And all around, on scutcheon rich, XXXVII. Less easy task it were, to show Lord Marmion's nameless grave, and low. That holds the bones of Marmion brave. When thou shalt find the little hill, With thy heart commune, and be still. If ever, in temptation strong, Thou left'st the right path for the wrong; Still led thee further from the road; Dread thou to speak presumptuous doom, But say, "He died a gallant knight, With sword in hand, for England's right." XXXVIII. I do not rhyme to that dull elf, Who cannot image to himself, That all through Flodden's dismal night, Wilton was foremost in the fight; That, when brave Surrey's steed was slain, 'Twas Wilton mounted him again; 'Twas Wilton's brand that deepest hewed That, after fight, his faith made plain, Paint to her mind the bridal's state; "Love they like Wilton and like Clare!" L'Enboy. TO THE READER. Why then a final note prolong, rede?* To Statesman grave, if such may deign Sound head, clean hand, and piercing wit, A garland for the hero's crest, And twined by her he loves the best; To every lovely lady bright, What can I wish but faithful knight? To every faithful lover too, What can I wish but lady true? And knowledge to the studious sage; And pillow soft to head of age. To thee, dear school-boy, whom my lay Used generally for tale, or discourse. ΤΟ THE MOST NOBLE JOHN JAMES, MARQUIS OF ABERCORN, &c., &c., &c. THIS POEM IS INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR. ARGUMENT. [The scene of the following poem is laid chiefly in the vicinity of Lech Katrine, in the Western Highlands of Perthshire. The time of action includes six days, and the transactions of each day occupy a Canto.] THE LADY OF THE LAKE. CANTO FIRST. THE CHASE. HARP of the North! that mouldering long hast hung O minstrel Harp, still must thine accents sleep? 'Mid rustling leaves and fountains murmuring, Still must thy sweeter sounds their silence keep, Nor bid a warrior smile, nor teach a maid to weep? Not thus, in ancient days of Caledon, Was thy voice mute amid the festal crowd, When lay of hopeless love, or glory won, Aroused the fearful, or subdued the proud. At each according pause, was heard aloud Thine ardent symphony sublime and high! Fair dames and crested chiefs attention bowed; For still the burthen of thy minstrelsy Was Knighthood's dauntless deed, and Beauty's matchless eye. O wake once more! how rude soe'er the hand That ventures o'er thy magic maze to stray; O wake once more! though scarce my skill command Some feeble echoing of thine earlier lay: Though harsh and faint, and soon to die away, And all unworthy of thy nobler strain, Yet if one beart throb higher at its sway, The wizard note has not been touched in vain. Then silent be no more! Enchantress, wake again! |