As men of courtesy untaught,

Till fiery Edward roughly caught,

From one the foremost there,

His chequer'd plaid, and in its shroud,
To hide her from the vulgar crowd,

Involved his sister fair.

His brother, as the clansman bent

His sullen brow in discontent,

Made brief and stern excusé ;

"Vassal, were thine the cloak of pall That decks thy Lord in bridal hall,

'Twere honour'd by her use."

XXXI.

Proud was his tone, but calm; his eye

Had that compelling dignity,

His mien that bearing haught and high,

Which common spirits fear;

Needed nor word nor signal more,

Nod, wink, and laughter, all were o'er;

Upon each other back they bore,

And gazed like startled deer.
But now appear'd the Seneschal,
Commission'd by his lord to call

The strangers to the Baron's hall,
Where feasted fair and free
That Island Prince in nuptial tide,
With Edith there his lovely bride,

And her bold brother by her side,

And many a chief, the flower and pride Of Western land and sea.

Here pause we, gentles, for a space; And, if our tale hath won your grace, Grant us brief patience, and again We will renew the minstrel strain.

END OF CANTO FIRST.

1

THE

LORD OF THE ISLES.

CANTO SECOND.