing, 90. 
 
 Foiled, 65. 
 
 Fold, 78. 
 
 Forayed, 130. 
 
 Forfeit, 133. 
 
 For retreat in dangerous hour, 25. 
 
 Franciscan, 163. 
 
 Fraught, 43. 
 
 Frenzied, 134. 
 
 Friar Tuck, 166. 
 
 From targe and jack, 151. 
 
 Gael, 142. 
 Gallants, 159. 
 Garnish, 27. 
 Garrisoned, 150. 
 Gauntlet, 33. 
 Glade, 13. 
 Glaive, 114. 
 Glen, 78. 
 Glen Artney, 5. 
 Glenfinlas, 61. 
 Glen Fruin, 55. 
 Glen Luss, 55. 
 Glinted, 151. 
 Glosing, 62. 
 Goblin, 81. 
 Goshawk, 84. 
 Gored, 181. 
 Graces, 19. 
 Graeme, 41, 99. 
 Grisly visage, 33. 
 Grot, 118. 
 Guerdon, 47, 186. 
 Guile, 120. 
 Guise, 59. 
 Gyve, 178. 
 
 Hag, 81. 
 
 Haggard, 83. 
 
 Halberd, 180. 
 
 Hallowed creed, 78. 
 
 Hap, 38. 
 
 Hardened flesh, 138. 
 
 Harebell, 44. 
 
 Harness, 179. 
 
 Harp of the North, 3. 
 
 Hazard our relief, 47. 
 
 Heath, 8, 74. 
 
 Heath cock, 22. 
 
 Helm, 127. 
 
 Henchman, 70. 
 
 Heritage, 29. 
 
 Heron, 23. 
 
 Hero's targe, 111. 
 
 Hest, 92. 
 
 Hied, 12. 
 
 Highland plunderers, 17. 
 
 Hind, 87. 
 
 His Border spears with Hotspur's 
 
 bows, 50. 
 His lordship the embattled lield, 127. 
 His targe he threw, etc., 156. 
 Hoary, 90. 
 Holy-Rood, 46, 146. 
 Holytide, 180. 
 Homage, 155. 
 Homicide, 47. 
 Horde, 98. 
 Host, 180. 
 Hostage, 165. 
 
 Hunters live so cheerily, etc., 132. 
 Hurricane, 7. 
 
 Idaean vine, 26. 
 
 Imbrue, 135. 
 
 Impending, 82. 
 
 Incessant, 66. 
 
 Inch-Cailliach, 82. 
 
 Inconstant, 122. 
 
 Incumbent, 100. 
 
 Infamy, 84. 
 
 In Holy-Rood a knight he slew, 46. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 215 
 
 Insulated, 13. 
 Inured, 109. 
 Invulnerable, 117. 
 
 Jennet, 164. 
 Jeopardy, 187. 
 Juggler, 183. 
 
 Ken, 7. 
 Kerchief, 94. 
 Kernes, 111. 
 Kier, IGO. 
 Kindly, 122. 
 Knell, 42. 
 
 Knighthood, 4, 171. 
 Knot-grass, 78. 
 
 Lackey, 70. 
 
 Ladies' Rock, 1(58. 
 
 Lair, 5. 
 
 Lanrick mead, 86. 
 
 Lave, 17. 
 
 Lay, 37. 
 
 Lea, 44. 
 
 Leagued, 50. 
 
 Leash, 169. 
 
 Leech, 189. 
 
 Legends, 74. 
 
 Lendrick, 160. 
 
 Lenox foray, 46. 
 
 Level way, 12. 
 
 Leven-glen, 55. 
 
 Lichens, 39. 
 
 Limpid, 57. 
 
 Lincoln green, 23. 
 
 Lineage of the Bleeding Heart, 65. 
 
 Links of Forth, 65. 
 
 Linn, 7. 
 
 Linnet, 37. 
 
 Little John, 166. 
 
 Loch Achray, 8. 
 
 Lochard, 8. 
 
 Loch Con, 99. 
 
 Loch Katrine, 15. 
 
 Loch Lomond, 46, 
 Loop, 179, 
 Lowered, 146. 
 Lubnaig, 95. 
 Lure, 145. 
 
 Magic, 80. 
 
 Maid :Marian, 166, 
 
 Main, 38. 
 
 Marauding, 47. 
 
 Marouuau, 48. 
 
 Martial, 142. 
 
 Masquers, 163. 
 
 Matins, 17, 37. 
 
 Mavis, 119. 
 
 Maze, 4. 
 
 Measured mood, 19. 
 
 Meed, 38, 
 
 Meggat, 63. 
 
 Menials, 28, 
 
 Menial train, 201. 
 
 Menteith, 7, 55. 
 
 Mere, 22. 
 
 Merle, 119. 
 
 Meteor fire, 80. 
 
 Mewed, 146. 
 
 Midnight blaze, 97. 
 
 Mien, 23. 
 
 Mimicry, 61. 
 
 Minaret, 13, 
 
 Minstrel, 3. 
 
 Minstrelsy, 4. 
 
 Misproud, 170. 
 
 Moat, 15, 
 
 Monan, 4. 
 
 Monk, 77. 
 
 Monument of Grecian Art, 18, 
 
 Moody, 79. 
 
 Moor, 71. 
 
 Morass, 87. 
 
 Moray's silver star, 114. 
 
 More than kindred knew, 28. 
 
 Morning prime, 203. 
 
 Morrice-dancers, 163. 
 
216 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 Mosque, 13. 
 
 Pole-axe, 95. 
 
 Motley, 163. 
 
 Pomp, 58. 
 
 Mould, 123. 
 
 Port, 28. 
 
 Murky, 103. 
 
 Portals, 63. 
 
 Muster, 145. 
 
 Postern gate, 162. 
 
 Mutch, 166. 
 
 Prelude, 53. 
 
 ]My sovereign holds in ward my 
 
 Presaged, 118. 
 
 lauds, 71. 
 
 Presence, 204. 
 
 Mysterious lineage, 79. 
 
 Pretext, 63. 
 
 
 Pricked, 160. 
 
 Naiad, 18. 
 
 Primeval, 100. 
 
 Native buhvarks, 13. 
 
 Prompted, 108. 
 
 Needwood, 184. 
 
 Prore, 189. 
 
 Nighted, 68. 
 
 Proselyte, 206. 
 
 Numbers, 3. 
 
 Prune, 21. 
 
 Nuptial torch, 65. 
 
 Ptarmigan, 22. 
 
 
 Purvey, 183. 
 
 Ochtertyre, 160. 
 
 
 Omen, 112. 
 
 Quail, 60. 
 
 O my sweet William, 131. 
 
 Quaint, 163. 
 
 On the visioned future bent, 23. 
 
 Quarry, 9. 
 
 Opening pack, 6. 
 
 Quarterstaff, 166. 
 
 Orisons, 34. 
 
 Questing, 87. 
 
 sad and fatal mound, 163. 
 
 
 Outlawed, 47. 
 
 Rampart, 10. 
 
 
 Random, 100. 
 
 Page, 101. 
 
 Raven, 20. 
 
 Pageant pomp, 70. 
 
 Ravine, 97. 
 
 Pagod, 13. 
 
 Reave, 44. 
 
 Palfrey, 159. 
 
 Reck of, 127. 
 
 Pallet, 178. 
 
 Recreant, 157. 
 
 Palsied, 86. 
 
 Rednock, 99. 
 
 Parley, 62. 
 
 Red streamers of the north, 116 
 
 Patriarch, 82. 
 
 Reeking red, 49. 
 
 Penance, 77. 
 
 Refluent, 195. 
 
 Pennons, 130, 145. 
 
 Reft, 61. 
 
 Pent, 148. 
 
 Rendezvous, 98. 
 
 Percy's Norman pennon, 58. 
 
 Requiem, 200. 
 
 Phantom, 32. 
 
 Reveille, 31. 
 
 Pibroch, 30. 
 
 Revelry, 76. 
 
 Pinnacle, 12. 
 
 Rife, 117. 
 
 Plaid, 19. 
 
 Rifted, 55. 
 
 Plaided, 38. 
 
 Ritual, 76. 
 
 Plover, 153. 
 
 River Demon, 80. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 217 
 
 Robin Hood, 166. 
 
 Rocky isle, 24. 
 
 Roderick Vich Alpine. 54. 
 
 Roe, 6. 
 
 Ross-dhn, 55. 
 
 Rout, 6. 
 
 Rowan, 77. 
 
 Royal ward, 61. 
 
 Ruth, 156. 
 
 Ruthless, 63. 
 
 Sable, 50. 
 
 Sable-lettered page, 00. 
 
 Sable pale of Mar, 114. 
 
 Saint Fillan, 3. 
 
 Saint Hubert, 9. 
 
 Saint Modan, 42. 
 
 Satyr, 100. 
 
 Scaled, 66. 
 
 Scanned, 99. 
 
 Scarlet, 166. 
 
 Scathed, 84. 
 
 Scathelocke, 166. 
 
 Scathless, 111. 
 
 Scaur, 87. 
 
 Scourge and steel, 9. 
 
 Scroll, 113. 
 
 Searest, 90. 
 
 Sedgy, 31. 
 
 Seek other cause 'gainst Roderick 
 
 Dhu, 148. 
 Seine, 11. 
 Sentient, 113. 
 Sentinel, 16. 
 Sepulchral, S3. 
 Sequestered, 98. 
 Seraph, 209. 
 Serf, 124. 
 Serried, 194. 
 Shallop, 191. 
 Sheen, 13. 
 Shingles, 143. 
 Shingly, 81. 
 Shock, 148. 
 
 Shred, 134. 
 
 Shrewdly, 7. 
 
 Shrouds, 48. 
 
 Signet, 127. 
 
 Signet sage, 21. 
 
 Skirts, 98. 
 
 Slaked, 49. 
 
 Slighting the need, 22. 
 
 Slip, 137. 
 
 Slogan, 55. 
 
 Snood, 19, 79. 
 
 Snowdoun, 29. 
 
 Snowdoun's Knight is Scotland's 
 King, 205. 
 
 Sooth, 24. 
 
 Sounds, too, had come, 81. 
 
 Speed, 38. 
 
 Spells, 80. 
 
 Spey, 44. 
 
 Stag of ten, 132. 
 
 Stained, 208. 
 
 Stalwart, 168. 
 
 Stance, 115. 
 
 Stanch hound, 9. 
 
 Stark, 164. 
 
 Stirling's porch, 65, 161. 
 Stock, 9. 
 
 Storied pane, 201. 
 Straight or strait, 63. 
 Strand, 88. 
 
 Stranger to respect and power, 146. 
 Strath, 78. 
 
 Strath Endrick glen, 61. 
 Strath-Gartney, 97. 
 Strath-Ire, 92. 
 Strathspey, 46. 
 Strook, 83. 
 
 Stumah, 90. ^ 
 
 Subterranean, 150. 
 Such cheek should feel the mid- 
 night air, 70. 
 Suitor, 50. 
 
 Summer solstice, 136. 
 Suspense, 152. 
 
218 
 
 THE LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 Swarthy, 88. 
 Swath, 88. 
 Switzer, 180, 
 Sylvan war, 7. 
 Symbol, 83. 
 
 Taghairm, 110. 
 
 Tainted gale, 5. 
 
 Talisman, 207. 
 
 Tamed the Border-Side, 63. 
 
 Tapestried, 201. 
 
 Targe, 92. 
 
 Target, 27. 
 
 Tartans brave, 52. 
 
 Teviot, G3. 
 
 That monk of savage form and 
 face, 77. 
 
 That party conquers in the strife, 113. 
 
 The bannered towers of Doune, 160. 
 
 The burghers hold their sports to- 
 day, 163. 
 
 The flooded Teith, 8. 
 
 Three mighty lakes, 153. 
 
 Thrilling sounds, etc., 52. 
 
 Through watch and ward, 139. 
 
 Tilter, 164. 
 
 Tinchell, 194. 
 
 Tine-man, 50. 
 
 Toils, 131. 
 
 Torry, 160. 
 
 To speed, 206. 
 
 To steal their meal, 142. 
 
 Tower, 13. 
 
 Trailing arms, 173. 
 
 Train, 126. 
 
 Trance, 113. 
 
 Treacherous wile, 208. 
 
 Triple »teel, 158. 
 
 Troll, 181. 
 
 Trophies, 27. 
 
 Trosachs, 10. 
 
 Trowed, 117. 
 
 Truce, 156. 
 
 Truncheon, 146. 
 
 Tullibardine's house, 185. 
 Turn to bay, 10. 
 Turret, 13. 
 Tweed, 44. 
 
 Uam-Var, 6. 
 
 Unasked his birth and name, 28. 
 
 Undaimted, 47. 
 
 Unhooded, 59. 
 
 Unless he climb, etc., 15. 
 
 Unwont, 42. 
 
 Vair, 120. 
 
 Vassal, 83. 
 Vaward scouts, 193. 
 Veering, 14. 
 Vennachar, 9. 
 Ventures, 74. 
 Verge, 66. 
 Vest of Pall. 119. 
 Vied, 67. 
 Vindictive, 9. 
 Voluntary, 96. 
 Votaress, 48. 
 Vulgar, 175. 
 
 Wan, 67. 
 
 Waned crescent, 58. 
 Ward, 53. 
 Warder, 5. 
 Warily, 132. 
 Warrant, 139. ^ 
 Weal, 72. 
 Weeds, 128. 
 Weird, 30. 
 Whinyard, 10. 
 
 White-haired Allan-bane, 37. 
 Wildering, 16. 
 Wiled, 45. 
 Wily, 126. 
 Wist, 123. 
 Witch-elm, 3. 
 
 Without a pass from Roderick 
 Dhu, 152. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 219 
 
 Wizard, 4. 
 
 Woe worth the chase, 11. 
 
 Wold, 119. 
 
 Woned, 120. 
 
 Wont, 21. 
 
 Wot, 29. 
 
 Wreak, 135. 
 
 Wrought, 132. 
 
 Yarrow, 63. 
 Yeoman, 164. 
 Yester even, 205. 
 Yew, 82. 
 Yore, 50. 
 
 Presswork by Berwick ^ SmitJ^, lis P^^^^^X^^r:^^;:^^^^,,,,. 
 
WHITNEY & KNOX'S 
 
 LANGUAGE SERIES 
 
 -ooj*;o«- 
 
 These admirable books harmonize and utilize to a sur- 
 prising degree most, if not all, of the practical advantages 
 of conflicting theories. 
 
 — Dr. G. STANLEY HALL, Johns Hopkins University. 
 
 Their universal use would raise many schoolmasters to 
 
 the rank of teachers. 
 
 — State Supt. M. A. NEWELL, Afd. 
 
 Need only their presence to recommend them. 
 
 — F. W. PARKER, Prin. Cook Co. Normal School, III. 
 
 The brightest and most practical book on the subject 
 
 yet published. 
 
 ' ^ —Supt. J. O. WILSON, Washington, D.C. 
 
 None more suggestive and helpful to the young teacher. 
 
 — Supt. GEO. HOWLAND, Chicago, III. 
 
 Better than any other. 
 
 — Supt. JOHN B. PEASLEE, Cincinnati. 
 
 The only books that meet the wants of our elementary 
 
 schools. 
 
 — E. V. DE GRAFF, Institute Conductor. 
 
 Ginn, Heath, k Co., Publishers, 
 
 BOSTON. NEW YORK. CHICAGO. 
 
"OUR WORLD, No. 1." 
 
 FIRST LESSONS IN GEOGRAPHY. 
 
 Just adopted by the School Coimnittee of Boston for 
 SUPPLEMEJYTARY READIjYG. 
 
 For use as a supplementary reader, this book has many 
 features to recommend it : 
 
 1. It is the best of geographies. 
 
 " It is the most attractive school-book within my knowledge; and its literary execu- 
 tion seems to me admirable." — T. W. Higginson. 
 
 2. It is the work of a genuine teacher. 
 
 "The author is an enthusiastic and special teacher of the subject." — George B. 
 Emerson, LL.D., Boston. 
 
 3. It presents ideas, not merely words. 
 
 Nothing is more readily seized by young minds, or more wholesomely stimulating, 
 than vivid descriptions of interesting countries. 
 
 4. It is written in the best English. 
 
 "The style of the author is the most clear, beautiful, appropriate, and animating 
 I have seen." — Principal, Fredonia (N.Y.) Normal School. 
 
 5. It has been proved to awaken a deep interest. 
 
 " It is a charming book, which will increase, and not deaden, the interest of chil- 
 dren." — Edward Atkinson, Institute of Technology, Boston. 
 
 6. In brief, " Our World, No. i," is simple and charming in style, 
 
 instructive in method, interesting in substance, approved in 
 theory, endorsed by experience. 
 
 "It is made a very interesting reading book the fourth year of school, studied and 
 recited the fifth, and geography is completed the sixth and seventh years." — 
 E. Hunt, recently Superintendent of Schools, Newton, Mass. 
 
 With a view to the anticipated wide use of this book for 
 supplementary reading, the price has just been reduced from 
 60 cents to 50 cents a copy, for introduction. A single 
 copy will be sent for examination on receipt of 25 cents. 
 
 GINN, HEATH, & CO., Publishers, 
 
 BOSTON, NEW YORK, and CHICAGO. 
 
ROUSSEAU'S OPINION OF "ROBINSON CRUSOE." 
 
 "Since we must have books, there is one which, to my 
 mind, furnishes the finest of treatises on education according 
 to nature. M3' Emile shall read this book before any other ; 
 it shall for a long time be his entire library, and shall always 
 hold an honorable place. It shall be the text on which all 
 our discussions of natural science shall be only commentaries. 
 It shall be a test for all we meet daring our progress toward 
 a ripened judgment ; and, so long as our taste is unspoiled, 
 we shall enjoy reading it. What wonderful book is this? 
 Aristotle? Pliny? Buifon? No ; it is ' Robinson Crusoe.' . . . 
 
 "Disencumbered of its less profitable portions, this ro- 
 mance, from its beginning, the shipwreck of Crusoe on 
 the island, to its end, the arrival of the vessel which ^takes 
 him away, will 5ield amusement and instruction to Emile. 
 I would have him comi)letelv carried awav bv it, continuallv 
 thinking of Crusoe's fort, his goats, and his plantations. I 
 would have him learn, not from books, but from real things, 
 all he would need to know under the same circumstances. 
 He should be encouraged to play Robinson Crusoe, — to 
 imagine himself clad in skins, wearing a great cap and 
 sword, and all the array of that grotesque figure, down to 
 the umbrella, of which he would have no need. If he hap- 
 pens to be in want of anything, I hope he will contrive 
 something to supply its place. Let him look carefully into 
 all that his hero did, and decide whether any of it was un- 
 necessary, or might have been done in a better way. Let 
 him notice Crusoe's mistakes, and avoid them under like 
 circumstances. 
 
 '•He will very likely plan for himself surroundings like 
 Crusoe's, — a real castle in the air, natural at his happy age, 
 when we think ourselves rich if we are free and have the 
 necessaries of life. How useful this hobbv mio'ht be made 
 if some man of sense would only suggest it, and turn it to 
 good account ! The child, eager to build a storehouse for 
 his island, would be more desirous to learn than his master 
 would be to teach him. He would be anxious to know every- 
 thing he could make use of, and nothing besides. You would 
 not need to guide, but to restrain him." 
 
 From £mile. 
 
A NEW VOLUME IN THE SERIES OF 
 
 CLASSICS FOE CHILDREN. 
 
 AA;^ AT ER-B ABIES. 
 
 By CHARLES KINGSLEY. 
 
 Edited for the use of Schools by J. H. Stickney. 
 
 212 Pi?. Illustrated. Boards. Introd. price, 35 cts.; Maili7ig price, 4:0 cts. 
 
 Testimony to any extent might easily be adduced to the ex- 
 cellent style and healthy tone of this beautiful story. A slight 
 abridgment, involving no other change than the omission of difficult 
 passages, not intended to be understood by children, and amount- 
 ing in the aggregate to less than forty in the two hundred and 
 fifty pages, has perfectly adapted it to use in the schoolroom. 
 
 No modern writer has better deserved the title of the classici 
 than Mr. Kingsley. No one better unites a lofty aim and a simple, 
 natural style. The purpose of the author in Water-Babies seems 
 to have been to picture to little children the truths of natural selec- 
 tion of species by making an individual and moral application of 
 them. And he does so in the character of a little chimney-sweep. 
 To avoid what is objectionable in a moral story, as such, he begins 
 by taking his little subject into fairy-land, in the personnel of a 
 low form of water-life ; then by a series of gradual transformations 
 he lifts him into physical, mental, and, as the ground and agency 
 of both these, moral eminence, simply by the exercise of a rig:ht 
 impulse — the desire to be clean — under the training of two prin- 
 ciples, — unyielding justice and unselfish love. The natural history 
 has a charm not often given to animals of the watery world. 
 Their traits are all made to bear upon little Tom, — himself little 
 more than an animal at the start, but wdth a higher destiny. The 
 book is more than moral ; it is religious, yet with no distinct state- 
 ment to make it so, apart from the inference of the story, and 
 without the least trace of sectarianism. No better influence could 
 possibly be brought to bear upon a class in school than that of 
 following together the fortunes of little Tom in the severe hands 
 of Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid or the more gentle ones of Mrs. Doas- 
 youwouldbedoneby. The language of the book is so simple as to 
 make it easy reading for pupils of the Third or Fourth Reader 
 grade ; and to have read it thus as a school exercise is an item in 
 education not likely to be forgotten, nor one barren of desired 
 results. 
 
 GINN, HEATH, & CO., Publishers, 
 
 BOSTON, NEW YORK, and CHICAGO. 
 
GUIDES FOR SCIENCE TEACHING. 
 
 Published undbr thb Auspices of the Boston Society of Natural History. 
 
 These manuals are designed to assist teachers of natural 
 science. They present needed information in a clear and com- 
 pact form, with illustrations and diagrams where desirable, and 
 give practical hints both for the class-room and for collecting 
 and preserving specimens. They are all i6mo, with stiff paper 
 covers. Specimens can be had illustrating Nos. III.-XII. 
 
 No. I. About Pebbles. 
 
 By Prof. Alpheus Hyatt, of the Mass. Institute of Technology. 
 26 pp. Mailing Price, 10 cents. 
 
 No. II. Concerning a few Common Plants. 
 
 By Prof. George Goodale, of Harvard University. 61 pp. Mailing 
 Price, 10 cents. 
 
 No. III. Commercial and Other Sponges. 
 
 By Prof. Alpheus Hyatt, of the Mass. Institute of Technology. 
 43 PP- 7 illustrative plates. iSIailing Price, 20 cents. 
 
 No. IV. A First Lesson in Natural History. 
 
 By Mrs. Elizabeth Agassiz. 64 pp. Illustrated by woodcuts and 
 4 plates. Mailing Price, 25 cents. 
 
 No. V. Common Hydroids, Corals, and Echinoderms. 
 
 By Prof. Alpheus Hyatt, of the Mass. Institute of Technology. 
 32 pp. Illustrated. Mailing Price, 20 cents. 
 
 No. VI. Oyster, Clam, and Other Common Mollusks. 
 
 By Prof. Alpheus Hyatt, of the Mass. Institute of Technology. 
 65 pp. 17 illustrative plates. Mailing Price, 25 cents. 
 
 No. VII. Worms and Crustacea. 
 
 By Prof Alpheus Hyatt, of the Mass. Institute of Technology - 
 68 pp. Illustrated by 36 cuts and 12 plates. Mailing Price, 25 cents. 
 
 No. XII. Common Minerals and Rocks. 
 
 By Prof. W. O. Crosby, of the Mass. Institute of Technology. 130 pp. 
 Mailing Price, 25 cents. 
 
 No. XIII . First Lessons in Minerals. 
 
 By Miss Ellen H. Richards, of the Mass. Institute of Technolog}'. 
 50 pp. Mailing Price, 10 cents. 
 
 Nos. VIII. to XL are in freparation. 
 
 GIXN, HEATH, & CO., Publishers, 
 
 BOSTON, NEW YORK, and CHICAGO. 
 
HAZEN'S 
 
 COMPLETE SPELLING-BOOK, 
 
 FOR 
 
 Primary, Intermediate ^ and Gratnmar Schools, 
 
 The old-fashioned spelling-book contained a huddle of words, 
 most of them unknown to the child, many almost unknowable, rarely 
 to be met with in his reading or used in his writing. Such a barbarous 
 plan could not produce good results. It was a tyranny, and, like 
 every other tyranny, it had to be overthrown. Spelling-books were 
 declared a "common enemy." 
 
 But to use no speller has proved as real an evil as to use a bad 
 one. Few teachers are willing and able to make their own lists 
 of words, fewer still have the time ; and, after all, why should such 
 hastily-made spelling-books be better than a printed one, prepared 
 by a specially qualified person after special study and ample time ? 
 
 HAZEN'S COMPLETE SPELLING-BOOK is presented as a 
 " Golden Mean.*' It is a common-sense INIanual for common-sense 
 teachers, adapted to the entire range of grades, and containing be- 
 sides the old and approved features many new and original ones, 
 that enable the teacher to quadruple the benefits of this branch of 
 studv. 
 
 Introduction Price, 25 cts. Allowance for old Book, 10 cts. 
 
 GINN, HEATH. & CO., Publishers, 
 
 Boston, New York, and Chicago. 
 
WOOD-WORKING TOOLS; 
 
 HOW TO USE THEM. 
 
 Edited (for the Industrial School Association) by Channing Whitaker, 
 Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of 
 Technology. i6mo. 104 pages. With 80 illustrations. A handbook 
 for teachers and pupils. 
 
 Metail Price 50 cts, 
 
 A course of simple lessons in the use of the universal tools : the 
 hammer, knife, axe, plane, rule, chalk-line, square, gauge, chisel, 
 saw, and augur. The lessons are so amply illustrated that any 
 bright boy will find the book alone a great help in his endeavors to 
 learn the right way of using common tools. Nearly half of the 
 
 SCOKING. 
 
 FAKING. 
 
 illustrations were taken from life, and are efficient substitutes for 
 lengthy and important printed instructions. The book is the result 
 of actual experiments successfully made by the Industrial School 
 Association of Boston. It will help people, who are interested in 
 systematic and efficient industrial education, to begin it. 
 
24 GINN, HEATH, &^ CO.'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 also thirty- two shorter pieces from other speeches. From Bacon 
 thirty of the fifty-eight Essays, all given entire, and several choice 
 selections from Advanatnefit of Learning. 
 
 E. N. Potter, Pres. of Union College, says, " They are especially 
 valuable in connection with any course of English Literature or His- 
 tory. They enable students, and readers generally, to acquire an 
 adequate knowledge, not of mere extracts, but of representative 
 portions of the best works of world-famed writers. The pupil or 
 reader learns not only the 'where,' 'when,' etc., with regard to an 
 author's life, but gains a knowledge of the man himself, from famil- 
 iarity with his writings." 
 
 Hudson's Pamphlet Selections Prose and Poetry. 
 
 Annotated, 1 2mo. Paper. Mailing price of each, 25 cts. ; Introduc- 
 tion price, 20 cts. 
 
 To meet a growing demand for standard literature in cheap form , 
 we have bound in paper covers, for school use, the following portions 
 of Hudson's Text-Book of Prose and Text-Book of Poetry. 
 
 Any two or more of the pamphlets will be bound in one volume 
 to suit customers ordering one hundred or more copies. 
 
 Edmund Burke, section i . 
 
 Five Speeches and ten Papers, comprising : Obedience to Instruc- 
 tions ; Speech to the Electors of Bristol', Growth of the American 
 Trade ; Character of George Grenville ; Lord Chathajn a?id Charles 
 Townshend ; State of Things in France ; The Revolution z« France ; 
 Liberty in the Abstract', Freedom as an Inheritance ; The Revohition- 
 ary Third Estate ; The Rights of Men ; Abuse of History ; English 
 Toleration ; How a Wise Statesman Proceeds ; The Principles of 
 Reform ; Fanaticism of Liberty. 
 
 Edmund Burke, section ii. 
 
 Introduced by a Sketch of his Life, and comprising: The Ethics 
 of Vanity ; The Old and the New Whigs ; A Letter to a Noble Lord ; 
 France at War with Humanity ; Fanatical Atheism ; How to Deal 
 with Jacobin France ; Desolation of the Carnatic ; Unlawfulness of 
 Arbitrary Power ', Cruelties of Debi Sing; Impeachment of Hastings ', 
 Justice and Revenge ; Appeal for Judgment upon Hastings. 
 
ENGLISH LITERATURE. 25 
 
 Daniel Webster, section i. 
 
 Including his celebrated Reply to Hayne ; Blessings of the Con- 
 stitution ; Presidential Nullijication ; The Spoils to the Victors ; 
 Fraudulent Party-Outcries; The Position of Mr. Calhoun; South- 
 Carolina Nullification. 
 
 Daniel Webster, section ii. 
 
 Introduced by a Sketch of his Life, and containing extracts from 
 twenty-five Speeches on The Presidential Protest; The Character 
 of Washington ; Alexafider Hamilton ; First Settlement of Neiiy 
 Engla7id ; The First Century of New England ; The Second Cetitury 
 of New Englatid; An Appeal against the Slave-Trade; Bunker-Hill 
 Monument Begun; Bimker-Hill Mo?iu7nent Fijiished; Adams in the 
 Congress ofiyjS ; Right use of Learning; The Murder of Mr. White ; 
 Character of Lord Byron ; Character of Judge Story ; Religion as 
 a?t Element of Greatness ; Each to Interpret the Law for Himself; 
 Irredeemable Paper; Benefits of the Credit System ; Abuse of Execu- 
 tive Patronage ; Philanthropic Love of Power ; The Spirit of Dis- 
 union ; Importance of the Navy ; The Log-Cabin ; Speakifig for the 
 Union ; Peaceable Secession ; Standing upon the Constitution ; An 
 Appeal for the Utiion. 
 
 Lord Bacon. 
 
 Introduced by a Sketch of his Life, and comprising extracts from 
 thirty Essays, treating of Truth ; Death ; Unity in Religion ; Revenge ; 
 Adversity ; Marriage and Single Life ; Great Place ; Goodness and 
 Goodness of Nature ; Atheism; Superstition; Travel; Wisdom for 
 a Manx's Self; Innovations ; Seeming Wise ; Friendship ; Expetise ; 
 Suspicion ; Discourse ; Riches ; Nature in Men ; Custom and 
 Education ; Youth and Age ; Beauty ; Deformity ; Studies ; Praise ; 
 Judicature; Anger; Discredits of Learning; Value of Knowledge. 
 
 Wordsworth. Section I. 
 
 Life of Wordsworth, the Prelude, and thirty-three Poems. 
 Wordsworth. Section II. 
 
 Sixty Poems and Sonnets, accompanied by foot-notes, historical 
 and explanatory. 
 
26 
 
 GINN, HEATH, 6- CO:S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 Coleridge and Burns. 
 
 Containing, in addition to the Biographical Sketches of the Poets, 
 the Notes and Glossaries, forty-five Poems, such as : The Ancient 
 Marnier ', Christabel ; The Cotter's Sattirday Night \ To a Mouse; 
 and many other universal favorites. 
 
 Addison and Goldsmith. 
 
 Comprising a brief Sketch of the Life of each, together with fifteen 
 Papers from Addison, and eleven Prose Selections from Goldsmith, 
 followed by a reprint of ''The Deserted Village.'''' The Prose Selec- 
 tions include: Sir Roger de Coverly; Superstition; Modesty; Cheer- 
 fulness ; True and False Wit ; Fortune-Nunters ; Dr. Primrose in 
 Prison; The Character of Hypatia; A Hard World for Poets; 
 English and French Politeness; etc., etc., etc. 
 
 In forming the mind and taste of the young, is it not better to use 
 authors who have already lived long enough to afford some guar- 
 anty that they may survive the next twenty years ? 
 
 A. P. Peabody, Harvard Coll.: 
 The extracts are, without exception, 
 admirably chosen ; there is not one 
 of them which ought not to have its 
 favored place in the literature at the 
 command of every person of even mod- 
 erate intelligence. The editorial matter 
 — memoir, note, and glossary — is am- 
 ple for its purpose, manifests the skill 
 of an experienced teacher no less than 
 of an accomplished scholar, and is val- 
 uable equally for what it embodies and 
 for what, with a wise parsimony, it 
 omits ; for there is much that is tempt- 
 ing to an editor which would be sur- 
 plusage in a school-book. 
 
 Henry A. Coit, Prin. St. Patd's 
 School, Concord, NH. : I heartily ap- 
 prove, admire, and commend. It is 
 miles beyond and above, in value, the 
 so-called Advanced Reader. 
 
 Horace H. Purness, Phila.: If 
 such selections could only be intro- 
 duced into all our public schools, the 
 next generation will show a race of 
 statesmen with " hands that the rod of 
 empire might sway," and that would 
 make us lift our head among the na- 
 tions. 
 
 Dr. Wm. T. Harris : I think you 
 are doing a great service to the cause 
 of literature in the country by printing 
 and circulating these books. Mr. Hud- 
 son is effecting a revolution in our 
 methods of teaching literature by his 
 series of school-texts, — Shakespeare, 
 Burke, Wordsworth, etc. I can only 
 wish I were an autocrat, and could 
 force these books into the schools of 
 the country. 
 
ENGLISH LITERATURE. 
 
 27 
 
 Hudson 's Classical English Reader. 
 
 For High Schools, Academies, and the upper grades of Grammar Schools. 
 Containing selections from Bryant, Burke, Burns, Byron, Carlyle, Cole- 
 ridge, Cowley, Cowper, Dana, Froude, Gladstone, Goldsmith, Gray, 
 Helps, Herbert, Hooker, Hume, Irving, Keble, Lamb, Landor, Long- 
 fellow, Macaulay, Milton, Peabody, Scott, Shakespeare, Southey, Spen- 
 ser, Talfourd, Taylor, Webster, Whittier, Wordsworth, and other stand- 
 ard authors. With explanatory and critical foot-notes. i2mo. Cloth. 
 425 pages. MaiHng price, $i.io; Introduction, ^i.oo; Allowance for 
 old book in use, 30 cents. 
 
 Se?td Postal for Special Circular. 
 
 Not one of the pieces has been taken for the author's sake ; the 
 selection has proceeded on the twofold ground of intrinsic merit 
 and of fitness to the purposes of the volume ; due care being had, 
 withal, for a reasonable variety both in matter, style, and author- 
 ship. Including as it does the choicest extracts from so many stand- 
 ard authors, it admirably supplements and emphasizes the ordinary 
 
 course in English Literature. 
 
 F. J. Child, Prof. ofEng. in Ha - 
 vard Univ. : A boy who knew this 
 book as well as boys who are good for 
 anything generally know their readers, 
 might almost be said to be liberally 
 educated. And how rich must the 
 literature be, when, after it has been 
 ransacked for " extracts " (not always 
 by men who know where to go and 
 what to take, as Mr. Hudson does), a 
 school-book can be made that is so 
 select and so unstaled. I am going to 
 finish my education on it myself, and 
 bring up a certain boy on it, and some 
 girls. If I had seen only the selections 
 from Schiller's W^allenstein, I should 
 be sure that the book was what I want 
 for young people. The man that put 
 those in knows what they like and need. 
 
 R. R. Raymond, Pres. of Boston 
 School of Oratory : It is just the book 
 that needed to be made ; and, now that it 
 is here, one is surprised that it did not 
 come before. 
 
 A. P. Peabody, Harvard Univ. : 
 I must express to you my strong sense of 
 its superlative worth. It ought to make 
 its way into every Grammar-School and 
 Academy in the country. It will do 
 more than any or all books of the kind 
 (there are none of the kind) now in use 
 toward creating a taste for good liter- 
 ature, and furnishing fit materials for 
 the culture of such a taste. 
 
 H. A. Coit, Prin. of St. Paul's Sch., 
 Concord, N.H. : There is no book to be 
 compared with it in America. There is 
 the most refreshing good taste and re- 
 finement manifested in every selection, 
 to say nothing of the thorough knowl- 
 edge of the best English literature, to 
 which it witnesses. 
 
 R. G. Hibbard, Prof, of Elocution, 
 W'esleyan Univ. : As a book for the 
 use of classes in our High Schools, both 
 in the study of English Literature and 
 Reading, it has no superior. 
 
28 
 
 GINN, HEATH, &- CO.'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 First Two Books of Milton's Paradise Lost ; and 
 
 Milton's Lycidas. By Homer B. Sprague, Ph.D., Principal of Girls' 
 High School, Boston. i2mo. Cloth. 198 pages. Mailing price, 55 
 cts.; Introduction, 45 cts. 
 
 These books, the sublimest of Milton's poetry, are here prepared 
 for class use, as well as for private reading. The edition differs, it 
 is believed, from all other school editions, — 
 
 1. In containing some of the results of the most recent studies 
 and criticisms, as set forth by Masson, Prof. Himes, the French 
 critic Edmond Scherer, De Quincey, Lowell, Morley, etc. 
 
 2. In being illustrated by diagrams, representing Milton's cos- 
 mography, showing the relative positions he assigned in space to the 
 empyreal heavens, to hell, to the earth between them, and to chaos. 
 
 3. In omitting fifteen or twenty objectionable lines that need not 
 be read in school, and that have often and properly caused the ex- 
 clusion of the book from the class-room. 
 
 4. In furnishing more convenient and suggestive notes, with 
 better type and arrangement. 
 
 5. In presenting an approved formula for conducting class 
 exercises. 
 
 P. A. March, Prof, of Eng., La- 
 fayette Coll. : It is a very lively and 
 suggestive book, with quite learning 
 enough in it for our schools. 
 
 Pres. Warren, Boston Univ. : It 
 seems to me admirably adapted to its 
 purpose. 
 
 John A. Himes, Prof, of Eng. 
 Lit., Penn. Coll., Gettysburg : I have 
 seen no other annotated edition of 
 Paradise Lost, in the ground covered, 
 so free from errors or so safe as this. 
 
 W. J. Rolfe : An admirable school 
 edition. It is the first really good in- 
 troduction to the study of the poet 
 which has appeared in this country, 
 and seems to us better than anything 
 of the kind published in England. 
 
 New England Journal of Ed- 
 ucation : There is probably no Ameri- 
 can scholar better fitted to prepare an 
 
 edition of Milton's poems for educa- 
 tional uses than Homer B. Sprague. 
 He brings to bear upon his labors the 
 skill of the gifted critic, and the practi- 
 cal wisdom of an able instructor, for 
 many years, in English literature. His 
 notes are admirable. 
 
 C. T. Lane, Prin. High School, 
 Fort Wayne, Ind. : I am using it in my 
 class in English Literature, and cannot 
 too strongly express my admiration 
 for it. 
 
 W. C. Crippin, recent Prin. of 
 yohnson Normal School, Vt. : It is in- 
 comparably the best edition for class 
 use that has yet appeared. 
 
 E. H. Russell, Prin. Worcester 
 Normal School : The three main quali- 
 ties of a good text-book maker, namely, 
 scholarship, judgment, and enthusiasm, 
 Dr. Sprague shows in this book. 
 
ENGLISH LITERATURE. 39 
 
 Six Selections from Iruing's S ketch-Book. 
 
 With full notes, questions, etc., for home and school use. By Homer 
 B. Sprague, Ph.D., and M. E. Scates, of the Girls' High School, Bos- 
 ton. i2mo. Cloth. 126 pages. Mailing price, 40 cents; Introduc- 
 tion, 35 cents. Boards: Mailing price, 30 cents; Introduction, 25 cents. 
 
 The volume comprises : T/ie Voyage, lVest7nmster Abbey, The 
 Widow and her Son, Rip Van Winkle, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, 
 and Christmas . 
 
 These six selections are complete sketches, each chosen for its 
 fitness to illustrate the variety, as well as the characteristics, of 
 Irving's style ; as pathetic, humorous, etc. The notes, the sugges- 
 tions to teachers, questions (whether for examination or to stimulate 
 inquiry), and the guides to the analysis of sentences and construction 
 of others equivalent to those of the text, all are the outgrowth of many 
 years experience and actual trial in the school-room. Teachers will 
 be interested in the extracts quoted from the Board of School Super- 
 visors of Boston, in regard to the study of English Literature in the 
 High Schools, and all will find the Chronological Table of the Life 
 and Works of Irving an invaluable aid to collateral study and reading. 
 
 This book has recently been introduced into the High Schools 
 of Cambridge, Springfield, Charlestown, Dorchester, Roxbury, 
 Portland, Gloucester, Beverly, Medford, Brighton, Jamaica Plain, 
 Bellows Falls, Great Barrington, Westboro, Ouincy, New London, 
 Rockland, Castine. Wareham, Newton, Greenfield, Townsend, etc., 
 etc. 
 
 A. P. Blaisdell, author of "Out- volunteers. Among other things re- 
 lines of English Literature" : It is the quired, I insist upon a sketch of the 
 
 best-edited " English Classic " (I mean 
 for common, every-day use in the 
 schools) I have ever seen. The ques- 
 tions, suggestions, notes, &c., are ad- 
 mirable. 
 
 C. T. Haynes, Prin. Wash. School, 
 Worcester : I have found this book just 
 the thing to form and cultivate a literary 
 taste, I have a class now taking up 
 reading which is designed to lay the 
 foundation for a permanant and pro- 
 gressive culture. In it are some twenty 1 literary direction for li.'^ 
 
 author, an oral abstract of the selection, 
 and a set of written questions upon it 
 for me to answer. The chronology of 
 Irving's life at the outset is a fine idea. 
 The hints to teachers so tell how to do 
 the thing that it can be done. The 
 whole book is an excellent lesson on 
 language, and most of the questions, 
 like baited fish-hooks are likely to draw 
 up a live answer. That little book in 
 the hands of wise teachers may turn 
 scores of young minds in the right 
 
BOOKS FOR PRIMARY AND GRAMMAR SCHOOLS. 
 
 iNTaoE. Pbicb. 
 
 March 's A-B-C Book 20 
 
 Hazen 's Spelling-Book • 25 
 
 Church's Stories of the Old World 4° 
 
 Hudson & Lamb's Merchant of Venice 25 
 
 Lambert's Robineon Crusoe 35 
 
 " Memory Gems 3° 
 
 Yonge's Scott's Quentin Durward 4° 
 
 Turner's Stories for Young Children. Boards 
 
 Hudson's Old Edition of Shakespeare's Plays. Paper. . ..each .20 
 
 l^ew " " " " Cloth . . . . " .45 
 
 " " " " " " Paper ..." .30 
 
 " Burke, No. I. (Speeches and Papers) 20 
 
 Burke, No. 11. (Life, Papers, Letters, and Speeches) . .20 
 " Webster, No. I. (Reply to Hayne, and other Speeches) .20 
 " Webster, No. //. (Life, and Extracts from Speeches) . .20 
 
 " Bacon. (Life, and thirty Essays) 20 
 
 Wordsworth, No. I. (Prelude to Excursion, and 33 Poems) .20 
 
 " Wordsworth, No. II. (Sixty Poems and Sonnets) 20 
 
 Coleridge and Burns. " (Lives, and forty-five Poems) . . .20 
 
 Addison and Goldsmith. (Lives, Papers, and Poems) . . .20 
 
 Sprague's Six Selections from Inking 's Sketch-Book. Cloth, .35, Bds. .25 
 
 " Two Books of Milton 's Paradise Lost, and Lycidas. Cloth, .45 
 
 Bigsby's Elements of English Composition 35 
 
 Gilmore's Outlines of the Art of Expression 60 
 
 Whitney & Knox's Elementary Lessons in English. Part I. ''How 
 
 to Speak and Write Correctly'' 45 
 
 Knox's Teacher's Edition of above, with plans for oral lessons . . .60 
 Whitney 's Essentials of English Grammar (for high schools) . . .90 
 
 Ginn's Addition Tablets 3-oo 
 
 Hill's Geometry for Beginners 100 
 
 Wentworth & Hill's Examination Manual. Arithmetic 35 
 
 fitz's Terrestrial 6-inch Globe 12.00 
 
 Terrestrial 12-inch Globe 25.00 
 
 Hall's Our World Geography, No. 1 60 
 
 " Our World Geography, No. II i-5o 
 
 yo/jnsi-o/7 's Z-ar^re lya// /lfa/?s (Classical, Political, Physical) . . . . 3.50 
 
 Hyatt's About Pebbles 1° 
 
 Soodale's Concerning a few Common Plants 10 
 
 Hyatt's Commercial and other Sponges 20 
 
 igassiz 's First Lesson in Natural History 25 
 
 'Hyatt's Corals and Echinoderms 20 
 
 " Mollusca 25 
 
 Worms and Crustacea 25 
 
 Pros6/ 's Common Minerals and Rocks 25 
 
 Shaler's First Book of Geology 10° 
 
 Mason 's Primary Music Reader ^° 
 
 Second Music Reader 20 
 
 " Third Music Reader 20 
 
 " Intermediate Music Reader 4° 
 
 Independent Music Reader • -"^ 
 
 Independent Music Reader and Hymn and Tune Book. .94 
 
 Allen 's L atin Primer ^^ 
 
 WhKaker's How to Use Wood-Working Tools 6° 
 
 Monoyer' a Sight-Test for Schools • • < 12 and .32 
 
 1 1 
 
 1 1 
 
ru .-17059 
 
 
 541684 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
■mm 
 
 .jj? 
 
 \^