第4章

V。

OfBrian’sbirthstrangetalesweretold。

Hismotherwatchedamidnightfold，Builtdeepwithinadrearyglen，WherescatteredlaythebonesofmenInsomeforgottenbattleslain，Andbleachedbydriftingwindandrain。

Itmighthavetamedawarrior’sheartToviewsuchmockeryofhisart！

Theknot—grassfetteredtherethehandWhichoncecouldburstanironband；

Beneaththebroadandamplebone，Thatbuckleredhearttofearunknown，Afeebleandatimorousguest，Thefieldfareframedherlowlynest；

TheretheslowblindwormlefthisslimeOnthefleetlimbsthatmockedattime；

Andthere，too，laytheleader’sskullStillwreathedwithchaplet，flushedandfull，Forheath—bellwithherpurplebloomSuppliedthebonnetandtheplume。

Allnight，inthissadglenthemaidSatshroudedinhermantle’sshade：

Shesaidnoshepherdsoughtherside，Nohunter’shandhersnooduntied。

Yetne’eragaintobraidherhairThevirginsnooddidAlivewear；

Gonewashermaidengleeandsport，Hermaidengirdlealltooshort，Norsoughtshe，fromthatfatalnight，OrholychurchorblessedriteButlockedhersecretinherbreast，Anddiedintravail，unconfessed。

VI。

Alone，amonghisyoungcompeers，WasBrianfromhisinfantyears；

Amoodyandheart—brokenboy，EstrangedfromsympathyandjoyBearingeachtauntwhichcarelesstongueOnhismysteriouslineageflung。

WholenightshespentbymoonlightpaleTowoodandstreamhisteal，towail，Till，frantic，heastruthreceivedWhatofhisbirththecrowdbelieved，Andsought，inmistandmeteorfire，TomeetandknowhisPhantomSire！

Invain，tosoothehiswaywardfate，Thecloisteropedherpityinggate；

InvainthelearningoftheageUnclaspedthesable—letteredpage；

EveninitstreasureshecouldfindFoodforthefeverofhismind。

EagerhereadwhatevertellsOfmagic，cabala，andspells，AndeverydarkpursuitalliedTocuriousandpresumptuouspride；

Tillwithfiredbrainandnerveso’erstrung，Andheartwithmystichorrorswrung，DesperatehesoughtBenharrow’sden，Andhidhimfromthehauntsofmen。

VII。

Thedesertgavehimvisionswild，Suchasmightsuitthespectre’schild。

Wherewithblackcliffsthetorrentstoil，Hewatchedthewheelingeddiesboil，JillfromtheirfoamhisdazzledeyesBeheldtheRiverDemonrise：

ThemountainmisttookformandlimbOfnoontidehagorgoblingrim；

Themidnightwindcamewildanddread，Swelledwiththevoicesofthedead；

Faronthefuturebattle—heathHiseyebeheldtheranksofdeath：

ThustheloneSeer，frommankindhurled，Shapedforthadisembodiedworld。

OnelingeringsympathyofmindStillboundhimtothemortalkind；

TheonlyparenthecouldclaimOfancientAlpine’slineagecame。

Latehadheheard，inprophet’sdream，ThefatalBen—Shie’sbodingscream；

Sounds，too，hadcomeinmidnightblastOfchargingsteeds，careeringfastAlongBenharrow’sshinglyside，Wheremortalhorsemanne’ermightride；

Thethunderbolthadsplitthepine，——

AllauguredilltoAlpine’sline。

Hegirthisloins，andcametoshowThesignalsofimpendingwoe，Andnowstoodprompttoblessorban，AsbadetheChieftainofhisclan。

VIII。

’Twasallprepared；——andfromtherockAgoat，thepatriarchoftheflock，Beforethekindlingpilewaslaid，AndpiercedbyRoderick’sreadyblade。

PatientthesickeningvictimeyedThelife—bloodebbincrimsontideDownhiscloggedbeardandshaggylimb，Tilldarknessglazedhiseyeballsdim。

Thegrislypriest，withmurmuringprayer，Aslendercrossletframedwithcare，Acubit’slengthinmeasuredue；

Theshaftandlimbswererodsofyew，WhoseparentsinInch—CailliachwaveTheirshadowso’erClan—Alpine’sgrave，And，answeringLomond’sbreezesdeep，Soothemanyachieftain’sendlesssleep。

TheCrossthusformedheheldonhigh，Withwastedhandandhaggardeye，Andstrangeandmingledfeelingswoke，Whilehisanathemahespoke：——

IX。

’WoetotheclansmanwhoshallviewThissymbolofsepulchralyew，ForgetfulthatitsbranchesgrewWhereweeptheheavenstheirholiestdewOnAlpine’sdwellinglow！

DeserterofhisChieftain’strust，Hene’ershallminglewiththeirdust，But，fromhissiresandkindredthrust，Eachclansman’sexecrationjustShalldoomhimwrathandwoe。’

Hepaused；——thewordthevassalstook，Withforwardstepandfierylook，Onhightheirnakedbrandstheyshook，Theirclatteringtargetswildlystrook；

Andfirstinmurmurlow，Thenlikethebillowinhiscourse，Thatfartoseawardfindshissource，Andflingstoshorehismusteredforce，Burstwithloudroartheiranswerhoarse，’Woetothetraitor，woe！’

Ben—an’sgrayscalptheaccentsknew，Thejoyouswolffromcovertdrew，Theexultingeaglescreamedafar，——

TheyknewthevoiceofAlpine’swar。

X。

Theshoutwashushedonlakeandfell，TheMonkresumedhismutteredspell：

Dismalandlowitsaccentscame，ThewhilehescathedtheCrosswithflame；

Andthefewwordsthatreachedtheair，Althoughtheholiestnamewasthere，Hadmoreofblasphemythanprayer。

ButwhenheshookabovethecrowdItskindledpoints，hespokealoud：——

’WoetothewretchwhofailstorearAtthisdreadsignthereadyspear！

For，astheflamesthissymbolsear，Hishome，therefugeofhisfear，Akindredfateshallknow；

Faro’eritsroofthevolumedflameClan—Alpine’svengeanceshallproclaim，WhilemaidsandmatronsonhisnameShallcalldownwretchednessandshame，Andinfamyandwoe。’

Thenrosethecryoffemales，shrillAsgoshawk’swhistleonthehill，Denouncingmiseryandill，Mingledwithchildhood’sbabblingtrillOfcursesstammeredslow；

Answeringwithimprecationdread，’Sunkbehishomeinembersred！

AndcursedbethemeanestshedThato’ershallhidethehouselessheadWedoomtowantandwoe！’

Asharpandshriekingechogave，Coir—Uriskin，thygoblincave！

AndthegraypasswherebircheswaveOnBeala—nam—bo。

XI。

Thendeeperpausedthepriestanew，Andhardhislaboringbreathhedrew，While，withsetteethandclenchedhand，Andeyesthatglowedlikefierybrand，Hemeditatedcursemoredread，Anddeadlier，ontheclansman’sheadWho，summonedtohischieftain’said，Thesignalsawanddisobeyed。

Thecrosslet’spointsofsparklingwoodHequenchedamongthebubblingblood。

And，asagainthesignhereared，Hollowandhoarsehisvoicewasheard：

’WhenflitsthisCrossfrommantoman，Vich—Alpine’ssummonstohisclan，Burstbetheearthatfailstoheed！

Palsiedthefootthatshunstospeed！

Mayravenstearthecarelesseyes，Wolvesmakethecowardhearttheirprize！

Assinksthatblood—streamintheearth，Somayhisheart’s—blooddrenchhishearth！

Asdiesinhissinggorethespark，Quenchthouhislight，Destructiondark！

Andbethegracetohimdenied，Boughtbythissigntoallbeside！

Heceased；noechogaveagainThemurmurofthedeepAmen。

XII。

ThenRoderickwithimpatientlookFromBrian’shandthesymboltook：

’Speed，Malise，speed’hesaid，andgaveThecrosslettohishenchmanbrave。

’Themuster—placebeLanrickmead——

Instantthetime———speed，Malise，speed！’

Likeheath—bird，whenthehawkspursue，AbargeacrossLochKatrineflew：

Highstoodthehenchmanontheprow；

Sorapidlythebarge—mallrow，Thebubbles，wheretheylaunchedtheboat，Wereallunbrokenandafloat，Dancinginfoamandripplestill，Whenithadnearedthemainlandhill；

Andfromthesilverbeach’ssideStillwastheprowthreefathomwide，WhenlightlyboundedtothelandThemessengerofbloodandbrand。

XIII。

Speed，Malise，speed！thedundeer’shideOnfleeterfootwasnevertied。

Speed，Malise，speed！suchcauseofhasteThineactivesinewsneverbraced。

Bend’gainstthesteepyhillthybreast，Burstdownliketorrentfromitscrest；

WithshortandspringingfootsteppassThetremblingbogandfalsemorass；

Acrossthebrooklikeroebuckbound，Andthreadthebrakelikequestinghound；

Thecragishigh，thescaurisdeep，Yetshrinknotfromthedesperateleap：

Parchedarethyburninglipsandbrow，Yetbythefountainpausenotnow；

Heraldofbattle，fate，andfear，Stretchonwardinthyfleetcareer！

Thewoundedhindthoutrack’stnotnow，Pursuestnotmaidthroughgreenwoodbough，NorpriestthounowthyflyingpaceWithrivalsinthemountainrace；

Butdanger，death，andwarriordeedAreinthycourse——speed，Malise，speed！

XIV。

Fastasthefatalsymbolflies，Inarmsthehutsandhamletsrise；

Fromwindingglen，fromuplandbrown，Theypouredeachhardytenantdown。

Norslackedthemessengerhispace；

Heshowedthesign，henamedtheplace，And，pressingforwardlikethewind，Leftclamorandsurprisebehind。

Thefishermanforsookthestrand，Theswarthysmithtookdirkandbrand；

Withchangedcheer，themowerblitheLeftinthehalf—cutswathhisscythe；

Theherdswithoutakeeperstrayed，Theploughwasinmid—furrowstaved，Thefalconertossedhishawkaway，Thehunterleftthestagathay；

Promptatthesignalofalarms，EachsonofAlpinerushedtoarms；

SosweptthetumultandaffrayAlongthemarginofAchray。

Alas，thoulovelylake！thate’erThybanksshouldechosoundsoffear！

Therocks，theboskythickets，sleepSostillyonthybosomdeep，Thelark’sblithecarolfromthecloudSeemsforthescenetoogaylyloud。

XV。

Speed，Malise，speed！Thelakeispast，Duncraggan’shutsappearatlast，Andpeep，likemoss—grownrocks，halfseenHalfhiddeninthecopsesogreen；

Theremaystthourest，thylabordone，Theirlordshallspeedthesignalon。——

Asstoopsthehawkuponhisprey，Thehenchmanshothimdowntheway。

Whatwofulaccentsloadthegale？

Thefuneralyell，thefemalewail！

Agallanthunter’ssportiso’er，Avaliantwarriorfightsnomore。

Who，inthebattleorthechase，AtRoderick’ssideshallfillhisplace！——

Withinthehall，wheretorch’sraySuppliestheexcludedbeamsofday，LiesDuncanonhislowlybier，Ando’erhimstreamshiswidow’stear。

Hisstriplingsonstandsmournfulby，Hisyoungestweeps，butknowsnotwhy；

ThevillagemaidsandmatronsroundThedismalcoronachresound。

XVI。

Coronach。

Heisgoneonthemountain，Heislosttotheforest，Likeasummer—driedfountain，Whenourneedwasthesorest。

Thefont，reappearing，Fromtherain—dropsshallborrow，Buttouscomesnocheering，ToDuncannomorrow！

ThehandofthereaperTakestheearsthatarehoary，ButthevoiceoftheweeperWailsmanhoodinglory。

TheautumnwindsrushingWafttheleavesthataresearest，Butourflowerwasinflushing，Whenblightingwasnearest。

Fleetfootonthecorrei，Sagecounselincumber，Redhandintheforay，Howsoundisthyslumber！

Likethedewonthemountain，Likethefoamontheriver，Likethebubbleonthefountain，Thouartgone，andforever！

XVII。

SeeStumah，who，thebierbesideHismaster’scorpsewithwondereyed，PoorStumah！whomhisleasthallooCouldsendlikelightningo’erthedew，Bristleshiscrest，andpointshisears，Asifsomestrangerstephehears。

’Tisnotamourner’smuffledtread，Whocomestosorrowo’erthedead，ButheadlonghasteordeadlyfearUrgetheprecipitatecareer。

Allstandaghast：——unheedingall，Thehenchmanburstsintothehall；

Beforethedeadman’sbierhestood，HeldforththeCrossbesmearedwithblood；

’Themuster—placeisLanrickmead；

Speedforththesignal！clansmen。speed！’

XVIII，Angus，theheirofDuncan’sline，Sprungforthandseizedthefatalsign。

InhastethestriplingtohissideHisfather’sdirkandbroadswordtied；

Butwhenhesawhismother’seyeWatchhiminspeechlessagony，BacktoheropenedarmsheflewPressedonherlipsafondadieu，——

’Alas"shesobbed，——’andyetbegone，Andspeedtheeforth，likeDuncan’sson！’

Onelookhecastuponthebier，Dashedfromhiseyethegatheringtear，Breatheddeeptoclearhislaboringbreast，Andtossedalofthisbonnetcrest，Then，likethehigh—bredcoltwhen，freed，Firstheessayshisfireandspeed，Hevanished，ando’ermoorandmossSpedforwardwiththeFieryCross。

Suspendedwasthewidow’stearWhileyethisfootstepsshecouldhear；

Andwhenshemarkedthehenchman’seyeWetwithunwontedsympathy，’Kinsman，’shesaid，’hisraceisrunThatshouldhavespedshineerrandon。

Theoakteasfallen？——thesaplingboughIsallDuncraggan’sshelternowYettrustIwell，hisdutydone，Theorphan’sGodwillguardmyson。——

Andyou，inmanyadangertrueAtDuncan’shestyourbladesthatdrew，Toarms，andguardthatorphan’shead！

Letbabesandwomenwailthedead。’

Thenweapon—clangandmartialcallResoundedthroughthefuneralhall，WhilefromthewallstheattendantbandSnatchedswordandtargewithhurriedhand；

AndshortandflittingenergyGlancedfromthemourner’ssunkeneye，AsifthesoundstowarriordearMightrouseherDuncanfromhisbier。

Butfadedsoonthatborrowedforce；

Griefclaimedhisright，andtearstheircourse。

XIX。

BenledisawtheCrossofFire，ItglanceddikelightningupStrath—Ire。

O’erdaleandhillthesummonsflew，NorrestnorpauseyoungAngusknew；

ThetearthatgatheredinhiseyeHedeftthemountain—breezetodry；

Until，whereTeith’syoungwatersrollBetwixthimandawoodedknollThatgracedthesablestrathwithgreen，ThechapelofSaintBridewasseen。

Swolnwasthestream，remotethebridge，ButAnguspausednotontheedge；

Thoughtheclerkwavesdanceddizzily，Thoughreeledhissympatheticeye，Hedashedamidthetorrent’sroar：

Hisrighthandhighthecrossletbore，Hisleftthepole—axegrasped，toguideAndstayhisfootinginthetide。

Hestumbledtwice，——thefoamsplashedhigh，Withhoarserswellthestreamracedby；

Andhadhefallen，——foreverthere，FarewellDuncraggan’sorphanheir！

Butstill，asifinpartinglife，FirmerhegraspedtheCrossofstrife，Untiltheopposingbankhegained，Andupthechapelpathwaystrained。

Ablithesomeroutthatmorning—tideHadsoughtthechapelofSaintBride。

HertrothTombea’sMarygaveToNorman，heirofArmandave，And，issuingfromtheGothicarch，Thebridalnowresumedtheirmarch。

InrudebutgladprocessioncameBonnetedsireandcoif—claddame；

Andplaidedyouth，withjestandjeerWhichsnoodedmaidenwouldnothear：

Andchildren，that，unwittingwhy，Lentthegayshouttheirshrillycry；

Andminstrels，thatinmeasuresviedBeforetheyoungandbonnybride，WhosedowncasteyeandcheekdiscloseThetearandblushofmorningrose。

WithvirginstepandbashfulhandSheheldthekerchief’ssnowyband。

ThegallantbridegroombyhersideBeheldhisprizewithvictor’spride。

AndthegladmotherinherearWascloselywhisperingwordofcheer。

XXI。

Whomeetsthematthechurchyardgate？

Themessengeroffearandfate！

Hasteinhishurriedaccentlies，Andgriefisswimminginhiseyes。

Alldrippingfromtherecentflood，Pantingandtravel—soiledhestood，ThefatalsignoffireandswordHeldforth，andspoketheappointedword：

’Themuster—placeisLanrickmead；

Speedforththesignal！Norman，speed！’

AndmusthechangesosoonthehandJustlinkedtohisbyholyband，ForthefellCrossofbloodandbrand？

Andmustthedaysoblithethatrose，Andpromisedraptureintheclose，Beforeitssettinghour，divideThebridegroomfromtheplightedbride？

Ofataldoom’——itmust！itmust！

Clan—Alpine’scause，herChieftain’strust，Hersummonsdread，brooknodelay；

Stretchtotherace，——away！away！

XXII。

Yetslowhelaidhisplaidaside，Andlingeringeyedhislovelybride，UntilhesawthestartingtearSpeakwoehemightnotstoptocheer：

Then，trustingnotasecondlook，Inhastehespedhindupthebrook，NorbackwardglancedtillontheheathWhereLubnaig’slakesuppliestheTeith，——

Whatintheracer’sbosomstirred？

Thesickeningpangofhopedeferred，AndmemorywithatorturingtrainOfallhismorningvisionsvain。

Mingledwithlove’simpatience，cameThemanlythirstformartialfame；

ThestormyjoyofmountaineersEreyettheyrushuponthespears；

AndzealforClanandChieftainburning，Andhope，fromwell—foughtfieldreturning，Withwar’sredhonorsonhiscrest，ToclasphisMarytohisbreast。

Stungbysuchthoughts，o’erbankandbrae，Likefirefromflintheglancedaway，WhilehighresolveandfeelingstrongBurstintovoluntarysong。

XXIII。

Song。

Theheaththisnightmustbemybed，Thebrackencurtainformyhead，Mylullabythewarder’stread，Far，far，fromloveandthee，Mary；

To—morroweve，morestillylaid，Mycouchmaybemybloodyplaid，Myvespersongthywail，sweetmaid！

Itwillnotwakenme，Mary！

Imaynot，darenot，fancynowThegriefthatcloudsthylovelybrow，Idarenotthinkuponthyvow，Andallitpromisedme，Mary。

NofondregretmustNormanknow；

WhenburstsClan—Alpineonthefoe，Hisheartmustbelikebendedbow，Hisfootlikearrowfree，Mary。

Atimewillcomewithfeelingfraught，For，ifIfallinbattlefought，Thyhaplesslover’sdyingthoughtShallbeathoughtonthee，Mary。

Andifreturnedfromconqueredfoes，Howblithelywilltheeveningclose，Howsweetthelinnetsingrepose，Tomyyoungbrideandme，Mary！

XXIV。

Notfastero’erthyheatherybraesBalquidder，speedsthemidnightblaze，RushinginconflagrationstrongThydeepravinesanddellsalong，Wrappingthycliffsinpurpleglow，Andreddeningthedarklakesbelow；

Norfasterspeedsit，norsofar，Aso’erthyheathsthevoiceofwar。

ThesignalrousedtomartialcoilThesullenmarginofLochVoil，WakedstillLochDoine，andtothesourceAlarmed，Balvaig，thyswampycourse；

ThencesouthwardturneditsrapidroadAdownStrath—Gartney’svalleybroadTillroseinarmseachmanmightclaimAportioninClan—Alpine’sname，Fromthegraysire，whosetremblinghandCouldhardlybuckleonhisbrand，Totherawboy，whoseshaftandbowWereyetscarceterrortothecrow。

Eachvalley，eachsequesteredglen，MustereditslittlehordeofmenThatmetastorrentsfromtheheightInHighlanddalestheirstreamsuniteStillgathering，astheypouralong，Avoicemoreloud，atidemorestrong，TillattherendezvoustheystoodByhundredspromptforblowsandblood，Eachtrainedtoarmssincelifebegan，Owningnotiebuttohisclan，Nooathbutbyhischieftain’shand，NolawbutRoderickDhu’scommand。

XXV。

ThatsummermornhadRoderickDhuSurveyedtheskirtsofBenvenue，Andsenthisscoutso’erhillandheath，ToviewthefrontiersofMenteith。

Allbackwardcamewithnewsoftruce；

StilllayeachmartialGraemeandBruce，InRednockcourtsnohorsemenwait，NobannerwavedonCardrossgate，OnDuchray’stowersnobeaconshone，NorscaredtheheronsfromLochCon；

Allseemedatpeace。——NowwotyewilyTheChieftainwithsuchanxiouseye，Eretothemusterherepair，Thiswesternfrontierscannedwithcare？——

InBenvenue’smostdarksomecleft，Afairthoughcruelpledgewasleft；

ForDouglas，tohispromisetrue，Thatmorningfromtheislewithdrew，AndinadeepsequestereddellHadsoughtalowandlonelycell。

BymanyabardinCeltictongueHasCoir—nan—UriskinbeensungAsofternametheSaxonsgave，AndcalledthegrottheGoblinCave。

XXVI。

Itwasawildandstrangeretreat，Ase’erwastrodbyoutlaw’sfeet。

Thedell，uponthemountain’screst，Yawnedlikeagashonwarrior’sbreast；

Itstrenchhadstayedfullmanyarock，HurledbyprimevalearthquakeshockFromBenvenue’sgraysummitwild，Andhere，inrandomruinpiled，Theyfrownedincumbento’erthespotAndformedtheruggedsylvan"rot。

TheoakandbirchwithmingledshadeAtnoontidethereatwilightmade，UnlesswhenshortandsuddenshoneSomestragglingbeamonclifforstone，Withsuchaglimpseasprophet’seyeGainsonthydepth，Futurity。

Nomurmurwakedthesolemnstill，Savetinklingofafountainrill；

Butwhenthewindchafedwiththelake，Asullensoundwouldupwardbreak，Withdashinghollowvoice，thatspokeTheincessantwarofwaveandrock。

SuspendedcliffswithhideousswaySeemednoddingo’erthecaverngray。

Fromsuchadenthewolfhadsprung，Insuchthewild—catleavesheryoung；

YetDouglasandhisdaughterfairSoughtforaspacetheirsafetythere。

GraySuperstition’swhisperdreadDebarredthespottovulgartread；

Forthere，shesaid，didfaysresort，Andsatyrsholdtheirsylvancourt，Bymoonlighttreadtheirmysticmaze，Andblasttherashbeholder’sgaze。

XXVII。

Noweve，withwesternshadowslong，FloatedonKatrinebrightandstrong，WhenRoderickwithachosenfewRepassedtheheightsofBenvenue。

AbovetheGoblinCavetheygo，ThroughthewildpassofBeal—nam—bo；

Thepromptretainersspeedbefore，Tolaunchtheshallopfromtheshore，For’crossLochKatrinelieshiswayToviewthepassesofAchray，Andplacehisclansmeninarray。

YetlagstheChiefinmusingmind，Unwontedsight，hismenbehind。

Asinglepage，tobearhissword，Aloneattendedonhislord；

Theresttheirwaythroughthicketsbreak，Andsoonawaithimbythelake。

ItwasafairandgallantsightToviewthemfromtheneighboringheight，Bythelow—levelledsunbeam’slight！

Forstrengthandstature，fromtheclanEachwarriorwasachosenman，Asevenafarmightwellbeseen，Bytheirproudstepandmartialmien。

heirfeathersdance，theirtartarsfloat，Theirtargetsgleam，asbytheboatAwildandwarlikegrouptheystand，Thatwellbecamesuchmountain—strand。

XXVI

TheirChiefwithstepreluctantstillWaslingeringonthecraggyhill，HardbywhereturnedaparttheroadToDouglas’sobscureabode。

ItwasbutwiththatdawningmornThatRoderickDhuhadproudlyswornTodrownhisloveinwar’swildroar，NorthinkofEllenDouglasmore；

Buthewhostemsastreamwithsand，Andfettersflamewithflaxenband，Hasyetahardertasktoprove，——

Byfirmresolvetoconquerlove！

EvefindstheChief，likerestlessghost，Stillhoveringnearhistreasurelost；

ForthoughhishaughtyheartdenyApartingmeetingtohiseyeStillfondlystrainshisanxiousearTheaccentsofhervoicetohear，AndinlydidhecursethebreezeThatwakedtosoundtherustlingtrees。

Buthark！whatminglesinthestrain？

ItistheharpofAllan—bane，Thatwakesitsmeasureslowandhigh，Attunedtosacredminstrelsy。

Whatmeltingvoiceattendsthestrings？

’TisEllen，oranangel，sings。