HIS FEAR HAD SUNK HIM WITH THE SLAIN:
Canto V. Stan.XXX.

LONDON, PUBLISHED BY LONGMAN & CO PATERNOSTER ROW, APRIL 1815.

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS,

Drawn tightly o'er his labouring breast.

But then the Bruce's bugle blew,

For martial work was yet to do.

XXXI.

A harder task fierce Edward waits.

Ere signal given, the castle gates

His fury had assail'd ;

Such was his wonted reckless mood,
Yet desperate valour oft made good,

Even by its daring, venture rude,

Where prudence might have fail'd.

Upon the bridge his strength he threw,

And struck the iron chain in two

By which its planks arose ;

The warder next his axe's edge

Struck down upon the threshold ledge, 'Twixt door and post a ghastly wedge!

The gate they may not close.

Well fought the Southern in the fray,
Clifford and Lorn fought well that day,

But stubborn Edward forced his way
Against an hundred foes.

Loud came the cry, "The Bruce, the Bruce !"

No hope or in defence or truce,

Fresh combatants pour in;

Mad with success, and drunk with gore,

They drive the struggling foe before,

And ward on ward they win.

Unsparing was the vengeful sword,

And limbs were lopp'd and life-blood pour'd,

The cry of death and conflict roar'd,

And fearful was the din!

The startling horses plunged and flung,
Clamour'd the dogs till turrets rung,

Nor sunk the fearful cry,

Till not a foeman was there found

Alive, save those who on the ground

Groan'd in their agony !