LOCHINVAR (From "Marmion.") SIR WALTER SCOTT 0, YOUNG LOCHINVAR is come out of the West,- 5 So faithful in love, and so dauntless in war, There never was knight like the young Lochinvar. He stayed not for brake, and he stopped not for stone, 10 The bride had consented, the gallant came late: So boldly he entered the Netherby hall, 'Mong bridesmen, and kinsmen, and brothers, and all: 15 Then spoke the bride's father, his hand on his sword (For the poor, craven bridegroom said never a word), "O, come ye in peace here, or come ye in war, Or to dance at our bridal, young Lord Lochinvar ?" "I long wooed your daughter,-my suit you denied ;— 20 Love swells like the Solway, but ebbs like its tide; And now am I come, with this lost love of mine, To lead but one measure, drink one cup of wine. There are maidens in Scotland more lovely by far, That would gladly be bride to the young Lochinvar!" 25 The bride kissed the goblet; the knight took it up, He quaffed off the wine, and he threw down the cup. She looked down to blush, and she looked up to sigh, With a smile on her lips, and a tear in her eye. He took her soft hand, ere her mother could bar,30 "Now tread we a measure!" said young Lochinvar. So stately his form, and so lovely her face, That never a hall such a galliard did grace; While her mother did fret, and her father did fume, And the bridegroom stood dangling his bonnet and plume, 35 And the bridemaidens whispered, ""Twere better, by far, To have matched our fair cousin with young Lochinvar." One touch to her hand, and one word in her ear, When they reached the hall-door, and the charger stood near, 40 So light to the saddle before her he sprung! "She is won! we are gone, over bank, bush, and scaur; They'll have fleet steeds that follow," quoth young Lochinvar. There was mounting 'mong Græmes of the Netherby clan; Forsters, Fenwicks, and Musgraves, they rode, and they ran; 45 There was racing and chasing on Cannobie Lee, But the lost bride of Netherby ne'er did they see. So daring in love, and so dauntless in war, Have ye e'er heard of gallant like young Lochinvar? HELPS TO STUDY Biographical and Historical: Walter Scott was born in Edinburgh, in 1771. He loved the romance of Scotland's history and legends. A collection of legendary ballads, songs, and traditions, published by him early in life met with such immediate success that it confirmed him in his resolution to devote himself to literary pursuits. The two selections here given, are taken from his second metrical romance, "Marmion." Later Scott turned his attention to prose and became the creator of the historical novel, of which "Ivanhoe," "Kenilworth," and "Woodstock" are conspicuous examples. He died in 1832, and lies buried in one of the most beautiful ruins in Scotland, Dryburgh Abbey. Notes and Questions Find Esk River and Solway Firth on your map. Scott describes the tides of Solway Firth in Chapter IV of his novel, "Redgauntlet." Compare the rhythm with that in "How They Brought the Good News."' What impression of Lochinvar do the opening stanzas give you? 5 10 15 THE PARTING OF MARMION AND DOUGLAS SIR WALTER SCOTT NOT far advanced was morning day, He had safe conduct for his band, The train from out the castle drew, Part we in friendship from your land, 20 25 30 335 40 45 50 Be open, at my sovereign's will, To each one whom he lists, howe'er Burned Marmion's swarthy cheek like fire, And "This to me," he said, "An 'twere not for thy hoary beard, On the Earl's cheek, the flush of rage Fierce he broke forth; "And dar'st thou then To beard the lion in his den, The Douglas in his hall? And hopest thou hence unscathed to go? Up draw-bridge, grooms,—what, warder, ho!, Lord Marmion turned,-well was his need, 55 60 65 70 75 And dashed the rowels in his steed, The steed along the draw-bridge flies, And when Lord Marmion reached his band And shout of loud defiance pours, And shook his gauntlet at the towers. "Horse! horse!" the Douglas cried, "and chase!" "A royal messenger he came, Though most unworthy of the name. HELPS TO STUDY Historical: Marmion, an English nobleman, is sent as an envoy by Henry the Eighth, King of England, to James the Fourth, King of Scotland. The two countries are on the eve of war with each other. Arriving in Edinburgh, Marmion is entrusted by King James to the care and hospitality of Douglas, Earl of Angus, who, taking him to his castle at Tantallon, treats him with the respect due his position as representative of the king, but at the same time dislikes him. The war approaching, Marmion leaves to join the English camp. This sketch describes the leave-taking. |