XXV。
Thestrangerviewedtheshorearound；
’Twasallsoclosewithcopsewoodbound，NortracknorpathwaymightdeclareThathumanfootfrequentedthere，UntilthemountainmaidenshowedAclamberingunsuspectedroad，Thatwindedthroughthetangledscreen，Andopenedonanarrowgreen，WhereweepingbirchandwillowroundWiththeirlongfibresswepttheground。
Here，forretreatindangeroushour，Somechiefhadframedarusticbower。
XXVI。
Itwasalodgeofamplesize，Butstrangeofstructureanddevice；
OfsuchmaterialsasaroundTheworkman’shandhadreadiestfound。
Loppedoftheirboughs，theirhoartrunksbared，Andbythehatchetrudelysquared，Togivethewallstheirdestinedheight，Thesturdyoakandashunite；
WhilemossandclayandleavescombinedTofenceeachcrevicefromthewind。
Thelighterpine—treesoverheadTheirslenderlengthforraftersspread，AndwitheredheathandrushesdrySuppliedarussetcanopy。
Duewestward，frontingtothegreen，Aruralporticowasseen，Aloftonnativepillarsborne，OfmountainfirwithbarkunshornWhereEllen’shandhadtaughttotwineTheivyandIdaeanvine，Theclematis，thefavoredflowerWhichboaststhenameofvirgin—bower，AndeveryhardyplantcouldbearLochKatrine’skeenandsearchingair。
Aninstantinthisporchshestayed，Andgaylytothestrangersaid：
’Onheavenandonthyladycall，Andentertheenchantedhall！’
XXVII。
’Myhope，myheaven，mytrustmustbe，Mygentleguide，infollowingthee！’——
Hecrossedthethreshold，——andaclangOfangrysteelthatinstantrang。
Tohisboldbrowhisspiritrushed，ButsoonforvainalarmheblushedWhenonthefloorhesawdisplayed，Causeofthedin，anakedbladeDroppedfromthesheath，thatcarelessflungUponastag’shugeantlersswung；
Forallaround，thewallstograce，Hungtrophiesofthefightorchase：
Atargetthere，abuglehere，Abattle—axe，ahunting—spear，Andbroadswords，bows，andarrowsstore，Withthetuskedtrophiesoftheboar。
Heregrinsthewolfaswhenhedied，Andtherethewild—cat’sbrindledhideThefrontletoftheelkadorns，Ormantleso’erthebison’shorns；
Pennonsandflagsdefacedandstained，Thatblackeningstreaksofbloodretained，Anddeer—skins，dappled，dun，andwhite，Withotter’sfurandseal’sunite，Inrudeanduncouthtapestryall，Togarnishforththesylvanhall。
XXVIII。
Thewonderingstrangerroundhimgazed，Andnextthefallenweaponraised：——
FewwerethearmswhosesinewystrengthSufficedtostretchitforthatlength。
Andasthebrandhepoisedandswayed，’Ineverknewbutone，’hesaid，’WhosestalwartarmmightbrooktowieldAbladelikethisinbattle—field。’
Shesighed，thensmiledandtooktheword：
’Youseetheguardianchampion’ssword；
AslightittremblesinhishandAsinmygraspahazelwand：
Mysire’stallformmightgracethepartOfFerragusorAscabart，Butintheabsentgiant’sholdArewomennow，andmenialsold。’
XXIX。
Themistressofthemansioncame，Matureofage，agracefuldame，WhoseeasystepandstatelyportHadwellbecomeaprincelycourt，Towhom，thoughmorethankindredknew，YoungEllengaveamother’sdue。
Meetwelcometoherguestshemade，AndeverycourteousritewaspaidThathospitalitycouldclaim，Thoughallunaskedhisbirthandname。
Suchthenthereverencetoaguest，Thatfellestfoemightjointhefeast，Andfromhisdeadliestfoeman’sdoorUnquestionedturnthebanqueto’erAtlengthhisrankthestrangernames，’TheKnightofSnowdoun，JamesFitz—James；
Lordofabarrenheritage，Whichhisbravesires，fromagetoage，Bytheirgoodswordshadheldwithtoil；
Hissirehadfalleninsuchturmoil，Andhe，Godwot，wasforcedtostandOftforhisrightwithbladeinhand。
ThismorningwithLordMoray’strainHechasedastalwartstaginvain，Outstrippedhiscomrades，missedthedeer，Losthisgoodsteed，andwanderedhere。’
XXX。
FainwouldtheKnightinturnrequireThenameandstateofEllen’ssire。
Wellshowedtheelderlady’smienThatcourtsandcitiesshehadseen；
Ellen，thoughmoreherlooksdisplayedThesimplegraceofsylvanmaid，Inspeechandgesture，formandface，Showedshewascomeofgentlerace。
’TwerestrangeinruderranktofindSuchlooks，suchmanners，andsuchmind。
EachhinttheKnightofSnowdoungave，DameMargaretheardwithsilencegrave；
OrEllen，innocentlygay，Turnedallinquirylightaway：——
’Weirdwomenwe！bydaleanddownWedwell，afarfromtowerandtown。
Westemtheflood，weridetheblast，Onwanderingknightsourspellswecast；
Whileviewlessminstrelstouchthestring，’Tisthusourcharmedrhymeswesing。’
Shesung，andstillaharpunseenFilledupthesymphonybetween。
XXXI。
Song。
Soldier，rest！thywarfareo’er，Sleepthesleepthatknowsnotbreaking；
Dreamofbattledfieldsnomore，Daysofdanger，nightsofwaking。
Inourisle’senchantedhall，Handsunseenthycoucharestrewing，Fairystrainsofmusicfall，Everysenseinslumberdewing。
Soldier，rest！thywarfareo’er，Dreamoffightingfieldsnomore；
Sleepthesleepthatknowsnotbreaking，Mornoftoil，nornightofwaking。
’Norudesoundshallreachshineear，Armor’sclangorwar—steedchampingTrumpnorpibrochsummonhereMusteringclanorsquadrontramping。
Yetthelark’sshrillfifemaycomeAtthedaybreakfromthefallow，AndthebitternsoundhisdrumBoomingfromthesedgyshallow。
Rudersoundsshallnonebenear，Guardsnorwarderschallengehere，Here’snowar—steed’sneighandchamping，Shoutingclansorsquadronsstamping。’
XXXII。
Shepaused，——then，blushing，ledthelay，Togracethestrangeroftheday。
HermellownotesawhileprolongThecadenceoftheflowingsong，TilltoherlipsinmeasuredframeTheminstrelversespontaneouscame。
SongContinued。
’Huntsman，rest！thychaseisdone；
Whileourslumbrousspellsassailye，Dreamnot，withtherisingsun，Bugleshereshallsoundreveille。
Sleep！thedeerisinhisden；
Sleep！thyhoundsarebytheelying；
Sleep！nordreaminyonderglenHowthygallantsteedlaydying。
Huntsman，rest！thychaseisdone；
Thinknotoftherisingsun，ForatdawningtoassailyeHerenobuglessoundreveille。’
XXXIII。
Thehallwascleared，———thestranger’sbed，Wasthereofmountainheatherspread，Whereoftahundredguestshadlain，Anddreamedtheirforestsportsagain。
Butvainlydidtheheath—flowershedItsmoorlandfragranceroundhishead；
NotEllen’sspellhadlulledtorestThefeverofhistroubledbreast。
InbrokendreamstheimageroseOfvariedperils，pains，andwoes：
Hissteednowfloundersinthebrake，Nowsinkshisbargeuponthelake；
Nowleaderofabrokenhost，Hisstandardfalls，hishonor’slost。
Then，——frommycouchmayheavenlymightChasethatworstphantomofthenight！——
Againreturnedthescenesofyouth，Ofconfident，undoubtingtruth；
AgainhissoulheinterchangedWithfriendswhoseheartswerelongestranged。
Theycome，indimprocessionled，Thecold，thefaithless，andthedead；
Aswarmeachhand，eachbrowasgay，Asiftheypartedyesterday。
Anddoubtdistractshimattheview，——
Owerehissensesfalseortrue？
Dreamedheofdeathorbrokenvow，Orisitallavisionnow？
XXXIV。
Atlength，withElleninagroveHeseemedtowalkandspeakoflove；
Shelistenedwithablushandsigh，Hissuitwaswarm，hishopeswerehigh。
Hesoughtheryieldedhandtoclasp，Andacoldgauntletmethisgrasp：
Thephantom’ssexwaschangedandgone，Uponitsheadahelmetshone；
Slowlyenlargedtogiantsize，Withdarkenedcheekandthreateningeyes，Thegrislyvisage，sternandhoar，ToEllenstillalikenessbore。——
Hewoke，and，pantingwithaffright，Recalledthevisionofthenight。
Thehearth’sdecayingbrandswereredAnddeepandduskylustreshed，Halfshowing，halfconcealing，allTheuncouthtrophiesofthehall。
MidthosethestrangerfixedhiseyeWherethathugefalchionhungonhigh，Andthoughtsonthoughts，acountlessthrong，Rushed，chasingcountlessthoughtsalong，Until，thegiddywhirltocure，Heroseandsoughtthemoonshinepure。
XXXV。
Thewildrose，eglantine，andbroomWastedaroundtheirrichperfume；
Thebirch—treesweptinfragrantbalm；
Theaspenssleptbeneaththecalm；
Thesilverlight，withquiveringglance，Playedonthewater’sstillexpanse，——
Wildweretheheartwhosepassion’sswayCouldragebeneaththesoberray！
Hefeltitscalm，thatwarriorguest，Whilethushecommunedwithhisbreast：——
’Whyisit，ateachturnItraceSomememoryofthatexiledrace？
CanInotmountainmaidenspy，ButshemustbeartheDouglaseye？
CanInotviewaHighlandbrand，ButitmustmatchtheDouglashand？
CanInotframeafevereddream，ButstilltheDouglasisthetheme？
I’lldreamnomore，——bymanlymindNoteveninsleepiswillresigned。
Mymidnightorisonssaido’er，I’llturntorest，anddreamnomore。’
Hismidnightorisonshetold，Aprayerwitheverybeadofgold，Consignedtoheavenhiscaresandwoes，Andsunkinundisturbedrepose，Untiltheheath—cockshrillycrew，AndmorningdawnedonBenvenue。
CANTOSECOND。
TheIsland。
I。
Atmorntheblack—cocktrimshisjettywing，’Tismorningpromptsthelinnet’sblithestlay，AllNature’schildrenfeelthematinspringOflifereviving，withrevivingday；
Andwhileyonlittlebarkglidesdownthebay，Waftingthestrangeronhiswayagain，Morn’sgenialinfluencerousedaminstrelgray，Andsweetlyo’erthelakewasheardthystrain，Mixedwiththesoundingharp，Owhite—hairedAllan—bane！
II。
Song。
’Notfasteryonderrowers’mightFlingsfromtheiroarsthespray，Notfasteryonderripplingbright，Thattrackstheshallop’scourseinlight，Meltsinthelakeaway，ThanmenfrommemoryeraseThebenefitsofformerdays；
Then，stranger，go！goodspeedthewhile，Northinkagainofthelonelyisle。
’Highplacetotheeinroyalcourt，Highplaceinbattledline，Goodhawkandhoundforsylvansport！
Wherebeautyseesthebraveresort，Thehonoredmeedbeshine！
Truebethysword，thyfriendsincere，Thyladyconstant，kind，anddear，Andlostinlove’sandfriendship’ssmileBememoryofthelonelyisle！
III。
SongContinued。
’ButifbeneathyonsouthernskyAplaidedstrangerroam，Whosedroopingcrestandstifledsigh，Andsunkencheekandheavyeye，PineforhisHighlandhome；
Then，warrior，thenbeshinetoshowThecarethatsoothesawanderer’swoe；
Rememberthenthyhaperewhile，Astrangerinthelonelyisle。
’Orifonlife’suncertainmainMishapshallmarthysail；
Iffaithful，wise，andbraveinvain，Woe，want，andexilethousustainBeneaththeficklegale；
Wastenotasighonfortunechanged，Onthanklesscourts，orfriendsestranged，Butcomewherekindredworthshallsmile，Togreettheeinthelonelyisle。’
IV。
Asdiedthesoundsuponthetide，Theshallopreachedthemainlandside，Anderehisonwardwayhetook，Thestrangercastalingeringlook，WhereeasilyhiseyemightreachTheHarperontheisletbeach，Reclinedagainstablightedtree，Aswasted，gray，andwornashe。
Tominstrelmeditationgiven，Hisreverendbrowwasraisedtoheaven，AsfromtherisingsuntoclaimAsparkleofinspiringflame。
Hishand，reclineduponthewire，Seemedwatchingtheawakeningfire；
SostillhesatasthosewhowaitTilljudgmentspeakthedoomoffate；
Sostill，asifnobreezemightdareToliftonelockofhoaryhair；
Sostill，aslifeitselfwerefledInthelastsoundhisharphadsped。
V。
Uponarockwithlichenswild，BesidehimEllensatandsmiled。——
SmiledshetoseethestatelydrakeLeadforthhisfleetuponthelake，WhilehervexedspanielfromthebeachBayedattheprizebeyondhisreach？
Yettellme，then，themaidwhoknows，Whydeepenedonhercheektherose？——
Forgive，forgive，Fidelity！
PerchancethemaidensmiledtoseeYonpartinglingererwaveadieu，Andstopandturntowaveanew；
And，lovelyladies，ereyourireCondemntheheroineofmylyre，ShowmethefairwouldscorntospyAndprizesuchconquestofhereve！
VI。
Whileyetheloiteredonthespot，ItseemedasEllenmarkedhimnot；
Butwhenheturnedhimtotheglade，Onecourteouspartingsignshemade；
Andafter，ofttheknightwouldsay，ThatnotwhenprizeoffestaldayWasdealthimbythebrightestfairWhoe’erworejewelinherhair，SohighlydidhisbosomswellAsatthatsimplemutefarewell。
Nowwithatrustymountain—guide，Andhisdarkstag—houndsbyhisside，Heparts，——themaid，unconsciousstill，Watchedhimwindslowlyroundthehill；
Butwhenhisstatelyformwashid，Theguardianinherbosomchid，——
’ThyMalcolm！vainandselfishmaid！’
’Twasthusupbraidingconsciencesaid，——
’NotsohadMalcolmidlyhungOnthesmoothphraseofSoutherntongue；
NotsohadMalcolmstrainedhiseyeAnotherstepthanshinetospy。’——
’Wake，Allan—bane，’aloudshecriedTotheoldminstrelbyherside，——
’Arousetheefromthymoodydream！
I’llgivethyharpheroictheme，Andwarmtheewithanoblename；
PourforththegloryoftheGraeme！’
Scarcefromherlipthewordhadrushed，Whendeeptheconsciousmaidenblushed；
Forofhisclan，inhallandbower，YoungMalcolmGraemewasheldtheflower。
VII。
Theminstrelwakedhisharp，——threetimesArosethewell—knownmartialchimes，AndthricetheirhighheroicprideInmelancholymurmursdied。
’Vainlythoubidet，Onoblemaid，’
Claspinghiswitheredhands，hesaid，’Vainlythoubidstmewakethestrain，Thoughallunwonttobidinvain。
Alas！thanmineamightierhandHastunedmyharp，mystringshasspanned！
Itouchthechordsofjoy，butlowAndmournfulanswernotesofwoe；
AndtheproudmarchwhichvictorstreadSinksinthewailingforthedead。
O，wellforme，ifminealoneThatdirge’sdeepprophetictone！
If，asmytunefulfatherssaid，Thisharp，whicherstSaintModanswayed，Canthusitsmaster’sfateforetell，Thenwelcomebetheminstrel’sknell’
VIII。
’Butah！dearlady，thusitsighed，Theevethysaintedmotherdied；
Andsuchthesoundswhich，whileIstroveTowakealayofwarorlove，Camemarringallthefestalmirth，Appallingmewhogavethembirth，And，disobedienttomycall，WailedloudthroughBothwell’sbanneredhall。
EreDouglases，toruindriven，Wereexiledfromtheirnativeheaven。——
O！ifyetworsemishapandwoeMymaster’shousemustundergo，OraughtbutwealtoEllenfairBroodintheseaccentsofdespair，Nofuturebard，sadHarp！shallflingTriumphorrapturefromthystring；
Oneshort，onefinalstrainshallflow，Fraughtwithunutterablewoe，Thenshiveredshallthyfragmentslie，Thymastercasthimdownanddie！’
IX。
Soothingsheansweredhim：’Assuage，Minehonoredfriend，thefearsofage；
AllmelodiestotheeareknownThatharphasrungorpipehasblown，InLowlandvaleorHighlandglen，FromTweedtoSpey——whatmarvel，then，Attimesunbiddennotesshouldrise，Confusedlyboundinmemory’sties，Entangling，astheyrushalong，Thewar—marchwiththefuneralsong？——
Smallgroundisnowforbodingfear；
Obscure，butsafe，werestushere。
Mysire，innativevirtuegreat，Resigninglordship，lands，andstate，NotthentofortunemoreresignedThanyonderoakmightgivethewind；
Thegracefulfoliagestormsmayreeve，’Finenoblestemtheycannotgrieve。
Forme’——shestooped，and，lookinground，Pluckedablueharebellfromtheground，——
’Forme，whosememoryscarceconveysAnimageofmoresplendiddays，ThislittleflowerthatlovestheleaMaywellmysimpleemblembe；
Itdrinksheaven’sdewasblitheasroseThatintheKing’sowngardengrows；
AndwhenIplaceitinmyhair，Allan，abardisboundtoswearHene’ersawcoronetsofair。’
ThenplayfullythechapletwildShewreathedinherdarklocks。andsmiled。
X。
Hersmile，herspeech，withwinningswayWiledtheoldHarper’smoodaway。
Withsuchalookashermitsthrow，WhenangelsstooptosoothetheirwoeHegazed，tillfondregretandprideThrilledtoatear，thenthusreplied：
’Loveliestandbest！thoulittleknow’stTherank，thehonors，thouhastlost！
O。mightIlivetoseetheegrace，InScotland’scourt，thybirthrightplace，Toseemyfavorite’sstepadvanceThelightestinthecourtlydance，Thecauseofeverygallant’ssigh，Andleadingstarofeveryeye，Andthemeofeveryminstrel’sart，TheLadyoftheBleedingHeart！’
XI。
’Fairdreamsarethese，’themaidencried，——
Lightwasheraccent，yetshesighed，——
’YetisthismossyrocktomeWorthsplendidchairandcanopy；
NorwouldmyfootstepspringmoregayIncourtlydancethanblithestrathspey，NorhalfsopleasedmineearinclineToroyalminstrel’slayasshine。
Andthenforsuitorsproudandhigh，Tobendbeforemyconqueringeye，——
Thou，flatteringbard！thyselfwiltsay，ThatgrimSirRoderickownsitssway。
TheSaxonscourge，Clan—Alpine’spride，TheterrorofLochLomond’sside，Would，atmysuit，thouknow’st，delayALennoxforay——foraday。’——
XII……
Theancientbardhergleerepressed：
’Illhastthouchosenthemeforjest！
Forwho，throughallthiswesternwild，NamedBlackSirRodericke’er，andsmiled？
InHoly—Roodaknightheslew；
Isaw，whenbackthedirkhedrew，CourtiersgiveplacebeforethestrideOftheundauntedhomicide；
Andsince，thoughoutlawed，hathhishandFullsternlykepthismountainland。
Whoelsedaredgive——ah！woetheday，ThatIsuchhatedtruthshouldsay！——
TheDouglas，likeastrickendeer，Disownedbyeverynoblepeer，Eventheruderefugewehavehere？
Alas，thiswildmaraudingChiefAlonemighthazardourrelief，Andnowthymaidencharmsexpand，Looksforhisguerdoninthyhand；
Fullsoonmaydispensationsought，Tobackhissuit，fromRomebebrought。
Then，thoughanexileonthehill，Thyfather，astheDouglas，stillBeheldinreverenceandfear；
AndthoughtoRoderickthou’rtsodearThatthoumightstguidewithsilkenthread。
Slaveofthywill，thischieftaindread，Yet，Olovedmaid，thymirthrefrain！
Thyhandisonalion’smane。’——
XIII。
Minstrel，’themaidreplied，andhighHerfather’ssoulglancedfromhereye，’MydebtstoRoderick’shouseIknow：
AllthatamothercouldbestowToLadyMargaret’scareIowe，SincefirstanorphaninthewildShesorrowedo’erhersister’schild；
Toherbravechieftainson，fromireOfScotland’skingwhoshroudsmysire，Adeeper，holierdebtisowed；
And，couldIpayitwithmyblood，Allan！
SirRoderickshouldcommandMyblood，mylife，——butnotmyhand。
RatherwillEllenDouglasdwellAvotaressinMaronnan’scell；
Ratherthroughrealmsbeyondthesea，Seekingtheworld’scoldcharityWherene’erwasspokeaScottishword，Andne’erthenameofDouglasheardAnoutcastpilgrimwillsherove，Thanwedthemanshecannotlove。
XIV。
’Thoushak’st，goodfriend，thytressesgray，——
Thatpleadinglook，whatcanitsayButwhatIown？——Igranthimbrave，ButwildasBracklinn’sthunderingwave；
Andgenerous，———savevindictivemoodOrjealoustransportchafehisblood：
Igranthimtruetofriendlyband，Ashisclaymoreistohishand；
ButO！thatverybladeofsteelMoremercyforafoewouldfeel：
Igranthimliberal，toflingAmonghisclanthewealththeybring，Whenbackbylakeandglentheywind，AndintheLowlandleavebehind，Whereoncesomepleasanthamletstood，Amassofashesslakedwithblood。
ThehandthatformyfatherfoughtIhonor，ashisdaughterought；
ButcanIclaspitreekingredFrompeasantsslaughteredintheirshed？
No！wildlywhilehisvirtuesgleam，Theymakehispassionsdarkerseem，Andflashalonghisspirithigh，Likelightningo’erthemidnightsky。
Whileyetachild，——andchildrenknow，Instinctivetaught，thefriendandfoe，——
Ishudderedathisbrowofgloom，Hisshadowyplaidandsableplume；
Amaidengrown，IillcouldbearHishaughtymienandlordlyair：
But，ifthoujoin’stasuitor’sclaim，Inseriousmood，toRoderick’sname。
Ithrillwithanguish！or，ife’erADouglasknewtheword，withfear。
Tochangesuchodiousthemewerebest，——
Whatthink’stthouofourstrangerguest？’——
XV。
’WhatthinkIofhim？——woethewhileThatbroughtsuchwanderertoourisle！
Thyfather’sbattle—brand，ofyoreForTine—manforgedbyfairylore，Whattimeheleagued，nolongerfoesHisBorderspearswithHotspur’sbows，Did，self—unscabbarded，foreshowThefootstepofasecretfoe。
Ifcourtlyspyhathharboredhere，WhatmaywefortheDouglasfear？
Whatforthisisland，deemedofoldClan—Alpine’slastandsuresthold？
Ifneitherspynorfoe，IprayWhatyetmayjealousRodericksay？——
Nay，wavenotthydisdainfulhead！
BethinktheeofthediscorddreadThatkindledwhenatBeltanegameThouleastthedancewithMalcolmGraeme；
Still，thoughthysirethepeacerenewedSmouldersinRoderick’sbreastthefeud：
Beware！——Buthark！whatsoundsarethese？
MydullearscatchMOfalteringbreezeNoweepingbirchnoraspenswake，Norbreathisdimplinginthelake；
Stillisthecanna’shoarybeard，Yet，bymyminstrelfaith，Iheard——
Andharkagain！somepipeofwarSendstheholdpibrochfromafar。’
XVI。
FarupthelengthenedlakewerespiedFourdarkeningspecksuponthetide，That，slowenlargingontheview，Fourmannedandmassedbargesgrew，And，bearingdownwardsfromGlengyle，Steeredfulluponthelonelyisle；
ThepointofBrianchoiltheypassed，And，tothewindwardastheycast，AgainstthesuntheygavetoshineTheboldSirRoderick’sbanneredPine。
Nearerandnearerastheybear，Spears，pikes，andaxesflashinair。
Nowmightyouseethetartarsbrave，Andplaidsandplumagedanceandwave：
Nowseethebonnetssinkandrise，Ashistoughoartherowerplies；
See，flashingateachsturdystroke，Thewaveascendingintosmoke；
Seetheproudpipersonthebow，AndmarkthegaudystreamersflowFromtheirloudchantersdown，andsweepThefurrowedbosomofthedeep，As，rushingthroughthelakeamain，TheypliedtheancientHighlandstrain。