Ronald keeps ward till midnight past, -What is Lord Ronald's wakeful thought, When at her foeman's feet she fell, Nor less when, placed in princely selle, She glanced on him with favouring eyes, Nor, fair in joy, in sorrow fair, In pride of place as 'mid despair, Must she alone engross his care. His thoughts to his betrothed bride, To Edith, turn-O how decide, When here his love and heart are given, And there his faith stands plight to Heaven!! No drowsy ward 'tis his to keep, For seldom lovers long for sleep. Till sung his midnight hymn the owl, XXVII. What spell was good King Robert's, say, His was the patriot's burning thought, Of castles storm'd, of cities freed, Of deep design and daring deed, Of England's roses reft and torn, As heroes think, so thought The Bruce. Sleep shunn'd the Monarch's thoughtful eye. Now over Coolin's eastern head The greyish light begins to spread, The otter to his cavern drew, And clamour'd shrill the wakening mew; Then watch'd the Page-to needful rest The King resign'd his anxious breast. XXVIII. To Allan's eyes was harder task, But little fear waked in his mind, For he was bred of martial kind, And, if to manhood he arrive, May match the boldest knight alive. Then thought he of his mother's tower, His little sisters' green-wood bower, How there the Easter-gambols pass, In rays prolong'd the blazes die- The morning breeze the lake had curl'd; To tales at which his youth had burn'd, Of the wild witch's baneful cot, And mermaid's alabaster grot, Who bathes her limbs in sunless well Thither in fancy rapt he flies, And on his sight the vaults arise; That hut's dark walls he sees no more, His foot is on the marble floor, And o'er his head the dazzling spars Gleam like a firmament of stars! -Hark! hears he not the sea-nymph speak Upwards he cast his dizzy eyes,. ... Murmurs his master's name, . . . and dies! XXIX. Not so awoke the King! his hand Snatch'd from the flame a knotted brand, The nearest weapon of his wrath ; With this he cross'd the murderer's path, And venged young Allan well! |