Until the break of day; For, to ourselves, the deck's rude plank Is easy as the mossy bank That's breathed upon by May. And for our storm-toss'd skiff we seek Short shelter in this leeward creek, Prompt when the dawn the east shall streak Again to bear away." Answered the Warder, " In what name Assert ye hospitable claim? Whence come, or whither bound? Hath Erin seen your parting sails? Or come ye on Norweyan gales? C And these brief words have import dear, When sounded in a noble ear, To harbour safe, and friendly cheer, That gives us rightful claim. Grant us the trivial boon we seek, And we in other realms will speak Fair of your courtesy ; Deny-and be your niggard Hold And wanderer on the lea !" XXVII. "Bold stranger, no-'gainst claim like thine, No bolt revolves by hand of mine, Though urged in tone that more express'd A monarch than a suppliant guest. Be what ye will, Artornish Hall On this glad eve is free to all. Though ye had drawn a hostile sword To battle with the Lord of Lorn, And shew the narrow postern stair." XXVIII. To land these two bold brethren leapt, And, lighted by the torches' flare, Half lifeless up the rock; On his strong shoulder lean'd her head, And down her long dark tresses shed, Him follow'd close that elder Lord, Such as few arms could wield; But when he boun'd him to such task, Well could it cleave the strongest casque, And rend the surest shield. XXIX. The raised portcullis' arch they pass, The wicket with its bars of brass, The entrance long and low, Flank'd at each turn by loop-holes strait, But every jealous post of ward Was now defenceless and unbarr'd, And all the passage free To one low-brow'd and vaulted room, Where squire and yeoman, page and groom, Plied their loud revelry. XXX. And "Rest ye here," the Warder bade, "Till to our Lord your suit is said.— And, comrades, gaze not on the maid, And on these men who ask our aid, As if ye ne'er had seen A damsel tired of midnight bark, Or wanderers of a moulding stark, And bearing martial mien.”. But not for Eachin's reproof Would page or vassal stand aloof, But crowded on to stare, |