Ave Maria! undefiled! The flinty couch we now must share Shall seem with down of eider piled, If thy protection hover there. The murky cavern's heavy air Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled; Then, Maiden! hear a maiden's Mother, list a suppliant child! prayer, Ave Maria! Ave Maria! Stainless styled! Foul dæmons of the earth and air, From this their wonted haunt exiled, We bow us to our lot of care, Beneath thy guidance reconciled; Hear for a maid a maiden's prayer, And for a father hear a child! Ave Maria! XXX. Died on the harp the closing hymn- As list'ning still, Clan-Alpine's lord Stood leaning on his heavy sword, Twice pointed to the sun's decline. Then while his plaid he round him cast, "It is the last time-'tis the last," He mutter'd thrice," the last time e'er And instant cross the lake it shot. The band arrived on Lanrick height, Where muster'd, in the vale below, Clan-Alpine's men in martial show. XXXI. A various scene the clansmen made, Some sate, some stood, some slowly stray'd; But most, with mantles folded round, Or lance's point, a glimmer made, Like glow-worm twinkling through the shade. But when, advancing through the gloom, They saw the Chieftain's eagle plume, Their shout of welcome, shrill and wide, Shook the steep mountain's steady side. |