V。
OfBrian’sbirthstrangetalesweretold。
Hismotherwatchedamidnightfold，Builtdeepwithinadrearyglen，WherescatteredlaythebonesofmenInsomeforgottenbattleslain，Andbleachedbydriftingwindandrain。
Itmighthavetamedawarrior’sheartToviewsuchmockeryofhisart！
Theknot—grassfetteredtherethehandWhichoncecouldburstanironband；
Beneaththebroadandamplebone，Thatbuckleredhearttofearunknown，Afeebleandatimorousguest，Thefieldfareframedherlowlynest；
TheretheslowblindwormlefthisslimeOnthefleetlimbsthatmockedattime；
Andthere，too，laytheleader’sskullStillwreathedwithchaplet，flushedandfull，Forheath—bellwithherpurplebloomSuppliedthebonnetandtheplume。
Allnight，inthissadglenthemaidSatshroudedinhermantle’sshade：
Shesaidnoshepherdsoughtherside，Nohunter’shandhersnooduntied。
Yetne’eragaintobraidherhairThevirginsnooddidAlivewear；
Gonewashermaidengleeandsport，Hermaidengirdlealltooshort，Norsoughtshe，fromthatfatalnight，OrholychurchorblessedriteButlockedhersecretinherbreast，Anddiedintravail，unconfessed。
VI。
Alone，amonghisyoungcompeers，WasBrianfromhisinfantyears；
Amoodyandheart—brokenboy，EstrangedfromsympathyandjoyBearingeachtauntwhichcarelesstongueOnhismysteriouslineageflung。
WholenightshespentbymoonlightpaleTowoodandstreamhisteal，towail，Till，frantic，heastruthreceivedWhatofhisbirththecrowdbelieved，Andsought，inmistandmeteorfire，TomeetandknowhisPhantomSire！
Invain，tosoothehiswaywardfate，Thecloisteropedherpityinggate；
InvainthelearningoftheageUnclaspedthesable—letteredpage；
EveninitstreasureshecouldfindFoodforthefeverofhismind。
EagerhereadwhatevertellsOfmagic，cabala，andspells，AndeverydarkpursuitalliedTocuriousandpresumptuouspride；
Tillwithfiredbrainandnerveso’erstrung，Andheartwithmystichorrorswrung，DesperatehesoughtBenharrow’sden，Andhidhimfromthehauntsofmen。
VII。
Thedesertgavehimvisionswild，Suchasmightsuitthespectre’schild。
Wherewithblackcliffsthetorrentstoil，Hewatchedthewheelingeddiesboil，JillfromtheirfoamhisdazzledeyesBeheldtheRiverDemonrise：
ThemountainmisttookformandlimbOfnoontidehagorgoblingrim；
Themidnightwindcamewildanddread，Swelledwiththevoicesofthedead；
Faronthefuturebattle—heathHiseyebeheldtheranksofdeath：
ThustheloneSeer，frommankindhurled，Shapedforthadisembodiedworld。
OnelingeringsympathyofmindStillboundhimtothemortalkind；
TheonlyparenthecouldclaimOfancientAlpine’slineagecame。
Latehadheheard，inprophet’sdream，ThefatalBen—Shie’sbodingscream；
Sounds，too，hadcomeinmidnightblastOfchargingsteeds，careeringfastAlongBenharrow’sshinglyside，Wheremortalhorsemanne’ermightride；
Thethunderbolthadsplitthepine，——
AllauguredilltoAlpine’sline。
Hegirthisloins，andcametoshowThesignalsofimpendingwoe，Andnowstoodprompttoblessorban，AsbadetheChieftainofhisclan。
VIII。
’Twasallprepared；——andfromtherockAgoat，thepatriarchoftheflock，Beforethekindlingpilewaslaid，AndpiercedbyRoderick’sreadyblade。
PatientthesickeningvictimeyedThelife—bloodebbincrimsontideDownhiscloggedbeardandshaggylimb，Tilldarknessglazedhiseyeballsdim。
Thegrislypriest，withmurmuringprayer，Aslendercrossletframedwithcare，Acubit’slengthinmeasuredue；
Theshaftandlimbswererodsofyew，WhoseparentsinInch—CailliachwaveTheirshadowso’erClan—Alpine’sgrave，And，answeringLomond’sbreezesdeep，Soothemanyachieftain’sendlesssleep。
TheCrossthusformedheheldonhigh，Withwastedhandandhaggardeye，Andstrangeandmingledfeelingswoke，Whilehisanathemahespoke：——
IX。
’WoetotheclansmanwhoshallviewThissymbolofsepulchralyew，ForgetfulthatitsbranchesgrewWhereweeptheheavenstheirholiestdewOnAlpine’sdwellinglow！
DeserterofhisChieftain’strust，Hene’ershallminglewiththeirdust，But，fromhissiresandkindredthrust，Eachclansman’sexecrationjustShalldoomhimwrathandwoe。’
Hepaused；——thewordthevassalstook，Withforwardstepandfierylook，Onhightheirnakedbrandstheyshook，Theirclatteringtargetswildlystrook；
Andfirstinmurmurlow，Thenlikethebillowinhiscourse，Thatfartoseawardfindshissource，Andflingstoshorehismusteredforce，Burstwithloudroartheiranswerhoarse，’Woetothetraitor，woe！’
Ben—an’sgrayscalptheaccentsknew，Thejoyouswolffromcovertdrew，Theexultingeaglescreamedafar，——
TheyknewthevoiceofAlpine’swar。
X。
Theshoutwashushedonlakeandfell，TheMonkresumedhismutteredspell：
Dismalandlowitsaccentscame，ThewhilehescathedtheCrosswithflame；
Andthefewwordsthatreachedtheair，Althoughtheholiestnamewasthere，Hadmoreofblasphemythanprayer。
ButwhenheshookabovethecrowdItskindledpoints，hespokealoud：——
’WoetothewretchwhofailstorearAtthisdreadsignthereadyspear！
For，astheflamesthissymbolsear，Hishome，therefugeofhisfear，Akindredfateshallknow；
Faro’eritsroofthevolumedflameClan—Alpine’svengeanceshallproclaim，WhilemaidsandmatronsonhisnameShallcalldownwretchednessandshame，Andinfamyandwoe。’
Thenrosethecryoffemales，shrillAsgoshawk’swhistleonthehill，Denouncingmiseryandill，Mingledwithchildhood’sbabblingtrillOfcursesstammeredslow；
Answeringwithimprecationdread，’Sunkbehishomeinembersred！
AndcursedbethemeanestshedThato’ershallhidethehouselessheadWedoomtowantandwoe！’
Asharpandshriekingechogave，Coir—Uriskin，thygoblincave！
AndthegraypasswherebircheswaveOnBeala—nam—bo。
XI。
Thendeeperpausedthepriestanew，Andhardhislaboringbreathhedrew，While，withsetteethandclenchedhand，Andeyesthatglowedlikefierybrand，Hemeditatedcursemoredread，Anddeadlier，ontheclansman’sheadWho，summonedtohischieftain’said，Thesignalsawanddisobeyed。
Thecrosslet’spointsofsparklingwoodHequenchedamongthebubblingblood。
And，asagainthesignhereared，Hollowandhoarsehisvoicewasheard：
’WhenflitsthisCrossfrommantoman，Vich—Alpine’ssummonstohisclan，Burstbetheearthatfailstoheed！
Palsiedthefootthatshunstospeed！
Mayravenstearthecarelesseyes，Wolvesmakethecowardhearttheirprize！
Assinksthatblood—streamintheearth，Somayhisheart’s—blooddrenchhishearth！
Asdiesinhissinggorethespark，Quenchthouhislight，Destructiondark！
Andbethegracetohimdenied，Boughtbythissigntoallbeside！
Heceased；noechogaveagainThemurmurofthedeepAmen。
XII。
ThenRoderickwithimpatientlookFromBrian’shandthesymboltook：
’Speed，Malise，speed’hesaid，andgaveThecrosslettohishenchmanbrave。
’Themuster—placebeLanrickmead——
Instantthetime———speed，Malise，speed！’
Likeheath—bird，whenthehawkspursue，AbargeacrossLochKatrineflew：
Highstoodthehenchmanontheprow；
Sorapidlythebarge—mallrow，Thebubbles，wheretheylaunchedtheboat，Wereallunbrokenandafloat，Dancinginfoamandripplestill，Whenithadnearedthemainlandhill；
Andfromthesilverbeach’ssideStillwastheprowthreefathomwide，WhenlightlyboundedtothelandThemessengerofbloodandbrand。
XIII。
Speed，Malise，speed！thedundeer’shideOnfleeterfootwasnevertied。
Speed，Malise，speed！suchcauseofhasteThineactivesinewsneverbraced。
Bend’gainstthesteepyhillthybreast，Burstdownliketorrentfromitscrest；
WithshortandspringingfootsteppassThetremblingbogandfalsemorass；
Acrossthebrooklikeroebuckbound，Andthreadthebrakelikequestinghound；
Thecragishigh，thescaurisdeep，Yetshrinknotfromthedesperateleap：
Parchedarethyburninglipsandbrow，Yetbythefountainpausenotnow；
Heraldofbattle，fate，andfear，Stretchonwardinthyfleetcareer！
Thewoundedhindthoutrack’stnotnow，Pursuestnotmaidthroughgreenwoodbough，NorpriestthounowthyflyingpaceWithrivalsinthemountainrace；
Butdanger，death，andwarriordeedAreinthycourse——speed，Malise，speed！
XIV。
Fastasthefatalsymbolflies，Inarmsthehutsandhamletsrise；
Fromwindingglen，fromuplandbrown，Theypouredeachhardytenantdown。
Norslackedthemessengerhispace；
Heshowedthesign，henamedtheplace，And，pressingforwardlikethewind，Leftclamorandsurprisebehind。
Thefishermanforsookthestrand，Theswarthysmithtookdirkandbrand；
Withchangedcheer，themowerblitheLeftinthehalf—cutswathhisscythe；
Theherdswithoutakeeperstrayed，Theploughwasinmid—furrowstaved，Thefalconertossedhishawkaway，Thehunterleftthestagathay；
Promptatthesignalofalarms，EachsonofAlpinerushedtoarms；
SosweptthetumultandaffrayAlongthemarginofAchray。
Alas，thoulovelylake！thate’erThybanksshouldechosoundsoffear！
Therocks，theboskythickets，sleepSostillyonthybosomdeep，Thelark’sblithecarolfromthecloudSeemsforthescenetoogaylyloud。
XV。
Speed，Malise，speed！Thelakeispast，Duncraggan’shutsappearatlast，Andpeep，likemoss—grownrocks，halfseenHalfhiddeninthecopsesogreen；
Theremaystthourest，thylabordone，Theirlordshallspeedthesignalon。——
Asstoopsthehawkuponhisprey，Thehenchmanshothimdowntheway。
Whatwofulaccentsloadthegale？
Thefuneralyell，thefemalewail！
Agallanthunter’ssportiso’er，Avaliantwarriorfightsnomore。
Who，inthebattleorthechase，AtRoderick’ssideshallfillhisplace！——
Withinthehall，wheretorch’sraySuppliestheexcludedbeamsofday，LiesDuncanonhislowlybier，Ando’erhimstreamshiswidow’stear。
Hisstriplingsonstandsmournfulby，Hisyoungestweeps，butknowsnotwhy；
ThevillagemaidsandmatronsroundThedismalcoronachresound。
XVI。
Coronach。
Heisgoneonthemountain，Heislosttotheforest，Likeasummer—driedfountain，Whenourneedwasthesorest。
Thefont，reappearing，Fromtherain—dropsshallborrow，Buttouscomesnocheering，ToDuncannomorrow！
ThehandofthereaperTakestheearsthatarehoary，ButthevoiceoftheweeperWailsmanhoodinglory。
TheautumnwindsrushingWafttheleavesthataresearest，Butourflowerwasinflushing，Whenblightingwasnearest。
Fleetfootonthecorrei，Sagecounselincumber，Redhandintheforay，Howsoundisthyslumber！
Likethedewonthemountain，Likethefoamontheriver，Likethebubbleonthefountain，Thouartgone，andforever！
XVII。
SeeStumah，who，thebierbesideHismaster’scorpsewithwondereyed，PoorStumah！whomhisleasthallooCouldsendlikelightningo’erthedew，Bristleshiscrest，andpointshisears，Asifsomestrangerstephehears。
’Tisnotamourner’smuffledtread，Whocomestosorrowo’erthedead，ButheadlonghasteordeadlyfearUrgetheprecipitatecareer。
Allstandaghast：——unheedingall，Thehenchmanburstsintothehall；
Beforethedeadman’sbierhestood，HeldforththeCrossbesmearedwithblood；
’Themuster—placeisLanrickmead；
Speedforththesignal！clansmen。speed！’
XVIII，Angus，theheirofDuncan’sline，Sprungforthandseizedthefatalsign。
InhastethestriplingtohissideHisfather’sdirkandbroadswordtied；
Butwhenhesawhismother’seyeWatchhiminspeechlessagony，BacktoheropenedarmsheflewPressedonherlipsafondadieu，——
’Alas\"shesobbed，——’andyetbegone，Andspeedtheeforth，likeDuncan’sson！’
Onelookhecastuponthebier，Dashedfromhiseyethegatheringtear，Breatheddeeptoclearhislaboringbreast，Andtossedalofthisbonnetcrest，Then，likethehigh—bredcoltwhen，freed，Firstheessayshisfireandspeed，Hevanished，ando’ermoorandmossSpedforwardwiththeFieryCross。
Suspendedwasthewidow’stearWhileyethisfootstepsshecouldhear；
Andwhenshemarkedthehenchman’seyeWetwithunwontedsympathy，’Kinsman，’shesaid，’hisraceisrunThatshouldhavespedshineerrandon。
Theoakteasfallen？——thesaplingboughIsallDuncraggan’sshelternowYettrustIwell，hisdutydone，Theorphan’sGodwillguardmyson。——
Andyou，inmanyadangertrueAtDuncan’shestyourbladesthatdrew，Toarms，andguardthatorphan’shead！
Letbabesandwomenwailthedead。’
Thenweapon—clangandmartialcallResoundedthroughthefuneralhall，WhilefromthewallstheattendantbandSnatchedswordandtargewithhurriedhand；
AndshortandflittingenergyGlancedfromthemourner’ssunkeneye，AsifthesoundstowarriordearMightrouseherDuncanfromhisbier。
Butfadedsoonthatborrowedforce；
Griefclaimedhisright，andtearstheircourse。
XIX。
BenledisawtheCrossofFire，ItglanceddikelightningupStrath—Ire。
O’erdaleandhillthesummonsflew，NorrestnorpauseyoungAngusknew；
ThetearthatgatheredinhiseyeHedeftthemountain—breezetodry；
Until，whereTeith’syoungwatersrollBetwixthimandawoodedknollThatgracedthesablestrathwithgreen，ThechapelofSaintBridewasseen。
Swolnwasthestream，remotethebridge，ButAnguspausednotontheedge；
Thoughtheclerkwavesdanceddizzily，Thoughreeledhissympatheticeye，Hedashedamidthetorrent’sroar：
Hisrighthandhighthecrossletbore，Hisleftthepole—axegrasped，toguideAndstayhisfootinginthetide。
Hestumbledtwice，——thefoamsplashedhigh，Withhoarserswellthestreamracedby；
Andhadhefallen，——foreverthere，FarewellDuncraggan’sorphanheir！
Butstill，asifinpartinglife，FirmerhegraspedtheCrossofstrife，Untiltheopposingbankhegained，Andupthechapelpathwaystrained。
Ablithesomeroutthatmorning—tideHadsoughtthechapelofSaintBride。
HertrothTombea’sMarygaveToNorman，heirofArmandave，And，issuingfromtheGothicarch，Thebridalnowresumedtheirmarch。
InrudebutgladprocessioncameBonnetedsireandcoif—claddame；
Andplaidedyouth，withjestandjeerWhichsnoodedmaidenwouldnothear：
Andchildren，that，unwittingwhy，Lentthegayshouttheirshrillycry；
Andminstrels，thatinmeasuresviedBeforetheyoungandbonnybride，WhosedowncasteyeandcheekdiscloseThetearandblushofmorningrose。
WithvirginstepandbashfulhandSheheldthekerchief’ssnowyband。
ThegallantbridegroombyhersideBeheldhisprizewithvictor’spride。
AndthegladmotherinherearWascloselywhisperingwordofcheer。
XXI。
Whomeetsthematthechurchyardgate？
Themessengeroffearandfate！
Hasteinhishurriedaccentlies，Andgriefisswimminginhiseyes。
Alldrippingfromtherecentflood，Pantingandtravel—soiledhestood，ThefatalsignoffireandswordHeldforth，andspoketheappointedword：
’Themuster—placeisLanrickmead；
Speedforththesignal！Norman，speed！’
AndmusthechangesosoonthehandJustlinkedtohisbyholyband，ForthefellCrossofbloodandbrand？
Andmustthedaysoblithethatrose，Andpromisedraptureintheclose，Beforeitssettinghour，divideThebridegroomfromtheplightedbride？
Ofataldoom’——itmust！itmust！
Clan—Alpine’scause，herChieftain’strust，Hersummonsdread，brooknodelay；
Stretchtotherace，——away！away！
XXII。
Yetslowhelaidhisplaidaside，Andlingeringeyedhislovelybride，UntilhesawthestartingtearSpeakwoehemightnotstoptocheer：
Then，trustingnotasecondlook，Inhastehespedhindupthebrook，NorbackwardglancedtillontheheathWhereLubnaig’slakesuppliestheTeith，——
Whatintheracer’sbosomstirred？
Thesickeningpangofhopedeferred，AndmemorywithatorturingtrainOfallhismorningvisionsvain。
Mingledwithlove’simpatience，cameThemanlythirstformartialfame；
ThestormyjoyofmountaineersEreyettheyrushuponthespears；
AndzealforClanandChieftainburning，Andhope，fromwell—foughtfieldreturning，Withwar’sredhonorsonhiscrest，ToclasphisMarytohisbreast。
Stungbysuchthoughts，o’erbankandbrae，Likefirefromflintheglancedaway，WhilehighresolveandfeelingstrongBurstintovoluntarysong。
XXIII。
Song。
Theheaththisnightmustbemybed，Thebrackencurtainformyhead，Mylullabythewarder’stread，Far，far，fromloveandthee，Mary；
To—morroweve，morestillylaid，Mycouchmaybemybloodyplaid，Myvespersongthywail，sweetmaid！
Itwillnotwakenme，Mary！
Imaynot，darenot，fancynowThegriefthatcloudsthylovelybrow，Idarenotthinkuponthyvow，Andallitpromisedme，Mary。
NofondregretmustNormanknow；
WhenburstsClan—Alpineonthefoe，Hisheartmustbelikebendedbow，Hisfootlikearrowfree，Mary。
Atimewillcomewithfeelingfraught，For，ifIfallinbattlefought，Thyhaplesslover’sdyingthoughtShallbeathoughtonthee，Mary。
Andifreturnedfromconqueredfoes，Howblithelywilltheeveningclose，Howsweetthelinnetsingrepose，Tomyyoungbrideandme，Mary！
XXIV。
Notfastero’erthyheatherybraesBalquidder，speedsthemidnightblaze，RushinginconflagrationstrongThydeepravinesanddellsalong，Wrappingthycliffsinpurpleglow，Andreddeningthedarklakesbelow；
Norfasterspeedsit，norsofar，Aso’erthyheathsthevoiceofwar。
ThesignalrousedtomartialcoilThesullenmarginofLochVoil，WakedstillLochDoine，andtothesourceAlarmed，Balvaig，thyswampycourse；
ThencesouthwardturneditsrapidroadAdownStrath—Gartney’svalleybroadTillroseinarmseachmanmightclaimAportioninClan—Alpine’sname，Fromthegraysire，whosetremblinghandCouldhardlybuckleonhisbrand，Totherawboy，whoseshaftandbowWereyetscarceterrortothecrow。
Eachvalley，eachsequesteredglen，MustereditslittlehordeofmenThatmetastorrentsfromtheheightInHighlanddalestheirstreamsuniteStillgathering，astheypouralong，Avoicemoreloud，atidemorestrong，TillattherendezvoustheystoodByhundredspromptforblowsandblood，Eachtrainedtoarmssincelifebegan，Owningnotiebuttohisclan，Nooathbutbyhischieftain’shand，NolawbutRoderickDhu’scommand。
XXV。
ThatsummermornhadRoderickDhuSurveyedtheskirtsofBenvenue，Andsenthisscoutso’erhillandheath，ToviewthefrontiersofMenteith。
Allbackwardcamewithnewsoftruce；
StilllayeachmartialGraemeandBruce，InRednockcourtsnohorsemenwait，NobannerwavedonCardrossgate，OnDuchray’stowersnobeaconshone，NorscaredtheheronsfromLochCon；
Allseemedatpeace。——NowwotyewilyTheChieftainwithsuchanxiouseye，Eretothemusterherepair，Thiswesternfrontierscannedwithcare？——
InBenvenue’smostdarksomecleft，Afairthoughcruelpledgewasleft；
ForDouglas，tohispromisetrue，Thatmorningfromtheislewithdrew，AndinadeepsequestereddellHadsoughtalowandlonelycell。
BymanyabardinCeltictongueHasCoir—nan—UriskinbeensungAsofternametheSaxonsgave，AndcalledthegrottheGoblinCave。
XXVI。
Itwasawildandstrangeretreat，Ase’erwastrodbyoutlaw’sfeet。
Thedell，uponthemountain’screst，Yawnedlikeagashonwarrior’sbreast；
Itstrenchhadstayedfullmanyarock，HurledbyprimevalearthquakeshockFromBenvenue’sgraysummitwild，Andhere，inrandomruinpiled，Theyfrownedincumbento’erthespotAndformedtheruggedsylvan\"rot。
TheoakandbirchwithmingledshadeAtnoontidethereatwilightmade，UnlesswhenshortandsuddenshoneSomestragglingbeamonclifforstone，Withsuchaglimpseasprophet’seyeGainsonthydepth，Futurity。
Nomurmurwakedthesolemnstill，Savetinklingofafountainrill；
Butwhenthewindchafedwiththelake，Asullensoundwouldupwardbreak，Withdashinghollowvoice，thatspokeTheincessantwarofwaveandrock。
SuspendedcliffswithhideousswaySeemednoddingo’erthecaverngray。
Fromsuchadenthewolfhadsprung，Insuchthewild—catleavesheryoung；
YetDouglasandhisdaughterfairSoughtforaspacetheirsafetythere。
GraySuperstition’swhisperdreadDebarredthespottovulgartread；
Forthere，shesaid，didfaysresort，Andsatyrsholdtheirsylvancourt，Bymoonlighttreadtheirmysticmaze，Andblasttherashbeholder’sgaze。
XXVII。
Noweve，withwesternshadowslong，FloatedonKatrinebrightandstrong，WhenRoderickwithachosenfewRepassedtheheightsofBenvenue。
AbovetheGoblinCavetheygo，ThroughthewildpassofBeal—nam—bo；
Thepromptretainersspeedbefore，Tolaunchtheshallopfromtheshore，For’crossLochKatrinelieshiswayToviewthepassesofAchray，Andplacehisclansmeninarray。
YetlagstheChiefinmusingmind，Unwontedsight，hismenbehind。
Asinglepage，tobearhissword，Aloneattendedonhislord；
Theresttheirwaythroughthicketsbreak，Andsoonawaithimbythelake。
ItwasafairandgallantsightToviewthemfromtheneighboringheight，Bythelow—levelledsunbeam’slight！
Forstrengthandstature，fromtheclanEachwarriorwasachosenman，Asevenafarmightwellbeseen，Bytheirproudstepandmartialmien。
heirfeathersdance，theirtartarsfloat，Theirtargetsgleam，asbytheboatAwildandwarlikegrouptheystand，Thatwellbecamesuchmountain—strand。
XXVI
TheirChiefwithstepreluctantstillWaslingeringonthecraggyhill，HardbywhereturnedaparttheroadToDouglas’sobscureabode。
ItwasbutwiththatdawningmornThatRoderickDhuhadproudlyswornTodrownhisloveinwar’swildroar，NorthinkofEllenDouglasmore；
Buthewhostemsastreamwithsand，Andfettersflamewithflaxenband，Hasyetahardertasktoprove，——
Byfirmresolvetoconquerlove！
EvefindstheChief，likerestlessghost，Stillhoveringnearhistreasurelost；
ForthoughhishaughtyheartdenyApartingmeetingtohiseyeStillfondlystrainshisanxiousearTheaccentsofhervoicetohear，AndinlydidhecursethebreezeThatwakedtosoundtherustlingtrees。
Buthark！whatminglesinthestrain？
ItistheharpofAllan—bane，Thatwakesitsmeasureslowandhigh，Attunedtosacredminstrelsy。
Whatmeltingvoiceattendsthestrings？
’TisEllen，oranangel，sings。