For knight more true in thought and deed Than Argentine ne'er spurr'd a steed)— And Ronald, who, his meaning guess'd, This purpose fiery Torquil broke; "Somewhat we've heard of England's yoke," That calls The Bruce fair Scotland's Lord, To bridal mirth and bridal cheer, Be sure, with no consent of mine, With chains or violence, in our sight, Oppress a brave and banish'd knight." XXI. Then waked the wild debate again, With brawling threat and clamour vain. "The Abbot comes!" they cry at once, Angels have met him on the way, Beside the blessed martyrs' bay, And by Columba's stone. His monks have heard their hymnings high Sound from the summit of Dun-Y, To cheer his penance lone, When at each cross, on girth and wold, (Their number thrice an hundred fold,) His prayer he made, his beads he told, With Aves many a one He comes our feuds to reconcile, A sainted man from sainted isle; The Abbot shall our strife decide.". XXII. Scarcely this fair accord was o'er, The black-stoled brethren wind; Twelve sandall'd monks, who reliques bore, With many a torch-bearer before, And many a cross behind. Then sunk each fierce up-lifted hand, And dagger bright and flashing brand Dropp'd swiftly at the sight; They vanish'd from the Churchman's eye, As shooting stars, that glance and die, Dart from the vault of night. XXIII. The Abbot on the threshold stood, And in his hand the holy rood; Back on his shoulders flow'd his hood, Shew'd, in its red and flashing light, His blue eye glistening cold and bright, His tresses scant and grey. "Fair Lords," he said, " Our Lady's love, And peace be with you from above, And Benedicite! -But what means this? no peace is here!— Do dirks unsheath'd suit bridal cheer? Or are these naked brands A seemly shew for Churchman's sight, When he comes summon'd to unite Betrothed hearts and hands?". XXIV. Then, cloaking hate with fiery zeal, "Thou comest, O holy Man, True sons of blessed church to greet, A wretch, beneath the ban Of Pope and Church, for murder done Well may'st thou wonder we should know Such miscreant here, nor lay him low, Or dream of greeting, peace, or truce, With excommunicated Bruce ! Yet well I grant, to end debate, Thy sainted voice decide his fate." XXV. Then Ronald pled the stranger's cause, And knighthood's oath and honour's laws; 8 |