Ere yet the brands aloft were flung, Margaret on Roderick's mantle hung, And Malcolm heard his Ellen's scream, As faltered through terrific dream.
Then Roderick plunged in sheath his sword, And veiled his wrath in scornful word:'
Rest safe till morning; pity 't were Such cheek should feel the midnight air!
Then mayst thou to James Stuart tell, Roderick will keep the lake and fell, Nor lackey with his freeborn clan The pageant pomp of earthly man.
More would he of Clan-Alpine know, Thou canst our strength and passes show.--Malise, what ho! '--his henchman came:
'Give our safe-conduct to the Graeme.'
Young Malcolm answered, calm and bold:'
Fear nothing for thy favorite hold;
The spot an angel deigned to grace Is blessed, though robbers haunt the place.
Thy churlish courtesy for those Reserve, who fear to be thy foes.
As safe to me the mountain way At midnight as in blaze of day, Though with his boldest at his back Even Roderick Dhu beset the track.--Brave Douglas,--lovely Ellen,--nay, Naught here of parting will I say.
Earth does not hold a lonesome glen So secret but we meet again.--Chieftain! we too shall find an hour,'--
He said, and left the sylvan bower.
