XII. Ever the breeze blows merrily, But the galley ploughs no more the sea. Up Tarbat's western lake they bore, As far as Kilmaconnel's shore, Upon the eastern bay. It was a wond'rous sight to see Topmast and pennon glitter free, High raised above the greenwood tree, As on dry land the galley moves, By cliff and copse and alder groves. Deep import from that selcouth sign, Did many a mountain Seer divine, For ancient legends told the Gael, Old Albyn should in fight prevail, Before her silver Cross. XIII. Now launch'd once more, the inland sea They furrow with fair augury, And steer for Arran's isle; The sun, ere yet he sunk behind Ben-ghoil," the Mountain of the Wind," Gave his grim peaks a greeting kind, Thither their destined course they drew; So brilliant was the landward view, The ocean so serene; Each puny wave in diamonds roll'd O'er the calm deep, where hues of gold. With azure strove and green. The hill, the vale, the tree, the tower, The beech was silver sheen, The wind breath'd soft as lover's sigh, With breathless pause between. O who, with speech of war and woes, Of such enchanting scene! XIV. Is it of war Lord Ronald speaks? And faultering voice the theme deny. He ponder❜d o'er some high request, As doubtful to approve; Yet in his eye and lip the while Dwelt the half-pitying glance and smile, Which manhood's graver mood beguile, When lovers talk of love. Anxious his suit Lord Ronald pled; "And for my bride betroth'd," he said, "My Liege has heard the rumour spread Of Edith from Artornish fled. Too hard her fate-I claim no right Be joy and happiness her lot!- Mine honour I should ill assert, If I should play a suitor's part Again, to pleasure Lorn." 66 XV. Young Lord," the Royal Bruce replied, “That question must the Church decide; -Yet seems it hard, since rumours state Edith takes Clifford for her mate, The very tie, which she hath broke, To thee should still be binding yoke. But, for my sister Isabel The mood of woman who can tell? I guess the Champion of the Rock, That knight unknown, to whom the prize |