"And gayly shines the Fairy-land, - Like the idle gleam that December's beam “And fading, like that varied gleam, Is our inconstant shape, Who now like knight and lady seem, "It was between the night and day, That I sunk down in a sinful fray, "But wist I of a woman bold, Who thrice my brow durst sign, I might regain my mortal mold, As fair a form as thine." She cross'd him once - she cross'd him twice That lady was so brave; The fouler grew his goblin hue, The darker grew the cave. She cross'd him thrice, that lady bold: He rose beneath her hand The fairest knight on Scottish mould, Her brother, Ethert Brand! Merry it is in good greenwood, When the mavis and merle are singing; But merrier were they in Dunfermline gray, When all the bells were ringing. XVI. Just as the minstrel sounds were stay'd, His eagle glance, remembrance claims 'Tis Snowdoun's Knight, 't is James Fitz-James. Ellen beheld as in a dream, Then, starting, scarce suppress'd a scream: "O stranger! in such hour of fear What evil hap has brought thee here?". "An evil hap how can it be That bids me look again on thee? Of guarded pass?” - "No, by my faith! Nor saw I aught could augur scathe.". "O haste thee, Allan, to the kern: XVII. "Sweet Ellen, dear my life must be, Since it is worthy care from thee; Yet life I hold but idle breath, When love or honor's weigh'd with death. And speak my purpose bold at once. Where ne'er before such blossom smiled; To say Too much, before, my selfish ear Was idly soothed my praise to hear. |