The helpless youth is Ronald's charge, He ceased; for many an eager hand Had urged the barges from the strand. They bore thrice three-score chosen men. The dye for death or empire cast! XII. Now on the darkening main afloat, Ready and mann'd rocks every boat; Beneath their oars the ocean's might Faint and more faint, as off they bore, Their armour glanced against the shore, And, mingled with the dashing tide, Their murmuring voices distant died. "God speed them!" said the Priest, as dark On distant billows glides each bark; "O Heaven! when swords for freedom shine, And monarch's right, the cause is thine! Edge doubly every patriot blow ! ́ Beat down the banners of the foe! To shelter for the evening hour. XIII. In night the fairy prospects sink, Where Cumray's isles with verdant link Close the fair entrance of the Clyde ; The woods of Bute, no more descried, Are gone and on the placid sea The rowers ply their task with glee, While hands that knightly lances bore The half-faced moon shone dim and pale, And glanced against the whiten'd sail; Each steersman kept the helm aright, And oft, for such the King's command, Wild scream the dazzled sea-fowl gave, Dropp'd from their crags on plashing wave, The black-cock deem'd it day, and crew. O'er half the land the lustre came. "Now, good my Liege, and brother sage, Yet sure the beadsman and the child Could ne'er have waked that beacon wild."____ XIV. With that the boats approach'd the land, But Edward's grounded on the sand ; The eager knight leap'd in the sea Waist-deep, and first on shore was he, Though every barge's hardy band Contended which should gain the land, When that strange light, which, seen afar, Seem'd steady as the polar star, Now, like a prophet's fiery chair, Helm, axe, and falchion glitter'd bright, His comrade's face each warrior saw, Or would thy dauntless heart endure Once more to make assurance sure ?" |