Who ever reck'd, where, how, or when,

The prowling fox was trapp'd or slain?

Thus treacherous scouts,-yet sure they lie, say thou camest a secret spy !"

Who

66

They do, by heaven !-Come Roderick Dhu,

And of his clan the boldest two,

And let me but till morning rest,

I write the falsehood on their crest."

66

If by the blaze I mark aright,

Thou bear'st the belt and spur of Knight."

"Then by these tokens may'st thou know Each proud oppressor's mortal foe."

"Enough, enough; sit down and share

A soldier's couch, a soldier's fare."

XXXI.

He

gave him of his Highland cheer,

The harden'd flesh of mountain-deer;

Dry fuel on the fire he laid,

And bade the Saxon share his plaid.

He tended him like welcome guest,

Then thus his further speech address'd. "Stranger, I am to Roderick Dhu

A clans-man born, a kinsman true;
Each word against his honour spoke,
Demands of me avenging stroke;

Yet more,-upon thy fate, 'tis said,
A mighty augury is laid.

It rests with me to wind

my horn,

Thou art with numbers overborne ;

It rests with me, here, brand to brand,
Worn as thou art, to bid thee stand:

But, not for clan, nor kindred's cause,
Will I depart from honour's laws;
To assail a wearied man were shame,
And stranger is a holy name;

Guidance and rest, and food and fire,
In vain he never must require.

Then rest thee here till dawn of day;
Myself will guide thee on the way,

O'er stock and stone, through watch and ward,

Till past Clan-Alpine's outmost guard,
As far as Coilantogle's ford;

From thence thy warrant is thy sword."-
"I take thy courtesy, by Heaven,

As freely as 'tis nobly given !”—
"Well, rest thee; for the bittern's cry
Sings us the lake's wild lullaby."—
With that he shook the gather'd heath,
And spread his plaid upon the wreath;
And the brave foemen, side by side,
Lay peaceful down like brothers tried,
And slept until the dawning beam
Purpled the mountain and the stream.

END OF CANTO FOURTH.

THE

LADY OF THE LAKE.

CANTO FIFTH.

The Combat.