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

Rhyme Scheme: ABCBCCDCDD EDFDDGDGG AHIJJDDKKKLLMMMNNOOP PMMQQMMQQQQ ARRRQQMDDMQQSSAABBOO TTAA ADDUUBBDDQSSQQVQGGQQ BBKSKQQOO VBBMMBBQQDDQQMMQQ AWXGGUUQQMMUUQQMMQQY YQQQUUMMQQUU ABBKKKKKQQKKKUUKZZAQ QQAA2B2QC2C2C2Q AQQQQAAQQQQKKQQQQUUQ QQQQQ B2UUQQKKB2B2D2D2D2B2 B2UUQQUU B2QQUUAAMMQQB2B2QQUU B2B2B2B2MMQQUUKKKK B2QQB2B2QQQQKKQQKKE2 E2QQMMQQ B2QQQQKKQQF2F2MMUUMM UUQQKK B2G2G2QQB2B2KUUQQQQU UKKB2B2KKQQH2H2AAUUO OE2E2QQQQ AQQB2B2QQKKKB2B2QQB2 I2QQQQQQOOKKUUUQQ UAAKKUUKKQQQQUUKKMMQ QJ2J2OOQQKK UQQMMQQMMKKUUE2E2QQO OQQQQB2B2QQUUK2L2QQU U UQQQQQQQQKKQQM2N2E2E 2MM UUUQQMMUUO2P2QQUUQQM MQQE2MUU B2KKUUB2B2MMUUMMQQMM MMQQF2F2KKUUB2B2UU B2QQB2B2MMB2B2UUB2B2 QQKKE2KKUUQQB2B2 B2MMQQQ2Q2B2B2KKMME2 E2QQR2R2 B2QQKKQQQUUUMMS2S2QQ QQQQ B2QQB2B2QQQQT2T2B2B2 B2KK UQQKKMMMMQQKKKQQB2B2 MM UQQB2B2QQD2 B2B2MMUUR2R2QQN2N2QQ UU UUUQQUUQQQQQQQQM2N2M MKKQQQQUU UUUQQQQQMO2O2KKB2B2Q QQQQQMMQQMMM UMMUUQQQQB2B2QQMMKKQ QB2B2 B2QQQQQQOOQQQQQQKKMM B2QQMMKKOOQQQQQQQ B2B2B2QQQQQQQB2E2E2E 2B2KKKB2B2B2MKKMQQQM R2R2QQQM B2KKMMQQB2QQB2QQQQKK Q B2UUE2KKE2QQB2QQQB2M MQQKK QKKQQMMQQQQB2B2B2B2M MKKB2B2B2B2U2U2R2R2

I	A
On fair Loch Ranza stream'd the early day	B
Thin wreaths of cottage smoke are upward curl'd	C
From the lone hamlet which her inland bay	B
And circling mountains sever from the world	C
And there the fisherman his sail unfurl'd	C
The goat herd drove his kids to steep Ben Ghoil	D
Before the hut the dame her spindle twirl'd	C
Courting the sunbeam as she plied her toil	D
For wake where'er he may Man wakes to care and coil	D
	-
But other duties call'd each convent maid	E
Roused by the summons of the moss grown bell	D
Sung were the matins and the mass was said	F
And every sister sought her separate cell	D
Such was the rule her rosary to tell	D
And Isabel has knelt in lonely prayer	G
The sunbeam through the narrow lattice fell	D
Upon the snowy neck and long dark hair	G
As stoop'd her gentle head in meek devotion there	G
	-
II	A
She raised her eyes that duty done	H
When glanced upon the pavement stone	I
Gemm'd and enchased a golden ring	J
Bound to a scroll with silken string	J
With few brief words inscribed to tell	D
This for the Lady Isabel	D
Within the writing farther bore	K
'Twas with this ring his plight he swore	K
With this his promise I restore	K
To her who can the heart command	L
Well may I yield the plighted hand	L
And O for better fortune born	M
Grudge not a passing sigh to mourn	M
Her who was Edith once of Lorn	M
One single flash of glad surprise	N
Just glanced from Isabel's dark eyes	N
But vanish'd in the blush of shame	O
That as its penance instant came	O
O thought unworthy of my race	P
Selfish ungenerous mean and base	P
A moment's throb of joy to own	M
That rose upon her hopes o'erthrown	M
Thou pledge of vows too well believed	Q
Of man ingrate and maid deceived	Q
Think not thy lustre here shall gain	M
Another heart to hope in vain	M
For thou shalt rest thou tempting gaud	Q
Where worldly thoughts are overawed	Q
And worldly splendours sink debased	Q
Then by the cross the ring she placed	Q
	-
III	A
Next rose the thought its owner far	R
How came it here through bolt and bar	R
But the dim lattice is ajar	R
She looks abroad the morning dew	Q
A light short step had brush'd anew	Q
And there were footprints seen	M
On the carved buttress rising still	D
Till on the mossy window sill	D
Their track effaced the green	M
The ivy twigs were torn and fray'd	Q
As if some climber's steps to aid	Q
But who the hardy messenger	S
Whose venturous path these signs infer	S
Strange doubts are mine Mona draw nigh	A
Nought 'scapes old Mona's curious eye	A
What strangers gentle mother say	B
Have sought these holy walls to day	B
None Lady none of note or name	O
Only your brother's foot page came	O
At peep of dawn I pray'd him pass	T
To chapel where they said the mass	T
But like an arrow he shot by	A
And tears seem'd bursting from his eye	A
	-
IV	A
The truth at once on Isabel	D
As darted by a sunbeam fell	D
'Tis Edith's self her speechless woe	U
Her form her looks the secret show	U
Instant good Mona to the bay	B
And to my royal brother say	B
I do conjure him seek my cell	D
With that mute page he loves so well	D
What know'st thou not his warlike host	Q
My old eyes saw them from the tower	S
At eve they couch'd in greenwood bower	S
At dawn a bugle signal made	Q
By their bold Lord their ranks array'd	Q
Up sprung the spears through bush and tree	V
No time for benedicite	Q
Like deer that rousing from their lair	G
Just shake the dewdrops from their hair	G
And toss their armed crests aloft	Q
Such matins theirs Good mother soft	Q
Where does my brother bend his way	B
As I have heard for Brodick Bay	B
Across the isle of barks a score	K
Lie there 'tis said to waft them o'er	S
On sudden news to Carrick shore	K
If such their purpose deep the need	Q
Said anxious Isabel of speed	Q
Call Father Augustine good dame	O
The nun obey'd the Father came	O
	-
V	V
Kind Father hie without delay	B
Across the hills to Brodick Bay	B
This message to the Bruce be given	M
I pray him by his hopes of Heaven	M
That till he speak with me he stay	B
Or if his haste brook no delay	B
That he deliver on my suit	Q
Into thy charge that stripling mute	Q
Thus prays his sister Isabel	D
For causes more than she may tell	D
Away good Father and take heed	Q
That life and death are on thy speed	Q
His cowl the good old priest did on	M
Took his piked staff and sandall'd shoon	M
And like a palmer bent by eld	Q
O'er moss and moor his journey held	Q
	-
VI	A
Heavy and dull the foot of age	W
And rugged was the pilgrimage	X
But none was there beside whose care	G
Might such important message bear	G
Through birchen copse he wander'd slow	U
Stunted and sapless thin and low	U
By many a mountain stream he pass'd	Q
From the tall cliffs in tumult cast	Q
Dashing to foam their waters dun	M
And sparkling in the summer sun	M
Round his grey head the wild curlew	U
In many a fearless circle flew	U
O'er chasms he pass'd where fractures wide	Q
Craved wary eye and ample stride	Q
He cross'd his brow beside the stone	M
Where Druids erst heard victims groan	M
And at the cairns upon the wild	Q
O'er many a heathen hero piled	Q
He breathed a timid prayer for those	Y
Who died ere Shiloh's sun arose	Y
Beside Macfarlane's Cross he staid	Q
There told his hours within the shade	Q
And at the stream his thirst allay'd	Q
Thence onward journeying slowly still	U
As evening closed he reach'd the hill	U
Where rising through the woodland green	M
Old Brodick's gothic towers were seen	M
From Hastings late their English lord	Q
Douglas had won them by the sword	Q
The sun that sunk behind the isle	U
Now tined them with a parting smile	U
	-
VII	A
But though the beams of light decay	B
'Twas bustle all in Brodick Bay	B
The Bruce's followers crowd the shore	K
And boats and barges some unmoor	K
Some raise the sail some seize the oar	K
Their eyes oft turn'd where glimmer'd far	K
What might have seem'd an early star	K
On heaven's blue arch save that its light	Q
Was all too flickering fierce and bright	Q
Far distant in the south the ray	K
Shone pale amid retiring day	K
But as on Carrick shore	K
Dim seen in outline faintly blue	U
The shades of evening closer drew	U
It kindled more and more	K
The monk's slow steps now press the sands	Z
And now amid a scene he stands	Z
Full strange to churchman's eye	A
Warriors who arming for the fight	Q
Rivet and clasp their harness light	Q
And twinkling spears and axes bright	Q
And helmets flashing high	A
Oft too with unaccustom'd ears	A2
A language much unmeet he hears	B2
While hastening all on board	Q
As stormy as the swelling surge	C2
That mix'd its roar the leaders urge	C2
Their followers to the ocean verge	C2
With many a haughty word	Q
	-
VIII	A
Through that wild throng the Father pass'd	Q
And reach'd the Royal Bruce at last	Q
He leant against a stranded boat	Q
That the approaching tide must float	Q
And counted every rippling wave	A
As higher yet her sides they lave	A
And oft the distant fire he eyed	Q
And closer yet his hauberk tied	Q
And loosen'd in his sheath his brand	Q
Edward and Lennox were at hand	Q
Douglas and Ronald had the care	K
The soldiers to the barks to share	K
The monk approach'd and homage paid	Q
And art thou come King Robert said	Q
So far to bless us ere we part	Q
My Liege and with a loyal heart	Q
But other charge I have to tell	U
And spoke the hest of Isabel	U
Now by Saint Giles the Monarch cried	Q
This moves me much this morning tide	Q
I spent the stripling to Saint Bride	Q
With my commandment there to bide	Q
Thither he came the portress show'd	Q
But there my Liege made brief abode	Q
	-
IX	B2
'Twas I said Edward found employ	U
Of nobler import for the boy	U
Deep pondering in my anxious mind	Q
A fitting messenger to find	Q
To bear thy written mandate o'er	K
To Cuthbert on the Carrick shore	K
I chanced at early dawn to pass	B2
The chapel gate to snatch a mass	B2
I found the stripling on a tomb	D2
Low seated weeping for the doom	D2
That gave his youth to convent gloom	D2
I told my purpose and his eyes	B2
Flash'd joyful at the glad surprise	B2
He bounded to the skiff the sail	U
Was spread before a prosperous gale	U
And well my charge he hath obey'd	Q
For see the ruddy signal made	Q
That Clifford with his merry men all	U
Guards carelessly our father's hall	U
	-
X	B2
O wild of thought and hard of heart	Q
Answer'd the Monarch on a part	Q
Of such deep danger to employ	U
A mute an orphan and a boy	U
Unfit for flight unfit for strife	A
Without a tongue to plead for life	A
Now were my right restored by Heaven	M
Edward my crown I would have given	M
Ere thrust on such adventure wild	Q
I perill'd thus the helpless child	Q
Offended half and half submiss	B2
Brother and Liege of blame like this	B2
Edward replied I little dream'd	Q
A stranger messenger I deem'd	Q
Might safest seek the beadsman's cell	U
Where all thy squires are known so well	U
Noteless his presence sharp his sense	B2
His imperfection his defence	B2
If seen none can his errand guess	B2
If ta'en his words no tale express	B2
Methinks too yonder beacon's shine	M
Might expatiate greater fault than mine	M
Rash said King Robert was the deed	Q
But it is done Embark with speed	Q
Good Father say to Isabel	U
How this unhappy chance befell	U
If well we thrive on yonder shore	K
Soon shall my care her page restore	K
Our greeting to our sister bear	K
And think of us in mass and prayer	K
	-
XI	B2
Aye said the priest while this poor hand	Q
Can chalice raise or cross command	Q
While my old voice has accents' use	B2
Can Augustine forget the Bruce	B2
Then to his side Lord Ronald press'd	Q
And whisper'd Bear thou this request	Q
That when by Bruce's side I fight	Q
For Scotland's crown and Freedom's right	Q
The princess grace her knight to bear	K
Some token of her favouring care	K
It shall be shown where England's best	Q
May shrink to see it on my crest	Q
And for the boy since weightier care	K
For Royal Bruce the times prepare	K
The helpless youth is Ronald's charge	E2
His couch my plaid his fence my targe	E2
He ceased for many an eager hand	Q
Had urged the barges from the strand	Q
Their number was a score and ten	M
They bore thrice threescore chosen men	M
With such small force did Bruce at last	Q
The die for death or empire cast	Q
	-
XII	B2
Now on the darkening main afloat	Q
Ready and mann'd rocks every boat	Q
Beneath their oars the ocean's might	Q
Was dash'd to sparks of glimmering light	Q
Faint and more faint as off they bore	K
Their armour glanced against the shore	K
And mingled with the dashing tide	Q
Their murmuring voices distant died	Q
God speed them said the Priest as dark	F2
On distant billows glides each bark	F2
O Heaven when swords for freedom shine	M
And monarch's right the cause is thine	M
Edge doubly every patriot blow	U
Beat down the banners of the foe	U
And be it to the nations known	M
That Victory is from God alone	M
As up the hill his path he drew	U
He turn'd his blessings to renew	U
Oft turn'd till on the darken'd coast	Q
All traces of their course were lost	Q
Then slowly bent to Brodick tower	K
To shelter for the evening hour	K
	-
XIII	B2
In night the fairy prospects sink	G2
Where Cumray's isles with verdant link	G2
Close the fair entrance of the Clyde	Q
The woods of Bute no more descried	Q
Are gone and on the placid sea	B2
The rowers ply their task with glee	B2
Impatient aid the labouring oar	K
The half faced moon shone dim and pale	U
And glanced against the whiten'd sail	U
But on that ruddy beacon light	Q
Each steersman kept the helm aright	Q
And oft for such the King's command	Q
That all at once might reach the strand	Q
From boat to boat loud shout and hail	U
Warn'd them to crowd or slacken sail	U
South and by west the armada bore	K
And near at length the Carrick shore	K
As less and less the distance grows	B2
High and more high the beacon rose	B2
The light that seem'd a twinkling star	K
Now blazed portentous fierce and far	K
Dark red the heaven above it glow'd	Q
Dark red the sea beneath it flow'd	Q
Red rose the rocks on ocean's brim	H2
In blood red light her islets swim	H2
Wild scream the dazzled sea fowl gave	A
Dropp'd from their crags on plashing wave	A
The deer to distant covert drew	U
The black cock deem'd it day and crew	U
Like some tall castle given to flame	O
O'er half the land the lustre came	O
Now good my Liege and brother sage	E2
What think ye of mine elfin page	E2
Row on the noble King replied	Q
We'll learn the truth whate'er betide	Q
Yet sure the beadsman and the child	Q
Could ne'er have waked that beacon wild	Q
	-
XIV	A
With that the boats approach'd the land	Q
But Edward's grounded on the sand	Q
The eager Knight leap'd in the sea	B2
Waist deep and first on shore was he	B2
Though every barge's hardy band	Q
Contended which should gain the land	Q
When that strange light which seen afar	K
Seem'd steady as the polar star	K
Now like a prophet's fiery chair	K
Wide o'er the sky the splendour glows	B2
As that portentous meteor rose	B2
Helm axe and falchion glitter'd bright	Q
And in the red and dusk light	Q
His comrade's face each warrior saw	B2
Nor marvell'd it was pale with awe	I2
Then high in air the beams were lost	Q
And darkness sunk upon the coast	Q
Ronald to Heaven a prayer address'd	Q
And Douglas cross'd his dauntless breast	Q
Saint James protect us Lennox cried	Q
But reckless Edward spoke aside	Q
Deem'st thou Kirkpatrick in that flame	O
Red Comyn's angry spirit came	O
Or would thy dauntless heart endure	K
Once more to make assurance sure	K
Hush said the Bruce we soon shall know	U
If this be sorcerer's empty show	U
Or stratagem of southern foe	U
The moon shines out upon the sand	Q
Let every leader rank his band	Q
	-
XV	U
Faintly the moon's pale beams supply	A
That ruddy light's unnatural dye	A
The dubious cold reflection lay	K
On the wet sands and quiet bay	K
Beneath the rocks King Robert drew	U
His scatter'd files to order due	U
Till shield compact and serried spear	K
In the cool light shone blue and clear	K
Then down a path that sought the tide	Q
That speechless page was seen to glide	Q
He knelt him lowly on the sand	Q
And gave a scroll to Robert's hand	Q
A torch the Monarch cried What ho	U
Now shall we Cuthbert's tidings know	U
But evil news the letters bear	K
The Clifford's force was strong and ware	K
Augmented too that very morn	M
By mountaineers who came with Lorn	M
Long harrow'd by oppressor's hand	Q
Courage and faith had fled the land	Q
And over Carrick dark and deep	J2
Had sunk dejection's iron sleep	J2
Cuthbert had seen that beacon flame	O
Unwitting from what source it came	O
Doubtful of perilous event	Q
Edward's mute messenger he sent	Q
If Bruce deceived should venture o'er	K
To warn him from the fatal shore	K
	-
XVI	U
As round the torch the leaders crowd	Q
Bruce read these chilling news aloud	Q
What counsel nobles have we now	M
To ambush us in greenwood bough	M
And take the chance which fate may send	Q
To bring our enterprise to end	Q
Or shall we turn us to the main	M
As exiles and embark again	M
Answer'd fierce Edward Hap what may	K
In Carrick Carrick's Lord must stay	K
I would not minstrels told the tale	U
Wildfire or meteor made us quail	U
Answer'd the Douglas If my Liege	E2
May win yon walls by storm or siege	E2
Then were each brave and patriot heart	Q
Kindled of new for loyal part	Q
Answer'd Lord Ronald Not for shame	O
Would I that aged Torquil came	O
And found for all our empty boast	Q
Without a blow we fled the coast	Q
I will not credit that this land	Q
So famed for warlike heart and hand	Q
The nurse of Wallace and of Bruce	B2
Will long with tyrants hold a truce	B2
Prove we our fate the brunt we'll bide	Q
So Boyd and Haye and Lennox cried	Q
So said so vow'd the leaders all	U
So Bruce resolved And in my hall	U
Since the Bold Southern make their home	K2
The hour of payment soon shall come	L2
When with a rough and rugged host	Q
Clifford may reckon to his cost	Q
Meantime through well known bosk and dell	U
I'll lead where we may shelter well	U
	-
XVII	U
Now ask you whence that wondrous light	Q
Whose fairy glow beguil'd their sight	Q
It ne'er was known yet grey hair'd eld	Q
A superstitious credence held	Q
That never did a mortal hand	Q
Wake its broad glare on Carrick strand	Q
Nay and that on the self same night	Q
When Bruce cross'd o'er still gleams the light	Q
Yearly it gleams o'er mount and moor	K
And glittering wave and crimson'd shore	K
But whether beam celestial lent	Q
By Heaven to aid the King's descent	Q
Or fire hell kindled from beneath	M2
To lure him to defeat and death	N2
Or were it but some meteor strange	E2
Of such as oft through midnight range	E2
Startling the traveller late and lone	M
I know not and it ne'er was known	M
	-
XVIII	U
Now up the rocky pass they drew	U
And Ronald to his promise true	U
Still made his arm the stripling's stay	Q
To aid him on the rugged way	Q
Now cheer thee simple Amadine	M
Why throbs that silly heart of thine	M
That name the pirates to their slave	U
In Gaelic 'tis the Changeling gave	U
Dost thou not rest thee on my arm	O2
Do not my plaid folds hold thee warm	P2
Hath not the wild bull's treble hide	Q
This targe for thee and me supplied	Q
Is not Clan Colla's sword of steel	U
And trembler canst thou terror feel	U
Cheer thee and still that throbbing heart	Q
From Ronald's guard thou shalt not part	Q
O many a shaft at random spoken	M
May soothe or wound a heart that's broken	M
Half sooth'd half grieved half terrified	Q
Close drew the page to Ronald's side	Q
A wild delirious thrill of joy	E2
Was in that hour of agony	M
As up the steepy path he strove	U
Fear toil and sorrow lost in love	U
	-
XIX	B2
The barrier of that iron shore	K
The rock's steep ledge is now climb'd o'er	K
And from the castle's distant wall	U
From tower to tower the warders call	U
The sound wings over land and sea	B2
And marks a watchful enemy	B2
They gain'd the Chase a wide domain	M
Left for the castle's silvan reign	M
Seek not the scene the axe the plough	U
The boor's dull fence have marr'd it now	U
But then soft swept in velvet green	M
The plain with many a glade between	M
Whose tangled alleys far invade	Q
The depth of the brown forest shade	Q
Here the tall fern obscured the lawn	M
Fair shelter for the sportive fawn	M
There tufted close with copsewood green	M
Was many a swelling hillock seen	M
And all around was verdure meet	Q
For pressure of the fairies' feet	Q
The glossy holly loved the park	F2
The yew tree lent its shadow dark	F2
And many an old oak worn and bare	K
With all its shiver'd boughs was there	K
Lovely between the moonbeams fell	U
On lawn and hillock glade and dell	U
The gallant Monarch sigh'd to see	B2
These glades to loved in childhood free	B2
Bethinking that as outlaw now	U
He ranged beneath the forest bough	U
	-
XX	B2
Fast o'er the moonlight Chase they sped	Q
Well knew the band that measured tread	Q
When in retreat or in advance	B2
The serried warriors move at once	B2
And evil were the luck if dawn	M
Descried them on the open lawn	M
Copses they traverse brooks they cross	B2
Strain up the bank and o'er the moss	B2
From the exhausted page's brow	U
Cold drops of toil are streaming now	U
With effort faint and lengthen'd pause	B2
His wearied step the stripling draws	B2
Nay droop not yet the warrior said	Q
Come let me give thee ease and aid	Q
Strong are mine arms and little care	K
A weight so slight as thine to bear	K
What wilt thou not capricious boy	E2
Pass but this night and pass thy care	K
I'll place thee with a lady fair	K
Where thou shalt tune thy lute to tell	U
How Ronald loves fair Isabel	U
Worn out dishearten'd and dismay'd	Q
Here Amadine let go the plaid	Q
His trembling limbs their aid refuse	B2
He sunk among the midnight dews	B2
	-
XXI	B2
What may be done the night is gone	M
The Bruce's band moves swiftly on	M
Eternal shame if at the brunt	Q
Lord Ronald grace not battle's front	Q
See yonder oak within whose trunk	Q2
Decay a darken'd cell hath sunk	Q2
Enter and rest thee there a space	B2
Wrap in my plaid thy limbs thy face	B2
I will not be believe me far	K
But must not quit the ranks of war	K
Well will I mark the bosky bourne	M
And soon to guard thee hence return	M
Nay weep not so thou simple boy	E2
But sleep in peace and wake in joy	E2
In silvan lodging close bestow'd	Q
He placed the page and onward strode	Q
With strength put forth o'er moss and brook	R2
And soon the marching band o'ertook	R2
	-
XXII	B2
Thus strangely left long sobb'd and wept	Q
The page till wearied out he slept	Q
A rough voice waked his dream Nay here	K
Here by this thicket pass'd the deer	K
Beneath that oak old Ryno staid	Q
What have we here A Scottish plaid	Q
And in its folds a stripling laid	Q
Come forth thy name and business tell	U
What silent then I guess thee well	U
The spy that sought old Cuthbert's cell	U
Wafted from Arran yester morn	M
Come comrades we will straight return	M
Our Lord may choose the rack should teach	S2
To this young lurcher use of speech	S2
Thy bow string till I bind him fast	Q
Nay but he weeps and stands aghast	Q
Unbound we'll lead him fear it not	Q
'Tis a fair stripling though a Scot	Q
The hunters to the castle sped	Q
And there the hapless captive led	Q
	-
XXIII	B2
Stout Clifford in the castle court	Q
Prepared him for the morning sport	Q
And now with Lorn held deep discourse	B2
Now gave command for hound and horse	B2
War steeds and palfreys paw'd the ground	Q
And many a deer dog how'd around	Q
To Amadine Lorn's well known word	Q
Replying to that Southern Lord	Q
Mix'd with this clanging din might seem	T2
The phantasm of a fever'd dream	T2
The tone upon his ringing ears	B2
Came like the sounds which fancy hears	B2
Some words of woe the muser finds	B2
Until more loudly and more near	K
Their speech arrests the page's ear	K
	-
XXIV	U
And was she thus said Clifford lost	Q
The priest should rue it to his cost	Q
What says the monk The holy Sire	K
Owns that in masquer's quaint attire	K
She sought his skiff disguised unknown	M
To all except to him alone	M
But says the priest a bark from Lorn	M
Laid them aboard that very morn	M
And pirates seized for her their prey	Q
He proffer'd ransom gold to pay	Q
And they agreed but ere told o'er	K
The winds blow loud the billows roar	K
They sever'd and they met no more	K
He deems such tempests vex'd the coast	Q
Ship crew and fugitive were lost	Q
So let it be with the disgrace	B2
And scandal of her lofty race	B2
Thrice better she had ne'er been born	M
Than brought her infamy on Lorn	M
	-
XXV	U
Lord Clifford now the captive spied	Q
Whom Herbert hast thou there he cried	Q
A spy we seized within the Chase	B2
A hollow oak his lurking place	B2
What tidings can the youth afford	Q
He plays the mute Then noose a cord	Q
Unless brave Lorn reverse the doom	D2
For his plaid's sake Clan Colla's loom '	-
Said Lorn whose careless glances trace	B2
Rather the vesture than the face	B2
Clan Colla's dames such tartans twine	M
Wearer nor plaid claims care of mine	M
Give him if my advice you crave	U
His own scathed oak and let him wave	U
In air unless by terror wrung	R2
A frank confession find his tongue	R2
Nor shall he die without his rite	Q
Thou Angus Roy attend the sight	Q
And give Clan Colla'd dirge thy breath	N2
As they convey him to his death	N2
O brother cruel to the last	Q
Through the poor captive's bosom pass'd	Q
The thought but to his purpose true	U
He said not though he sigh'd Adieu	U
	-
XXVI	U
And will he keep his purpose still	U
In sight of that last closing ill	U
When one poor breath one single word	Q
May freedom safety life afford	Q
Can he resist the instinctive call	U
For life that bids us barter all	U
Love strong as death his heart hath steel'd	Q
His nerves hath strung he will not yield	Q
Since that poor breath that little word	Q
May yield Lord Ronald to the sword	Q
Clan Colla's dirge is pealing wide	Q
The grisly headsman's by his side	Q
Along the greenwood Chase they bend	Q
And now their march has ghastly end	Q
That old and shatter'd oak beneath	M2
They destine for the place of death	N2
What thoughts are his while all in vain	M
His eye for aid explores the plain	M
What thoughts while with dizzy ear	K
He hears the death prayer mutter'd near	K
And must he die such death accurst	Q
Or will that bosom secret burst	Q
Cold on his brow breaks terror's dew	Q
His trembling lips are livid blue	Q
The agony of parting life	U
Has nought to match that moment's strife	U
	-
XXVII	U
But other witnesses are nigh	U
Who mock at fear and death defy	U
Soon as the dire lament was play'd	Q
It waked the lurking ambuscade	Q
The Island Lord look'd forth and spied	Q
The cause and loud in fury cried	Q
By Heaven they lead the page to die	Q
And mock me in his agony	M
They shall abye it On his arm	O2
Bruce laid strong grasp They shall not harm	O2
A ringlet of the stripling's hair	K
But till I give the word forbear	K
Douglas lead fifty of our force	B2
Up yonder hollow water course	B2
And couch thee midway on the wold	Q
Between the flyers and their hold	Q
A spear above the copse display'd	Q
Be signal of the ambush made	Q
Edward with forty spearmen straight	Q
Through yonder copse approach the gate	Q
And when thou hear'st the battle din	M
Rush forward and the passage win	M
Secure the drawbridge storm the port	Q
And man and guard the castle court	Q
The rest move slowly forth with me	M
In shelter of the forest tree	M
Till Douglas at his post I see	M
	-
XXVIII	U
Like war horse eager to rush on	M
Compell'd to wait the signal blown	M
Hid and scarce hid by greenwood bough	U
Trembling with rage stands Ronald now	U
And in his grasp his sword gleams blue	Q
Soon to be dyed with deadlier hue	Q
Meanwhile the Bruce with steady eye	Q
Sees the dark death train moving by	Q
And heedful measures oft the space	B2
The Douglas and his band must trace	B2
Ere they can reach their destined ground	Q
Now sinks the dirge's wailing sound	Q
Now cluster round the direful tree	M
That slow and solemn company	M
While hymn mistuned and mutter'd prayer	K
The victim for his fate prepare	K
What glances o'er the greenwood shade	Q
The spear that marks the ambuscade	Q
Now noble Chief I leave thee loose	B2
Upon them Ronald said the Bruce	B2
	-
XXIX	B2
The Bruce the Bruce to well known cry	Q
His native rocks and woods reply	Q
The Bruce the Bruce in that dread word	Q
The knell of hundred deaths was heard	Q
The astonish'd Southern gazed at first	Q
Where the wild tempest was to burst	Q
That waked in that presaging name	O
Before behind around it came	O
Half arm'd surprised on every side	Q
Hemm'd in hew'd down they bled and died	Q
Deep in the ring the Bruce engaged	Q
And fierce Clan Colla's broadsword raged	Q
Full soon the few who fought were sped	Q
Nor better was their lot who fled	Q
And met 'mid terror's wild career	K
The Douglas's redoubted spear	K
Two hundred yeoman on that morn	M
The castle left and none return	M
	-
XXX	B2
Not on their flight press'd Ronald's brand	Q
A gentler duty claim'd his hand	Q
He raised the page where the plain	M
His fear had sunk him with the slain	M
And twice that morn surprise well near	K
Betray'd the secret kept by fear	K
Once when with life returning came	O
To the boy's lip Lord Ronald's name	O
And hardly recollection drown'd	Q
The accents in a murmuring sound	Q
And once when scarce he could resist	Q
The Chieftain's care to loose the vest	Q
Drawn tightly o'er his labouring breast	Q
But then the Bruce's bugle blew	Q
For martial work was yet to do	Q
	-
XXXI	B2
A harder task fierce Edward waits	B2
Ere signal given the castle gates	B2
His fury had assail'd	Q
Such was his wonted reckless mood	Q
Yet desperate valour oft made good	Q
Even by its daring venture rude	Q
Where prudence might have fail'd	Q
Upon the bridge his strength he threw	Q
And struck the iron chain in two	Q
By which its planks arose	B2
The warder next his axe's edge	E2
Struck down upon the threshold ledge	E2
'Twixt door and post and ghastly wedge	E2
The gate they may not close	B2
Well fought the Southern in the fray	K
Clifford and Lorn fought well that day	K
But stubborn Edward forced his way	K
Against a hundred foes	B2
Loud came the cry The Bruce the Bruce	B2
No hope or in defence or truce	B2
Fresh combatants pour in	M
Mad with success and drunk with gore	K
They drive the struggling foe before	K
And ward on ward they win	M
Unsparing was the vengeful sword	Q
And limbs were lopp'd and life blood pour'd	Q
The cry of death and conflict roar'd	Q
And fearful was the din	M
The startling horses plunged and flung	R2
Clamour'd the dogs till turrets rung	R2
Nor sunk the fearful cry	Q
Till not a foeman was there found	Q
Alive save those who on the ground	Q
Groan'd in their agony	M
	-
XXXII	B2
The valiant Clifford is no more	K
On Ronald's broadsword stream's his gore	K
But better hap had he of Lorn	M
Who by the foeman backward borne	M
Yet gain'd with slender train the port	Q
Where lay his bark beneath the fort	Q
And cut the cable loose	B2
Short were his shrift in that debate	Q
That hour of fury and of fate	Q
If Lorn encounter'd Bruce	B2
Then long and loud the victor shout	Q
From turret and from tower rung out	Q
The rugged vaults replied	Q
And from the donjon tower on high	Q
The men of Carrick may descry	K
Saint Andrew's cross in blazonry	K
Of silver waving wide	Q
	-
XXXIII	B2
The Bruce hath won his father's hall	U
Welcome brave friends and comrades all	U
Welcome to mirth and joy	E2
The first the last is welcome here	K
From lord and chieftain prince and peer	K
To this poor speechless boy	E2
Great God once more my sire's abode	Q
Is mine behold the floor I trode	Q
In tottering infancy	B2
And there the vaulted arch whose sound	Q
Echoed my joyous shout and bound	Q
In boyhood and that rung around	Q
To youth's unthinking glee	B2
O first to thee all gracious Heaven	M
Then to my friends my thanks be given	M
He paused a space his brow he cross'd	Q
Then on the board his sword he toss'd	Q
Yet steaming hot with Southern gore	K
From hilt to point 'twas crimson'd o'er	K
	-
XXXIV	Q
Bring here he said the mazers four	K
My noble fathers loved of yore	K
Thrice let them circle round the board	Q
The pledge fair Scotland's rights restor'd	Q
And he whose lip shall touch the wine	M
Without a vow as true as mine	M
To hold both lands and life at nought	Q
Until her freedom shall be bought	Q
Be brand of a disloyal Scot	Q
And lasting infamy his lot	Q
Sit gentle friends our hour of glee	B2
Is brief we'll spend it joyously	B2
Blithest of all the sun's bright beams	B2
When betwixt storm and storm he gleams	B2
Well is our country's work begun	M
But more far more must yet be done	M
Speed messengers the country through	K
Arouse old friends and gather new	K
Warn Lanark's knights to gird their mail	B2
Rouse the brave sons of Teviotdale	B2
Let Ettrick's archers sharp their darts	B2
The fairest forms the truest hearts	B2
Call all call all from Reedswair Path	U2
To the wild confines of Cape Wrath	U2
Wide let the news through Scotland ring	R2
The Northern Eagle claps his wing	R2

Walter Scott (sir)

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