The Lord Of The Isles: Canto Iv Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: ABCBCCACAA DAEFACACC GHGHHIHII AJJJCCKKLLAA AMNOPPOQQRRSSSTUJJ AVVUFFUWWMSSMXXXNYYZ A2A2ZSSB2C2C2C2B2D2D 2E2E2AFF2F2 FG2H2A2A2I2J2QQK2K2R RZZL2L2M2M2M2N2N2IIR RN2N2N2N2 AN2N2AAQQIIN2N2CCQQA AN2N2N2N2CC AO2QJ2QL2CL2L2CQQIN2 N2IP2P2N2N2Q2Q2N2R2R 2N2RRR AN2N2RRS2S2NNJ2J2RN2 N2RT2T2RN2N2QN2N2QU2 U2R2R2RRN2MNMN2CCF2F 2ARRA U2O2CO2CN2IN2V2N2N2N 2N2N2N2AAQ2Q2N2N2CCU 2U2W2W2 U2O2FO2FRFRN2FFN2X2X 2N2N2FFN2N2FFFFAFCCR RCC FO2FO2FFFQQQQFFQN2N2 N2N2RFFFFFFFFFF FFFN2N2RFFFRFFFFFCCQ QFQQF FFFQN2N2N2QFFFCN2N2C FFCAACFFC AFFAAN2N2AQQQAN2N2N2 N2N2N2N2N2N2N2N2N2CN 2N2N2C AN2N2N2N2Y2Y2QQZ2Z2F FN2N2N2N2OON2N2RRN2N 2 AN2N2N2N2N2N2N2N2N2N 2N2N2N2N2FFAAN2N2R2F 2N2N2XXFFAAQQ ACA3FFN2N2FFQQFFFFRR RB3B3N2 RR2R2CCRRFFT2T2N2N2F FN2FFOO FN2N2FFN2N2FFCCN2N2F FN2N2CCN2N2RRN2N2N2N 2N2N2N2 FN2N2N2N2RRN2N2QQRRN 2N2FFFFRRFFCCR2R2N2N 2N2N2 FQQN2QQN2FFCCQQFFJ2J 2N2N2RRQQCC FCCCCN2N2QQFFCCRRFFR RRRN2N2N2N2N2N2N2N2F F FCCQQQQQFFQQFFT2T2N2 N2 RN2N2N2N2N2N2CCC3C3F FN2N2CCCC RFFCCN2N2CCRRCCRRQQQ QCCN2N2N2FF CN2N2N2N2FFCCN2N2CCQ QQCCQQQQQQ CCCFFN2N2FFN2N2CCFFN 2N2CCN2N2FFFFN2N2FFC CCCOOQ2Q2CC CR2R2FFQQN2N2N2N2N2N 2QQN2N2CCCCCCFFD3D3Q Q FN2N2FFN2N2FFFFFCCN2 N2QQ FN2N2FFN2N2FFRRFFFFC CFFFN2N2CCFFCCN2N2CC

I	A
Stranger if e'er thine ardent step hath traced	B
The northern realms of ancient Caledon	C
Where the proud Queen of Wilderness hath placed	B
By lake and cataract her lonely throne	C
Sublime but sad delight thy soul hath known	C
Gazing on pathless glen and mountain high	A
Listing where from the cliffs the torrents thrown	C
Mingle their echoes with the eagle's cry	A
And with the sounding lake and with the moaning sky	A
	-
Yes 'twas sublime but sad The loneliness	D
Loaded thy heart the desert tired thine eye	A
And strange and awful fears began to press	E
Thy bosom with a stern solemnity	F
Then hast thou wish'd some woodman's cottage nigh	A
Something that show'd of life though low and mean	C
Glad sight its curling wreath of smoke to spy	A
Glad sound its cock's blithe carol would have been	C
Or children whooping wild beneath the willows green	C
	-
Such are the scenes where savage grandeur wakes	G
An awful thrill that softens into sighs	H
Such feelings rouse them by dim Rannoch's lakes	G
In dark Glencoe such gloomy raptures rise	H
Or farther where beneath the northern skies	H
Chides wild Loch Eribol his caverns hoar	I
But be the minstrel judge they yield the prize	H
Of desert dignity to that dread shore	I
That sees grim Coolin rise and hears Coriskin roar	I
	-
II	A
Through such wild scenes the champion pass'd	J
When bold halloo and bugle blast	J
Upon the breeze came loud and fast	J
There said the Bruce rung Edward's horn	C
What can have caused such brief return	C
And see brave Ronald see him dart	K
O'er stock and stone like hunted hart	K
Precipitate as is the use	L
In war or sport or Edward Bruce	L
He marks us and his eager cry	A
Will tell his news ere he be nigh	A
	-
III	A
Loud Edward shouts What make ye here	M
Warring upon the mountain deer	N
When Scotland wants her King	O
A bark from Lennox cross'd our track	P
With her in speed I hurried back	P
These joyful news to bring	O
The Stuart stirs in Teviotdale	Q
And Douglas wakes his native vale	Q
Thy storm toss'd fleet hath won its way	R
With little loss to Brodick Bay	R
And Lennox with a gallant band	S
Waits but thy coming and command	S
To waft them o'er to Carrick strand	S
There are blithe news but mark the close	T
Edward the deadliest of our foes	U
As with his host he northward pass'd	J
Hath on the borders breathed his last	J
	-
IV	A
Still stood the Bruce his steady cheek	V
Was little wont his joy to speak	V
But then his colour rose	U
Now Scotland shortly shalt thou see	F
With God's high will thy children free	F
And vengeance on thy foes	U
Yet to no sense of selfish wrongs	W
Bear witness with me Heaven belongs	W
My joy o'er Edward's bier	M
I took my knighthood at his hand	S
And lordship held of him and land	S
And well may vouch it here	M
That blot the story from his page	X
Of Scotland ruin'd in his rage	X
You read a monarch brave and sage	X
And to his people dear	N
Let London's burghers mourn her Lord	Y
And Croydon monks his praise record	Y
The eager Edward said	Z
Eternal as his own my hate	A2
Surmounts the bounds of mortal fate	A2
And dies not with the dead	Z
Such hate was his on Solway's strand	S
That pointed yet to Scotland's land	S
As his last accents pray'd	B2
Disgrace and curse upon his heir	C2
If he one Scottish head should spare	C2
Till stretch'd upon the bloody lair	C2
Each rebel corpse was laid	B2
Such hate was his when his last breath	D2
Renounced the peaceful house of death	D2
And bade his bones to Scotland's coast	E2
Be borne by his remorseless host	E2
As if his dead and stony eye	A
Could still enjoy her misery	F
Such hate was his dark deadly long	F2
Mine as enduring deep and strong	F2
	-
V	F
Let women Edward war with words	G2
With curses monks but men with swords	H2
Nor doubt of living foes to sate	A2
Deepest revenge and deadliest hate	A2
Now to the sea Behold the beach	I2
And see the galleys' pendants stretch	J2
Their fluttering length down favouring gale	Q
Aboard aboard and hoist the sail	Q
Hold we our way for Arran first	K2
Where meet in arms our friends dispersed	K2
Lennox the loyal De la Haye	R
And Boyd the bold in battle fray	R
I long the hardy band to head	Z
And see once more my standard spread	Z
Does noble Ronald share our course	L2
Or stay to raise his island force	L2
Come weal come woe by Bruce's side	M2
Replied the Chief will Ronald bide	M2
And since two galleys yonder ride	M2
Be mine so please my liege dismiss'd	N2
To wake the arms the clans of Uist	N2
And all who hear the Minche's roar	I
On the Long Island's lonely shore	I
The nearer Isles with slight delay	R
Ourselves may summon in our way	R
And soon on Arran's shore shall meet	N2
With Torquil's aid a gallant fleet	N2
If aught avails their Chieftain's hest	N2
Among the islemen of the west	N2
	-
VI	A
Thus was their venturous council said	N2
But ere their sails the galleys spread	N2
Coriskin dark and Coolin high	A
Echoed the dirge's doleful cry	A
Along that sable lake pass'd slow	Q
Fit scene for such a sight of woe	Q
The sorrowing islesmen as they bore	I
The murder'd Allan to the shore	I
At every pause with dismal shout	N2
Their coronach of grief rung out	N2
And ever when they moved again	C
The pipes resumed their clamorous strain	C
And with the pibroch's shrilling wail	Q
Mourn'd the young heir of Donagaile	Q
Round and around from cliff and cave	A
His answer stern old Coolin gave	A
Till high upon his misty side	N2
Languish'd the mournful notes and died	N2
For never sounds by mortal made	N2
Attain'd his high and haggard head	N2
That echoes but the tempest's moan	C
Or the deep thunder's rending groan	C
	-
VII	A
Merrily merrily bounds the bark	O2
She bounds before the gale	Q
The mountain breeze from Ben na darch	J2
Is joyous in her sail	Q
With fluttering sound like laughter hoarse	L2
The cords and canvas strain	C
The waves divided by her force	L2
In rippling eddies chased her course	L2
As if they laugh'd again	C
Not down the breeze more blithely flew	Q
Skimming the wave the light sea mew	Q
Than the gay galley bore	I
Her course upon that favouring wind	N2
And Coolin's crest has sunk behind	N2
And Slapin's cavern'd shore	I
'Twas then that warlike signals wake	P2
Dunscaith's dark towers and Eisord's lake	P2
And soon from Cavilgarrigh's head	N2
Thick wreaths of eddying smoke were spread	N2
A summons these of war and wrath	Q2
To the brave clans of Sleat and Strath	Q2
And ready at the sight	N2
Each warrior to his weapons sprung	R2
And targe upon his shoulder flung	R2
Impatient for the fight	N2
Mac Kinnon's chief in warfare grey	R
Had charge to muster their array	R
And guide their barks to Brodick Bay	R
	-
VIII	A
Signal of Ronald's high command	N2
A beacon gleam'd o'er sea and land	N2
From Canna's tower that steep and gray	R
Like falcon nest o'erhangs the bay	R
Seek not the giddy crag to climb	S2
To view the turret scathed by time	S2
It is a task of doubt and fear	N
To aught but goat or mountain deer	N
But rest thee on the silver beach	J2
And let the aged herdsman teach	J2
His tale of former day	R
His cur's wild clamour he shall chide	N2
And for thy seat by ocean's side	N2
His varied plaid display	R
Then tell how with their Chieftain came	T2
In ancient times a foreign dame	T2
To yonder turret grey	R
Stern was her Lord's suspicious mind	N2
Who in so rude a jail confined	N2
So soft and fair a thrall	Q
And oft when moon on ocean slept	N2
That lovely lady sate and wept	N2
Upon the castle wall	Q
And turn'd her eye to southern climes	U2
And thought perchance of happier times	U2
And touch'd her lute by fits and sung	R2
Wild ditties in her native tongue	R2
And still when on the cliff and bay	R
Placid and pale the moonbeams play	R
And every breeze is mute	N2
Upon the lone Hebridean's ear	M
Steals a strange pleasure mix'd with fear	N
While from that cliff he seems to hear	M
The murmur of a lute	N2
And sounds as of a captive lone	C
That mourns her woes in tongue unknown	C
Strange is the tale but all too long	F2
Already hath it staid the song	F2
Yet who may pass them by	A
That crag and tower in ruins grey	R
Nor to their hapless tenant pay	R
The tribute of a sigh	A
	-
IX	U2
Merrily merrily bounds the bark	O2
O'er the broad ocean driven	C
Her path by Ronin's mountains dark	O2
The steerman's hand hath given	C
And Ronin's mountains dark have sent	N2
Their hunters to the shore	I
And each his ashen bow unbent	N2
And gave his pastime o'er	V2
And at the Island Lord's command	N2
For hunting spear took warrior's brand	N2
On Scooreigg next a warning light	N2
Summon'd her warriors to the fight	N2
A numerous race ere stern MacLeod	N2
O'er their bleak shores in vengeance strode	N2
When all in vain the ocean cave	A
Its refuge to his victims gave	A
The Chief relentless in his wrath	Q2
With blazing heath blockades the path	Q2
In dense and stifling volumes roll'd	N2
The vapour fill'd the cavern'd hold	N2
The warrior threat the infant's plain	C
The mother's screams were heard in vain	C
The vengeful Chief maintains his fires	U2
Till in the vault a tribe expires	U2
The bones which strew that cavern's gloom	W2
Too well attest their dismal doom	W2
	-
X	U2
Merrily merrily goes the bark	O2
On a breeze from the northward free	F
So shoots through the morning sky the lark	O2
Or the swan through the summer sea	F
The shores of Mull on the eastward lay	R
And Ulva dark and Colonsay	F
And all the group of islets gay	R
That guard famed Staffa round	N2
Then all unknown its columns rose	F
Where dark and undisturb'd repose	F
The cormorant had found	N2
And the shy seal had quiet home	X2
And welter'd in that wondrous dome	X2
Where as to shame the temples deck'd	N2
By skill of earthly architect	N2
Nature herself it seem'd would raise	F
A Minister to her Maker's praise	F
Not for a meaner use ascend	N2
Her columns or her arches bend	N2
Nor of a theme less solemn tells	F
That mighty surge that ebbs and swells	F
And still between each awful pause	F
From the high vault an answer draws	F
In varied tone prolong'd and high	A
That mocks the organ's melody	F
Nor doth its entrance front in vain	C
To old Iona's holy fane	C
That Nature's voice might seem to say	R
Well hast thou done frail Child of clay	R
Thy humble powers that stately shrine	C
Task'd high and hard but witness mine	C
	-
XI	F
Merrily merrily goes the bark	O2
Before the gale she bounds	F
So darts the dolphin from the shark	O2
Or the deer before the hounds	F
They left Loch Tua on their lee	F
And they waken'd the men of the wild Tiree	F
And the Chief of the sandy Coll	Q
They paused not at Columba's isle	Q
Though peal'd the bells from the holy pile	Q
With long and measured toll	Q
No time for matin or for mass	F
And the sounds of the holy summons pass	F
Away in the billows' roll	Q
Lochbuie's fierce and warlike Lord	N2
Their signal saw and grasp'd his sword	N2
And verdant Ilay call'd her host	N2
And the clans of Jura's rugged coast	N2
Lord Ronald's call obey	R
And Scarba's isle whose tortured shore	F
Still rings to Corrievreken's roar	F
And lonely Colonsay	F
Scenes sung by him who sings no more	F
His bright and brief career is o'er	F
And mute his tuneful strains	F
Quench'd is his lamp of varied lore	F
That loved the light of song to pour	F
A distant and a deadly shore	F
Has Leyden's cold remains	F
	-
XII	F
Ever the breeze blows merrily	F
But the galley ploughs no more the sea	F
Lest rounding wild Cantyre they meet	N2
The southern foeman's watchful fleet	N2
They held unwonted way	R
Up Tarbat's western lake they bore	F
Then dragg'd their bark the isthmus o'er	F
As far as Kilmaconnel's shore	F
Upon the eastern bay	R
It was a wondrous sight to see	F
Topmast and pennon glitter free	F
High raised above the greenwood tree	F
As on dry land the galley moves	F
By cliff and copse and alder groves	F
Deep import from that selcouth sign	C
Did many a mountain Seer divine	C
For ancient legends told the Gael	Q
That when a royal bark should sail	Q
O'er Kilmaconnel moss	F
Old Albyn should in fight prevail	Q
And every foe should faint and quail	Q
Before her silver Cross	F
	-
XIII	F
Now launch'd once more the inland sea	F
They furrow with fair augury	F
And steer for Arran's isle	Q
The sun ere yet he sunk behind	N2
Ben Ghoil the Mountain of the Wind	N2
Gave his grim peaks a greeting kind	N2
And bade Loch Ranza smile	Q
Thither their destined course they drew	F
It seem'd the isle her monarch knew	F
So brilliant was the landward view	F
The ocean so serene	C
Each puny wave in diamonds roll'd	N2
O'er the calm deep where hues of gold	N2
With azure strove and green	C
The hill the yale the tree the tower	F
Glow'd with the tints of evening's hour	F
The beech was silver sheen	C
The wind breathed soft as lover's sigh	A
And oft renew'd seem'd oft to die	A
With breathless pause between	C
O who with speech of war and woes	F
Would wish to break the soft repose	F
Of such enchanting scene	C
	-
XIV	A
Is it of war Lord Ronald speaks	F
The blush that dyes his manly cheeks	F
The timid look and downcast eye	A
And faltering voice the theme deny	A
And good King Robert's brow express'd	N2
He ponder'd o'er some high request	N2
As doubtful to approve	A
Yet in his eye and lip the while	Q
Dwelt the half pitying glance and smile	Q
Which manhood's graver mood beguile	Q
When lover's talk of love	A
Anxious his suit Lord Ronald pled	N2
And for my bride betrothed he said	N2
My Liege has heard the rumour spread	N2
Of Edith from Artornish fled	N2
Too hard her fate I claim no right	N2
To blame her for her hasty flight	N2
Be joy and happiness her lot	N2
But she hath fled the bridal knot	N2
And Lorn recall'd his promised plight	N2
In the assembled chieftains' sight	N2
When to fulfil our fathers' band	N2
I proffer'd all I could my hand	N2
I was repulsed with scorn	C
Mine honour I should ill assert	N2
And worse the feelings of my heart	N2
If I should play a suitor's part	N2
Again to pleasure Lorn	C
	-
XV	A
Young Lord the Royal Bruce replied	N2
That question must the Church decide	N2
Yet seems it hard since rumours state	N2
Edith takes Clifford for her mate	N2
The very tie which she hath broke	Y2
To thee should still be binding yoke	Y2
But for my sister Isabel	Q
The mood of woman who can tell	Q
I guess the Champion of the Rock	Z2
Victorious in the tourney shock	Z2
That knight unknown to whom the prize	F
She dealt had favour in her eyes	F
But since our brother Nigel's fate	N2
Our ruin'd house and hapless state	N2
From worldly joy and hope estranged	N2
Much is the hapless mourner changed	N2
Perchance here smiled the noble King	O
This tale may other musings bring	O
Soon shall we know yon mountains hide	N2
The little convent of Saint Bride	N2
There sent by Edward she must stay	R
Till fate shall give more prosperous day	R
And thither will I bear thy suit	N2
Nor will thine advocate be mute	N2
	-
XVI	A
As thus they talk'd in earnest mood	N2
That speechless boy beside them stood	N2
He stoop'd his head against the mast	N2
And bitter sobs came thick and fast	N2
A grief that would not be repress'd	N2
But seem'd to burst his youthful breast	N2
His hands against his forehead held	N2
As if by force his tears repell'd	N2
But through his fingers long and slight	N2
Fast trill'd the drops of crystal bright	N2
Edward who walk'd the deck apart	N2
First spied this conflict of the heart	N2
Thoughtless as brave with bluntness kind	N2
He sought to cheer the sorrower's mind	N2
By force the slender hand he drew	F
From those poor eyes that stream'd with dew	F
As in his hold the stripling strove	A
'Twas a rough grasp though meant in love	A
Away his tears the warrior swept	N2
And bade shame on him that he wept	N2
I would to heaven thy helpless tongue	R2
Could tell me who hath wrought thee wrong	F2
For were he of our crew the best	N2
The insult went not undress'd	N2
Come cheer thee thou art now of age	X
To be a warrior's gallant page	X
Thou shalt be mine a palfrey fair	F
O'er hill and holt my boy shall bear	F
To hold my bow in hunting grove	A
Or speed on errand to my love	A
For well I wot thou wilt not tell	Q
The temple where my wishes dwell	Q
	-
XVII	A
Bruce interposed Gay Edward no	C
This is no youth to hold thy bow	A3
To fill thy goblet or to bear	F
Thy message light to lighter fair	F
Thou art a patron all too wild	N2
And thoughtless for this orphan child	N2
See'st thou not how apart he steals	F
Keeps lonely couch and lonely meals	F
Fitter by far in yon calm cell	Q
To tend our sister Isabel	Q
With Father Augustine to share	F
The peaceful change of convent prayer	F
Than wander wild adventures through	F
With such a reckless guide as you	F
Thanks brother Edward answer'd gay	R
For the high laud thy words convey	R
But we may learn some future day	R
If thou or I can this poor boy	B3
Protect the best or best employ	B3
Meanwhile our vessel nears the strand	N2
Launch we the boat and seek the land '	-
	-
XVIII	R
To land King Robert lightly sprung	R2
And thrice aloud his bugle rung	R2
With note prolong'd and varied strain	C
Till bold Ben Ghoil replied again	C
Good Douglas then and De la Haye	R
Had in a glen a hart at bay	R
And Lennox cheered the laggard hounds	F
When waked that horn the greenwood bounds	F
It is the foe cried Boyd who came	T2
In breathless haste with eye of flame	T2
It is the foe Each valiant lord	N2
Fling by his bow and grasp his sword	N2
Not so replied the good Lord James	F
That blast no English bugle claims	F
Oft have I heard it fire the fight	N2
Dead were my heart and deaf mine ear	F
If Bruce should call nor Douglas hear	F
Each to Loch Ranza's margin spring	O
That blast was winded by the King	O
	-
XIX	F
Fast to their mates the tidings spread	N2
And fast to shore the warriors sped	N2
Bursting from glen and greenwood tree	F
High waked their loyal jubilee	F
Around the royal Bruce they crowd	N2
And clasp'd his hands and wept aloud	N2
Veterans of early fields were there	F
Whose helmets press'd their hoary hair	F
Whose swords and axes bore a stain	C
From life blood of the red hair'd Dane	C
And boys whose hands scarce brook'd to wield	N2
The heavy sword or bossy shield	N2
Men too were there that bore the scars	F
Impress'd in Albyn's woeful wars	F
At Falkirk's fierce and fatal fight	N2
Teyndrum's dread rout and Methven's flight	N2
The might of Douglas there was seen	C
There Lennox with his graceful mien	C
Kirkpatrick Closeburn's dreaded Knight	N2
The Lindsay fiery fierce and light	N2
The Heir of murder'd De la Haye	R
And Boyd the grave and Seton gay	R
Around their King regain'd they press'd	N2
Wept shouted clasp'd him to their breast	N2
And young and old and serf and lord	N2
And he who ne'er unsheathed a sword	N2
And he in many a peril tried	N2
Alike resolved the brunt to bide	N2
And live or die by Bruce's side	N2
	-
XX	F
Oh War thou hast thy fierce delight	N2
Thy gleams of joy intensely bright	N2
Such gleams as from thy polish'd shield	N2
Fly dazzling o'er the battle field	N2
Such transports wake severe and high	R
Amid the pealing conquest cry	R
Scarce less when after battle lost	N2
Muster the remnants of a host	N2
And as each comrade's name they tell	Q
Who in the well fought conflict fell	Q
Knitting stern brow o'er flashing eye	R
Vow to avenge them or to die	R
Warriors and where are warriors found	N2
If not on martial Britain's ground	N2
And who when waked with note of fire	F
Love more than they the British lyre	F
Know ye not hearts to honour dear	F
That joy deep thrilling stern severe	F
At which the heartstrings vibrate high	R
And wake the fountains of the eye	R
And blame ye then the Bruce if trace	F
Of tear is on his manly face	F
When scanty relics of the train	C
That hail'd at Scone his early reign	C
This patriot band around him hung	R2
And to his knees and bosom clung	R2
Blame ye the Bruce His brother blamed	N2
But shared the weakness while ashamed	N2
With haughty laugh his head he turn'd	N2
And dash'd away the tear he scorn'd	N2
	-
XXI	F
'Tis morning and the Convent bell	Q
Long time had ceased its matin knell	Q
Within thy walls Saint Bride	N2
An aged Sister sought the cell	Q
Assign'd to Lady Isabel	Q
And hurriedly she cried	N2
Haste gentle Lady haste there waits	F
A noble stranger at the gates	F
Saint Bride's poor vot'ress ne'er has seen	C
A Knight of such a princely mien	C
His errand as he bade me tell	Q
Is with the Lady Isabel	Q
The princess rose for on her knee	F
Low bent she told her rosary	F
Let him by thee his purpose teach	J2
I may not give a stranger speech	J2
Saint Bride forfend thou royal Maid	N2
The portress cross'd herself and said	N2
Not to be Prioress might I	R
Debate his will his suit deny	R
Has earthly show then simple fool	Q
Power o'er a sister of thy rule	Q
And art thou like the worldly train	C
Subdued by splendours light and vain	C
	-
XXII	F
No Lady in old eyes like mine	C
Gauds have no glitter gems no shine	C
Nor grace his rank attendants vain	C
One youthful page is all his train	C
It is the form the eye the word	N2
The bearing of that stranger Lord	N2
His stature manly bold and tall	Q
Built like a castle's battled wall	Q
Yet moulded in such just degrees	F
His giant strength seems lightsome ease	F
Close as the tendrils of the vine	C
His locks upon his forehead twine	C
Jet black save where some touch of grey	R
Has ta'en the youthful hue away	R
Weather and war their rougher trace	F
Have left on that majestic face	F
But 'tis his dignity of eye	R
There if a suppliant would I fly	R
Secure 'mid danger wrongs and grief	R
Of sympathy redress relief	R
That glance if guilty would I dread	N2
More than the doom that spoke me dead	N2
Enough enough the Princess cried	N2
'Tis Scotland's hope her joy her pride	N2
To meaner front was ne'er assign'd	N2
Such mastery o'er the common mind	N2
Bestow'd thy high designs to aid	N2
How long O Heaven how long delay'd	N2
Haste Mona haste to introduce	F
My darling brother Royal Bruce	F
	-
XXIII	F
They met like friends who part in pain	C
And meet in doubtful hope again	C
But when subdued that fitful swell	Q
The Bruce survey'd the humble cell	Q
And this is thine poor Isabel	Q
That pallet couch and naked wall	Q
For room of state and bed of pall	Q
For costly robes and jewels rare	F
A string of beads and zone of hair	F
And for the trumpet's sprightly call	Q
To sport or banquet grove or hall	Q
The bell's grim voice divides thy care	F
'Twixt hours of penitence and prayer	F
O ill for thee my royal claim	T2
From the First David's sainted name	T2
O woe for thee that while he sought	N2
His right thy brother feebly fought	N2
	-
XXIV	R
Now lay these vain regrets aside	N2
And be the unshaken Bruce she cried	N2
For more I glory to have shared	N2
The woes thy venturous spirit dared	N2
When raising first thy valiant band	N2
In rescue of thy native land	N2
Than had fair Fortune set me down	C
The partner of an empire's crown	C
And grieve not that on Pleasure's stream	C3
No more I drive in giddy dream	C3
For Heaven the erring pilot knew	F
And from the gulf the vessel drew	F
Tried me with judgements stern and great	N2
My house's ruin thy defeat	N2
Poor Nigel's death till tamed I own	C
My hopes are fix'd on Heaven alone	C
Nor e'er shall earthly prospects win	C
My heart to this vain world of sin	C
	-
XXV	R
Nay Isabel for such stern choice	F
First wilt thou wait thy brother's voice	F
Then ponder if in convent scene	C
No softer thoughts might intervene	C
Say they were of that unknown Knight	N2
Victor in Woodstock's tourney fight	N2
Nay if his name such blush you owe	C
Victorious o'er a fairer foe	C
Truly his penetrating eye	R
Hath caught that blush's passing dye	R
Like the last beam of evening thrown	C
On a white cloud just seen and gone	C
Soon with calm cheek and steady eye	R
The Princess made composed reply	R
I guess my brother's meaning well	Q
For not so silent is the cell	Q
But we have heard the islemen all	Q
Arm in thy cause at Ronald's call	Q
And mine eye proves that Knight unknown	C
And the brave Island Lord are one	C
Had then his suit been earlier made	N2
In his own name with thee to aid	N2
But that his plighted faith forbade	N2
I know not But thy page so near	F
This is no tale for menial's ear	F
	-
XXVI	C
Still stood that page as far apart	N2
As the small cell would space afford	N2
With dizzy eye and bursting heart	N2
He leant his weight on Bruce's sword	N2
The monarch's mantle too he bore	F
And drew the fold his visage o'er	F
Fear not for him in murderous strife	C
Said Bruce his warning saved my life	C
Full seldom parts he from my side	N2
And in his silence I confide	N2
Since he can tell no tale again	C
He is a boy of gentle strain	C
And I have purposed he shall dwell	Q
In Augustine the chaplain's cell	Q
And wait on thee my Isabel	Q
Mind not his tears I've seen them flow	C
As in the thaw dissolves the snow	C
'Tis a kind youth but fanciful	Q
Unfit against the tide to pull	Q
And those that with the Bruce would sail	Q
Must learn to strive with stream and gale	Q
But forward gentle Isabel	Q
My answer for Lord Ronald tell	Q
	-
XXVII	C
This answer be to Ronald given	C
The heart he asks is fix'd on heaven	C
My love was like a summer flower	F
That wither'd in the wintry hour	F
Born but of vanity and pride	N2
And with these sunny visions died	N2
If further press his suit then say	F
He should his plighted troth obey	F
Troth plighted both with ring and word	N2
And sworn on crucifix and sword	N2
Oh shame thee Robert I have seen	C
Thou hast a woman's guardian been	C
Even in extremity's dread hour	F
When press'd on thee the Southern power	F
And safety to all human sight	N2
Was only found in rapid flight	N2
Thou heard'st a wretched female plain	C
In agony of travail pain	C
And thou didst bid thy little band	N2
Upon the instant turn and stand	N2
And dare the worst the foe might do	F
Rather than like a knight untrue	F
Leave to pursuers merciless	F
A woman in her last distress	F
And wilt thou now deny thine aid	N2
To an oppress'd and injured maid	N2
Even plead for Ronald's perfidy	F
And press his fickle faith on me	F
So witness Heaven as true I vow	C
Had I those earthly feelings now	C
Which could my former bosom move	C
Ere taught to set its hopes above	C
I'd spurn each proffer he could bring	O
Till at my feet he laid the ring	O
The ring and spousal contract both	Q2
And fair aquittal of his oath	Q2
By her who brooks his perjured scorn	C
The ill requited Maid of Lorn	C
	-
XXVIII	C
With sudden impulse forward sprung	R2
The page and on her neck he hung	R2
Then recollected instantly	F
His head he stoop'd and bent his knee	F
Kiss'd twice the hand of Isabel	Q
Arose and sudden left the cell	Q
The Princess loosen'd from his hold	N2
Blush'd angry at his bearing bold	N2
But good King Robert cried	N2
Chafe not by signs he speaks his mind	N2
He heard the plan my care design'd	N2
Nor could his transports hide	N2
But sister now bethink thee well	Q
No easy choice the convent cell	Q
Trust I shall play no tyrant part	N2
Either to force thy hand or heart	N2
Or suffer that Lord Ronald scorn	C
Or wrong for thee the Maid of Lorn	C
But think not long the time has been	C
That thou wert wont to sigh unseen	C
And would'st the ditties best approve	C
That told some lay of hapless love	C
Now are thy wishes in thy power	F
And thou art bent on cloister bower	F
O if our Edward knew the change	D3
How would his busy satire range	D3
With many a sarcasm varied still	Q
On woman's wish and woman's will	Q
	-
XXIX	F
Brother I well believe she said	N2
Even so would Edward's part be play'd	N2
Kindly in heart in word severe	F
A foe to thought and grief and fear	F
He holds his humour uncontroll'd	N2
But thou art of another mould	N2
Say then to Ronald as I say	F
Unless before my feet he lay	F
The ring which bound the faith he swore	F
By Edith freely yielded o'er	F
He moves his suit to me no more	F
Nor do I promise even if now	C
He stood absolved of spousal vow	C
That I would change my purpose made	N2
To shelter me in holy shade	N2
Brother for little space farewell	Q
To other duties warns the bell	Q
	-
XXX	F
Lost to the world King Robert said	N2
When he had left the royal maid	N2
Lost to the world by lot severe	F
O what a gem lies buried here	F
Nipp'd by misfortune's cruel frost	N2
The buds of fair affection lost	N2
But what have I with love to do	F
Far sterner cares my lot pursue	F
Pent in this isle we may not lie	R
Nor would it long our wants supply	R
Right opposite the mainland towers	F
Of my own Turnberry court our powers	F
Might not my father's beadsman hoar	F
Cuthbert who dwells upon the shore	F
Kindle a signal flame to show	C
The time propitious for the blow	C
It shall be so some friend shall bear	F
Our mandate with despatch and care	F
Edward shall find the messenger	F
That fortress ours the island fleet	N2
May on the coast of Carrick meet	N2
O Scotland shall it e'er be mine	C
To wreak thy wrongs in battle line	C
To raise my victor head and see	F
Thy hills thy dales thy people free	F
That glance of bliss is all I crave	C
Betwixt my labours and my grave	C
Then down the hill he slowly went	N2
Oft pausing on the steep descent	N2
And reach'd the spot where his bold train	C
Held rustic camp upon the plain	C

Walter Scott (sir)

Poem topics: , Print This Poem , Rhyme Scheme

Submit Spanish Translation
Submit German Translation
Submit French Translation

<< The Lord Of The Isles: Canto Iii Poem The Lord Of The Isles: Canto V Poem>>

Write your comment about The Lord Of The Isles: Canto Iv poem by Walter Scott (sir)

Best Poems of Walter Scott (sir)

Recent Interactions*

This poem was read 0 times,

This poem was added to the favorite list by 0 members,

This poem was voted by 0 members.

(* Interactions only in the last 7 days)

New Poems

Wonderful Women
by Umaru Kanneh Boima
Freedom To Scratch In Peace
by Olute Aete
Happy New Year
by Felix Menda
Human Beings
by Dana Graslie
Lust
by Wisdom Greatness
An Isolated Tree's Song
by Sayeed Abubakar
A Strange Boy
by Sayeed Abubakar
O Soil
by Sayeed Abubakar
No War, No War-monger
by Sayeed Abubakar
Night's Town
by Sayeed Abubakar

Popular Poets

1. Emily Dickinson(2414 poems)
2. Madison Julius Cawein(1231 poems)
3. Ella Wheeler Wilcox(1136 poems)
4. William Wordsworth(1016 poems)
5. Robert Burns(986 poems)
6. Edgar Albert Guest(945 poems)
7. Thomas Moore(849 poems)
8. Robert Service(831 poems)