第8章

XXVII。

ThenuproarwildandmisarrayMarredthefairformoffestalday。

Thehorsemenprickedamongthecrowd，Repelledbythreatsandinsultloud；

Toeartharebornetheoldandweak，Thetimorousfly，thewomenshriek；

Withflint，withshaft，withstaff，withbar，Thehardierurgetumultuouswar。

AtonceroundDouglasdarklysweepTheroyalspearsincircledeep，Andslowlyscalethepathwaysteep，WhileontherearinthunderpourTherabblewithdisorderedroarWithgriefthenobleDouglassawTheCommonsriseagainstthelaw，Andtotheleadingsoldiersaid：

’SirJohnofHyndford，’twasmybladeThatknighthoodonthyshoulderlaid；

ForthatgooddeedpermitmethenAwordwiththesemisguidedmen。——

XXVIII，’Hear，gentlefriends，ereyetformeYebreakthebandsoffealty。

Mylife，myhonour，andmycause，ItenderfreetoScotland’slaws。

Arethesesoweakasmustrequire’Fineaidofyourmisguidedire？

OrifIsuffercauselesswrong，Isthenmyselfishragesostrong，Mysenseofpublicwealsolow，That，formeanvengeanceonafoe，ThosecordsofloveIshouldunbindWhichknitmycountryandmykind？

Ono！Believe，inyondertowerItwillnotsoothemycaptivehour，ToknowthosespearsourfoesshoulddreadFormeinkindredgorearered：

’Toknow，infruitlessbrawlbegun，Formethatmotherwailsherson，Formethatwidow’smateexpires，Formethatorphansweeptheirsires，Thatpatriotsmourninsultedlaws，AndcursetheDouglasforthecause。

Oletyourpatiencewardsuchill，AndkeepyourrighttolovemestillI’

XXIX。

Thecrowd’swildfurysunkagainIntears，astempestsmeltinrain。

Withliftedhandsandeyes，theyprayedForblessingsonhisgenerousheadWhoforhiscountryfeltalone，Andprizedherbloodbeyondhisown。

OldmenuponthevergeoflifeBlessedhimwhostayedthecivilstrife；

Andmothersheldtheirbabesonhigh，Theself—devotedChieftospy，Triumphantoverwrongsandire，Towhomtheprattlersowedasire。

Eventheroughsoldier’sheartwasmoved；

Asifbehindsomebierbeloved，Withtrailingarmsanddroopinghead，TheDouglasupthehillheled，AndattheCastle’sbattledverge，Withsighsresignedhishonouredcharge。

XXX。

TheoffendedMonarchrodeapart，Withbitterthoughtandswellingheart，AndwouldnotnowvouchsafeagainThroughStirlingstreetstoleadhistrain。

’OLennox，whowouldwishtoruleThischangelingcrowd，thiscommonfool？

Hear’stthou，’hesaid，’theloudacclaimWithwhichtheyshouttheDouglasname？

WithlikeacclaimthevulgarthroatStrainedforKingJamestheirmorningnote；

WithlikeacclaimtheyhailedthedayWhenfirstIbroketheDouglassway；

AndlikeacclaimwouldDouglasgreetIfhecouldhurlmefrommyseat。

Whoo’ertheherdwouldwishtoreign，Fantastic，fickle，fierce，andvain？

Vainastheleafuponthestream，Andfickleasachangefuldream；

Fantasticasawoman’smood，AndfierceasFrenzy’sfeveredblood。

Thoumany—headedmonster—thing，Owhowouldwishtobethyking？——

XXXI……

’Butsoft！whatmessengerofspeedSpurshitherwardhispantingsteed？

Iguesshiscognizanceafar——

Whatfromourcousin，JohnofMar？’

’Heprays，myliege，yoursportskeepboundWithinthesafeandguardedground；

Forsomefoulpurposeyetunknown，——

Mostsureforeviltothethrone，——

TheoutlawedChieftain，RoderickDhu，Hassummonedhisrebelliouscrew；

’Tissaid，inJamesofBothwell’saidTheseloosebandittistandarrayed。

TheEarlofMarthismornfromDouneTobreaktheirmustermarched，andsoonYourGracewillhearofbattlefought；

ButearnestlytheEarlbesought，Tillforsuchdangerheprovide，Withscantytrainyouwillnotride。’

XXXII。

’Thouwarn’stmeIhavedoneamiss，——

Ishouldhaveearlierlookedtothis；

Ilostitinthisbustlingday。——

Retracewithspeedthyformerway；

Sparenotforspoilingofthysteed，Thebestofmineshallbethymeed。

SaytoourfaithfulLordofMar，Wedoforbidtheintendedwar；

RoderickthismorninsinglefightWasmadeourprisonerbyaknight，AndDouglashathhimselfandcauseSubmittedtoourkingdom’slaws。

ThetidingsoftheirleaderslostWillsoondissolvethemountainhost，Norwouldwethatthevulgarfeel，FortheirChief’scrimes，avengingsteel。

BearMarourmessage，Braco，fly！’

Heturnedhissteed，——’Myliege，Ihie，YetereIcrossthislilylawnIfearthebroadswordswillbedrawn。’

Theturftheflyingcourserspurned，AndtohistowerstheKingreturned。

XXXIII。

IllwithKingJames’smoodthatdaySuitedgayfeastandminstrellay；

Soonweredismissedthecourtlythrong，Andsooncutshortthefestalsong。

NorlessuponthesaddenedtownTheeveningsunkinsorrowdown。

Theburghersspokeofciviljar，Ofrumouredfeudsandmountainwar，OfMoray，Mar，andRoderickDhu，Allupinarms；——theDouglastoo，Theymournedhimpentwithinthehold，’WherestoutEarlWilliamwasofold。’——

Andtherehiswordthespeakerstayed，Andfingeronhisliphelaid，Orpointedtohisdaggerblade。

ButjadedhorsemenfromthewestAteveningtotheCastlepressed，AndbusytalkerssaidtheyboreTidingsoffightonKatrine’sshore；

Atnoonthedeadlyfraybegun，Andlastedtillthesetofsun。

Thusgiddyrumorshookthetown，TillclosedtheNightherpennonsbrown。

CANTOSIXTH。

TheGuard—room。

I。

Thesun，awakening，throughthesmokyairOfthedarkcitycastsasullenglance，Rousingeachcaitifftohistaskofcare，Ofsinfulmanthesadinheritance；

Summoningrevellersfromthelaggingdance，Scaringtheprowlingrobbertohisden；

Gildingonbattledtowerthewarder’slance，Andwarningstudentpaletoleavehispen，Andyieldhisdrowsyeyestothekindnurseofmen。

Whatvariousscenes，andO，whatscenesofwoe，Arewitnessedbythatredandstrugglingbeam！

Thefeveredpatient，fromhispalletlow，Throughcrowdedhospitalbeholdsitstream；

Theruinedmaidentremblesatitsgleam，Thedebtorwakestothoughtofgyveandjail，’Thelove—lorewretchstartsfromtormentingdream：

Thewakefulmother，bytheglimmeringpale，Trimshersickinfant’scouch，andsootheshisfeeblewailII。

AtdawnthetowersofStirlingrangWithsoldier—stepandweapon—clang，WhiledrumswithrollingnoteforetellRelieftowearysentinel。

Throughnarrowloopandcasementbarred，ThesunbeamssoughttheCourtofGuard，And，strugglingwiththesmokyair，Deadenedthetorches’yellowglare。

IncomfortlessallianceshoneThelightsthrougharchofblackenedstone，Andshowedwildshapesingarbofwar，Facesdeformedwithbeardandscar，Allhaggardfromthemidnightwatch，Andfeveredwiththesterndebauch；

Fortheoaktable’smassiveboard，Floodedwithwine，withfragmentsstored，Andbeakersdrained，andcupso’erthrown，Showedinwhatsportthenighthadflown。

Some，weary，snoredonfloorandbench；

Somelaboredstilltheirthirsttoquench；

Some，chilledwithwatching，spreadtheirhandsO’erthehugechimney’sdyingbrands，Whileroundthem，orbesidethemflung，Ateverysteptheirharnessrung。

III。

Thesedrewnotfortheirfieldsthesword，Liketenantsofafeudallord，NorownedthepatriarchalclaimOfChieftainintheirleader’sname；

Adventurersthey，fromfarwhoroved，Tolivebybattlewhichtheyloved。

TheretheItalian’scloudedface，TheswarthySpaniard’sthereyoutrace；

Themountain—lovingSwitzerthereMorefreelybreathedinmountain—air；

TheFlemingtheredespisedthesoilThatpaidsoillthelabourer’stoil；

TheirrollsshowedFrenchandGermanname；

AndmerryEngland’sexilescame，Toshare，withill—concealeddisdain，OfScotland’spaythescantygain。

Allbraveinarms，welltrainedtowieldTheheavyhalberd，brand，andshield；

Incampslicentious，wild，andbold；

Inpillagefierceanduncontrolled；

Andnow，byholytideandfeast，Fromrulesofdisciplinereleased。

IV。

’Theyhelddebateofbloodyfray，Fought’twixtLochKatrineandAchray。

Fiercewastheirspeech，andmidtheirwords’Theirhandsoftgrappledtotheirswords；

NorsunktheirtonetosparetheearOfwoundedcomradesgroaningnear，WhosemangledlimbsandbodiesgoredBoretokenofthemountainsword，Though，neighbouringtotheCourtofGuard，Theirprayersandfeverishwailswereheard，——

Sadburdentotheruffianjoke，Andsavageoathbyfuryspoke！——

AtlengthupstartedJohnofBrent，AyeomanfromthebanksofTrent；

Astrangertorespectorfear，Inpeaceachaserofthedeer，Inhostahardymutineer，ButstilltheboldestofthecrewWhendeedofdangerwastodo。

Hegrievedthatdaytheirgamescutshort，Andmarredthedicer’sbrawlingsport，Andshoutedloud，’Renewthebowl！

And，whileamerrycatchItroll，Leteachthebuxomchorusbear，Likebrethrenofthebrandandspear。’

V。

Soldier’sSong。

OurvicarstillpreachesthatPeterandPouleLaidaswinginglongcurseonthebonnybrownbowl，Thatthere’’swrathanddespairinthejollyblack—jack，Andthesevendeadlysinsinaflagonofsack；

Yetwhoop，Barnaby！offwiththyliquor，Drinkupseesout，andafigforthevicar！

OurvicarhecallsitdamnationtosipTheriperuddydewofawoman’sdearlip，SaysthatBeelzebublurksinherkerchiefsosly，AndApollyonshootsdartsfromhermerryblackeye；

Yetwhoop，Jack！kissGillianthequicker，Tillshebloomlikearose，andafigforthevicar！

Ourvicarthuspreaches，——andwhyshouldhenot？

Fortheduesofhiscurearetheplacketandpot；

And’tisrightofhisofficepoorlaymentolurchWhoinfringethedomainsofourgoodMotherChurch。

Yetwhoop，bully—boys！offwithyourliquor，SweetMarjorie’sthewordandafigforthevicar！

VI。

Thewarder’schallenge，heardwithout，Stayedinmid—roarthemerryshout。

Asoldiertotheportalwent，——

’HereisoldBertram，sirs，ofGhent；

And——beatforjubileethedrum！——

Amaidandminstrelwithhimcome。’

Bertram，aFleming，grayandscarred，WasenteringnowtheCourtofGuard，Aharperwithhim，and，inplaidAllmuffledclose，amountainmaid，Whobackwardshrunkto’scapetheviewOftheloosesceneandboisterouscrew。

’Whatnews？’theyroared：——’Ionlyknow，Fromnoontillevewefoughtwithfoe，AswildandasuntamableAstherudemountainswheretheydwell；

Onbothsidesstoreofbloodislost，Normuchsuccesscaneitherboast。’——

’Butwhencethycaptives，friend？suchspoilAstheirsmustneedsrewardthytoil。

Oldcostthouwax，andwarsgrowsharp；

Thounowhastglee—maidenandharp！

Gettheeanape，andtrudgetheland，Theleaderofajugglerband。’

VII。

’No，comrade；——nosuchfortunemine。

Afterthefightthesesoughtourline，Thatagedharperandthegirl，And，havingaudienceoftheEarl，MarbadeIshouldpurveythemsteed，Andbringthemhitherwardwithspeed。

Forbearyourmirthandrudealarm，Fornoneshalldothemshameorharm。——

’Hearyehisboast？’criedJohnofBrent，Evertostrifeandjanglingbent；

’Shallhestrikedoebesideourlodge，AndyetthejealousniggardgrudgeTopaytheforesterhisfee？

I’llhavemysharehowe’eritbe，DespiteofMoray，Mar，orthee。’

Bertramhisforwardstepwithstood；

And，burninginhisvengefulmood，OldAllan，thoughunfitforstrife，Laidhanduponhisdagger—knife；

ButEllenboldlysteppedbetween，Anddroppedatoncethetartanscreen：——

So，fromhismorningcloud，appearsThesunofMaythroughsummertears。

Thesavagesoldiery，amazed，Asondescendedangelgazed；

EvenhardyBrent，abashedandtamed，Stoodhalfadmiring，halfashamed。

VIII。

Boldlyshespoke：’Soldiers，attend！

Myfatherwasthesoldier’sfriend，Cheeredhimincamps，inmarchesled，Andwithhiminthebattlebled。

NotfromthevaliantorthestrongShouldexile’sdaughtersufferwrong。’

AnsweredDeBrent，mostforwardstillIneveryfeatorgoodorill：

’IshamemeofthepartIplayed；

Andthouanoutlaw’schild，poormaid！

AnoutlawIbyforestlaws，AndmerryNeedwoodknowsthecause。

PoorRose，——ifRosebelivingnow，’——

Hewipedhisironeyeandbrow，——

’Mustbearsuchage，Ithink，asthou。——

Hearye，mymates！IgotocallTheCaptainofourwatchtohall：

Thereliesmyhalberdonthefloor；

Andhethatstepsmyhalberdo’er，Todothemaidinjuriouspart，Myshaftshallquiverinhisheart！

Bewareloosespeech，orjestingrough；

YeallknowJohndeBrent。Enough。’

IX。

TheirCaptaincame，agallantyoung，——

OfTullibardine’shousehesprung，——

Norworeheyetthespursofknight；

Gaywashismien，hishumorlightAnd，thoughbycourtesycontrolled，Forwardhisspeech，hisbearingbold。

Thehigh—bornmaidenillcouldbrookThescanningofhiscuriouslookAnddauntlesseye：——andyet，insoothYoungLewiswasagenerousyouth；

ButEllen’slovelyfaceandmienIllsuitedtothegarbandscene，Mightlightlybearconstructionstrange，Andgiveloosefancyscopetorange。

’WelcometoStirlingtowers，fairmaid！

Comeyetoseekachampion’said，Onpalfreywhite，withharperhoar，Likeerrantdamoselofyore？

Doesthyhighquestaknightrequire，Ormaytheventuresuitasquire？’

Herdarkeyeflashed；——shepausedandsighed：——

’OwhathaveItodowithpride！——

Throughscenesofsorrow，shame，andstrife，Asuppliantforafather’slife，IcraveanaudienceoftheKing。

Behold，tobackmysuit，aring，Theroyalpledgeofgratefulclaims，GivenbytheMonarchtoFitz—James。’

X。

Thesignet—ringyoungLewistookWithdeeprespectandalteredlook，Andsaid：’Thisringourdutiesown；

Andpardon，iftoworthunknown，Insemblancemeanobscurelyveiled，Lady，inaughtmyfollyfailed。

Soonasthedayflingswidehisgates，TheKingshallknowwhatsuitorwaits。

PleaseyoumeanwhileinfittingbowerReposeyoutillhiswakinghour。

FemaleattendanceshallobeyYourhest，forserviceorarray。

PermitImarshalyoutheway。’

But，ereshefollowed，withthegraceAndopenbountyofherrace，ShebadeherslenderpursebesharedAmongthesoldiersoftheguard。

Therestwiththankstheirguerdontook，ButBrent，withshyandawkwardlook，Onthereluctantmaiden’sholdForcedbluntlybacktheprofferedgold：——

’ForgiveahaughtyEnglishheart，AndO，forgetitsruderpart！

Thevacantpurseshallbemyshare，Whichinmybarrel—capI’llbear，Perchance，injeopardyofwar，Wheregayercrestsmaykeepafar。’

Withthanks——’twasallshecould——themaidHisruggedcourtesyrepaid。

XI。

WhenEllenforthwithLewiswent，AllanmadesuittoJohnofBrent：——

’Myladysafe，OletyourgraceGivemetoseemymaster’sface！

HisminstrelI，——tosharehisdoomBoundfromthecradletothetomb。

Tenthindescent，sincefirstmysiresWakedforhisnoblehousetheirIyres，NoroneofalltheracewasknownButprizeditswealabovetheirown。

WiththeChief’sbirthbeginsourcare；

Ourharpmustsoothetheinfantheir，Teachtheyouthtalesoffight，andgraceHisearliestfeatoffieldorchase；

Inpeace，inwar，ourrankwekeep，Wecheerhisboard，wesoothehissleep，Norleavehimtillwepourourverse——

Adolefultribute！——o’erhishearse。

Thenletmesharehiscaptivelot；

Itismyright，——denyitnot！’

’Littlewereck，’saidJohnofBrent，’WeSouthernmen，oflongdescent；

Norwotwehowaname——aword——

Makesclansmenvassalstoalord：

Yetkindmynoblelandlord’spart，——

GodblessthehouseofBeaudesert！

And，butIlovedtodrivethedeerMorethantoguidethelabouringsteer，Ihadnotdweltanoutcasthere。

Come，goodoldMinstrel，followme；

ThyLordandChieftainshaltthousee。’

XII。

Then，fromarustedironhook，Abunchofponderouskeyshetook，Lightedatorch，andAllanledThroughgratedarchandpassagedread。

Portalstheypassed，where，deepwithin，Spokeprisoner’smoanandfetters’din；

Throughruggedvaults，where，looselystored，Laywheel，andaxe，andheadsmen’ssword，Andmanyahideousenginegrim，Forwrenchingjointandcrushinglimb，ByartistsformedwhodeemeditshameAndsintogivetheirworkaname。

TheyhaltedataIow—browedporch，AndBrenttoA]langavethetorch，Whileboltandchainhebackwardrolled，Andmadethebarunhaspitshold。

Theyentered：——’twasaprison—roomOfsternsecurityandgloom，Yetnotadungeon；forthedayThroughloftygratingsfounditsway，AndrudeandantiquegarnitureDeckedthesadwallsandoakenfloor，SuchastheruggeddaysofoldDeemedfitforcaptivenoble’shold。

’Here，’saidDeBrent，’thoumaystremainTilltheLeechvisithimagain。

Strictishischarge，the，warderstell，Totendthenobleprisonerwell。’

Retiringthenthebolthedrew，Andthelock’smurmursgrowledanew。

Rousedatthesound，fromlowlybedAcaptivefeeblyraisedhishead。

ThewonderingMinstrellooked，andknew——

Nothisdearlord，butRoderickDhu！

For，comefromwhereClan—Alpinefought，They，erring，deemedtheChiefhesought。

XIII。

Asthetallship，whoseloftyproreShallneverstemthebillowsmore，Desertedbyhergallantband，Amidthebreakersliesastrand，——

SoonhiscouchlayRoderickDhu！

AndofthisfeveredlimbshethrewIntossabrupt，aswhenhersidesLierockingintheadvancingtides，Thatshakeherframewithceaselessbeat，Yetcannotheaveherfromherseat；——

O，howunlikehercourseatsea！

Orhisfreesteponhillandlea！——

SoonastheMinstrelhecouldscan，——

’Whatofthylady？——ofmyclan？——

Mymother？——Douglas？——tellmeall！

Havetheybeenruinedinmyfall？

Ah，yes！orwhereforeartthouhere？

Yetspeak，——speakboldly，——donotfear。’——

ForAllan，whohismoodwellknew，Waschokedwithgriefandterrortoo。——

’Whofought？——whofled？——Oldman，bebrief；——

Somemight，——fortheyhadlosttheirChief。

Whobaselylive？——whobravelydied？’

’O，calmthee，Chief！’theMinstrelcried，’Ellenissafe！’’ForthatthankHeaven！’

’AndhopesarefortheDouglasgiven；——

TheLadyMargaret，too，iswell；

And，forthyclan，——onfieldorfell，HasneverharpofminstreltoldOfcombatfoughtsotrueandbold。

ThystatelyPineisyetunbent，Thoughmanyagoodlyboughisrent。’

XIV。

TheChieftainrearedhisformonhigh，Andfever’sfirewasinhiseye；

Butghastly，pale，andlividstreaksCheckeredhisswarthybrowandcheeks。

’Hark，Minstrel！Ihaveheardtheeplay，Withmeasureboldonfestalday，Inyonloneisle，——againwherene’erShallharperplayorwarriorhear！——

Thatstirringairthatpealsonhigh，O’erDermid’sraceourvictory。——

Strikeit！——andthen，——forwellthoucanst，——

Freefromthyminstrel—spiritglanced，Flingmethepictureofthefight，WhenmetmyclantheSaxonmight。

I’lllisten，tillmyfancyhearsTheclangofswords’thecrashofspears！

Thesegrates，thesewalls，shallvanishthenForthefairfieldoffightingmen，Andmyfreespiritburstaway，Asifitsoaredfrombattlefray。’

ThetremblingBardwithaweobeyed，——

Slowontheharphishandhelaid；

ButsoonremembranceofthesightHewitnessedfromthemountain’sheight，WithwhatoldBertramtoldatnight，Awakenedthefullpowerofsong，Andborehimincareeralong；——

Asshalloplaunchedonriver’stide，’Thatslowandfearfulleavestheside，But，whenitfeelsthemiddlestream，Drivesdownwardswiftaslightning’sbeam。

XV。

BattleofBeal’AnDuine。

’TheMinstrelcameoncemoretoviewTheeasternridgeofBenvenue，ForerehepartedhewouldsayFarewelltolovelylochAchrayWhereshallhefind，inforeignland，Solonealake，sosweetastrand！——

Thereisnobreezeuponthefern，Norippleonthelake，Uponhereyrynodstheerne，Thedeerhassoughtthebrake；

Thesmallbirdswillnotsingaloud，Thespringingtroutliesstill，Sodarklygloomsyonthunder—cloud，Thatswathes，aswithapurpleshroud，Benledi’sdistanthill。

Isitthethunder’ssolemnsoundThatmuttersdeepanddread，OrechoesfromthegroaninggroundThewarrior’smeasuredtread？

Isitthelightning’squiveringglanceThatonthethicketstreams，OrdotheyflashonspearandlanceThesun’sretiringbeams？——

Iseethedagger—crestofMar，IseetheMoray’ssilverstar，Waveo’erthecloudofSaxonwar，Thatupthelakecomeswindingfar！

Toherobouneforbattle—strife，Orbardofmartiallay，’Twereworthtenyearsofpeacefullife，Oneglanceattheirarray！

XVI。

’Theirlight—armedarchersfarandnearSurveyedthetangledground，Theircentreranks，withpikeandspear，Atwilightforestfrowned，TheirbardedhorsemenintherearThesternbattaliacrowned。

Nocymbalclashed，noclarionrang，Stillwerethepipeanddrum；

Saveheavytread，andarmor’sclang，Thesullenmarchwasdumb。

Therebreathednowindtheircreststoshake，Orwavetheirflagsabroad；

ScarcethefrailaspenseemedtoquakeThatshadowedo’ertheirroad。

Theirvawardscoutsnotidingsbring，Canrousenolurkingfoe，Norspyatraceoflivingthing，Savewhentheystirredtheroe；

Thehostmoveslikeadeep—seawave，WhererisenorocksitspridetobraveHigh—swelling，dark，andslow。

Thelakeispassed，andnowtheygainAnarrowandabrokenplain，BeforetheTrosachs’ruggedjaws；

AndherethehorseandspearmenpauseWhile，toexplorethedangerousglenDivethroughthepassthearcher—men。

XVII。

’AtoncethererosesowildayellWithinthatdarkandnarrowdell，AsallthefiendsfromheaventhatfellHadpealedthebanner—cryofhell！

Forthfromthepassintumultdriven，Likechaffbeforethewindofheaven，Thearcheryappear：

Forlife！forlife！theirflighttheyply——

Andshriek，andshout，andbattle—cry，Andplaidsandbonnetswavinghigh，Andbroadswordsflashingtothesky，Aremaddeningintherear。

Onwardtheydriveindreadfulrace，Pursuersandpursued；

Beforethattideofflightandchase，Howshallitkeepitsrootedplace，Thespearmen’stwilightwood？——"

"Down，down，"criedMar，"yourlancesdown’

Bearbackbothfriendandfoe！"——

Likereedsbeforethetempest’sfrown，ThatserriedgroveoflancesbrownAtoncelaylevelledlow；

Andcloselyshoulderingsidetoside，Thebristlingrankstheonsetbide。——"

"We’llquellthesavagemountaineer，AstheirTinchelcowsthegame！

Theycomeasfleetasforestdeer，We’lldrivethembackastame。"

XVIII。

’BearingbeforethemintheircourseTherelicsofthearcherforce，Likewavewithcrestofsparklingfoam，RightonwarddidClan—Alpinecome。

Abovethetide，eachbroadswordbrightWasbrandishinglikebeamoflight，Eachtargewasdarkbelow；

Andwiththeocean’smightyswing，Whenheavingtothetempest’swing，Theyhurledthemonthefoe。

Iheardthelance’sshiveringcrash，Aswhenthewhirlwindrendstheash；

Iheardthebroadsword’sdeadlyclang，Asifahundredanvilsrang！

ButMoraywheeledhisrearwardrankOfhorsemenonClan—Alpine’sflank，——

"Mybanner—man，advance！

Isee，"hecried，"theircolumnshake。

Now，gallants！foryourladies’sake，Uponthemwiththelance！"——

Thehorsemendashedamongtherout，Asdeerbreakthroughthebroom；

Theirsteedsarestout，theirswordsareout，Theysoonmakelightsomeroom。

Clan—Alpine’sbestarebackwardborne——

Where，wherewasRoderickthen！

Oneblastuponhisbugle—hornWereworthathousandmen。

AndrefluentthroughthepassoffearThebattle’stidewaspoured；

VanishedtheSaxon’sstrugglingspear，Vanishedthemountain—sword。

AsBracklinn’schasm，soblackandsteep，ReceivesherroaringlinnAsthedarkcavernsofthedeepSuckthewildwhirlpoolin，SodidthedeepanddarksomepassDevourthebattle’smingledmass；

NonelingernowupontheplainSavethosewhone’ershallfightagain。

XIX。

’Nowwestwardrollsthebattle’sdin，Thatdeepanddoublingpasswithin。——

Minstrel，away！theworkoffateIsbearingon；itsissuewait，WheretherudeTrosachs’dreaddefileOpensonKatrine’slakeandisle。

GrayBenvenueIsoonrepassed，LochKatrinelaybeneathmecast。

Thesunisset；——thecloudsaremet，TheloweringscowlofheavenAninkyhueoflividblueTothedeeplakehasgiven；

StrangegustsofwindfrommountainglenSwepto’erthelake，thensunkagain。

Iheedednottheeddyingsurge，MineeyebutsawtheTrosachs’gorge，Mineearbutheardthatsullensound，Whichlikeanearthquakeshooktheground，AndspokethesternanddesperatestrifeThatpartsnotbutwithpartinglife，Seeming，tominstrelear，totollThedirgeofmanyapassingsoul。

Neareritcomes——thedim—woodglenThemartialflooddisgorgedagain，Butnotinmingledtide；

TheplaidedwarriorsoftheNorthHighonthemountainthunderforthAndoverhangitsside，WhilebythelakebelowappearsThedarkeningcloudofSaxonspears。

Atwearybayeachshatteredband，Eyingtheirfoemen，sternlystand；

Theirbannersstreamliketatteredsail，Thatflingsitsfragmentstothegale，AndbrokenarmsanddisarrayMarkedthefellhavocoftheday。

XX。

’Viewingthemountain’sridgeaskance，TheSaxonsstoodinsullentrance，TillMoraypointedwithhislance，Andcried："Beholdyonisle！——

See！nonearelefttoguarditsstrandButwomenweak，thatwringthehand：

’TisthereofyoretherobberbandTheirbootywonttopile；——

Mypurse，withbonnet—piecesstore，Tohimwillswimabow—shoto’er，Andlooseashallopfromtheshore。

Lightlywe’lltamethewar—wolfthen，Lordsofhismate，andbrood，andden。"

Forthfromtheranksaspearmansprung，Onearthhiscasqueandcorseletrung，Heplungedhiminthewave：——

Allsawthedeed，——thepurposeknew，AndtotheirclamorsBenvenueAmingledechogave；

TheSaxonsshout，theirmatetocheer，ThehelplessfemalesscreamforfearAndyellsforragethemountaineer。

’Twasthen，asbytheoutcryriven，Poureddownatoncetheloweringheaven：

AwhirlwindsweptLochKatrine’sbreast，Herbillowsrearedtheirsnowycrest。

Wellfortheswimmerswelledtheyhigh，TomartheHighlandmarksman’seye；

Forroundhimshowered，midrainandhail，ThevengefularrowsoftheGael。

Invain。——Henearstheisle——andlo！

Hishandisonashallop’sbow。

Justthenaflashoflightningcame，Ittingedthewavesandstrandwithflame；

ImarkedDuncraggan’swidoweddame，BehindanoakIsawherstand，Anakeddirkgleamedinherhand：——

Itdarkened，——butamidthemoanOfwavesIheardadyinggroan；——

Anotherflash！——thespearmanfloatsAwelteringcorsebesidetheboats，Andthesternmatrono’erhimstood，Herhandanddaggerstreamingblood。