THE

BRIDAL OF TRIERMAIN.

CANTO THIRD.

INTRODUCTION.

LONG loved, long woo'd, and lately won,
My life's best hope, and now mine own!
Doth not this rude and Alpine glen
Recall our favourite haunts agen?
"A wild resemblance we can trace,
Though reft of every softer grace,
As the rough warrior's brow may bear
A likeness to a sister fair.

Full well advised our Highland host,
That this wild pass on foot be cross'd,

While round Ben-Cruach's mighty base Wheel the slow steeds and lingering chaise. The keen old carle, with Scottish pride,

An

eye

He praised his glen and mountains wide;
he bears for nature's face,
Aye, and for woman's lovely grace.
Even in such mean degree we find
The subtle Scot's observing mind;
For, nor the chariot nor the train
Could gape of vulgar wonder gain,
But when old Allan would expound
Of Beal-na-paish * the Celtic sound,
His bonnet doff'd, and bow, applied
His legend to my bonny bride ;

While Lucy blush'd beneath his eye,

Courteous and cautious, shrewd and sly.

* Beal-na-paish, the Vale of the Bridal.