CANTO FOURTH. The Prophecy. I. "The rose is fairest when 'tis budding new, I bid your blossoms in my bonnet wave, II. Such fond conceit, half said, half sung, His axe and bow beside him lay, Hark! on the rock a footstep rung, spray, [ MS." And rapture dearest when obscured by fears."] "Stand, or thou diest !—What, Malise?—soon Art thou return'd from Braes of Doune. By thy keen step and glance I know, Thou bring'st us tidings of the foe."(For while the Fiery Cross hied on, On distant scout had Malise gone.) "Where sleeps the Chief?" the henchman said. "Apart, in yonder misty glade; To his lone couch I'll be your guide." Then call'd a slumberer by his side, And stirr'd him with his slacken'd bow- III. Together up the pass they sped: At prompt command, to march from Doune; Soon will this dark and gathering cloud 1 "What! know ye not that Roderick's care That such dear pledge may rest secure?" IV. ""Tis well advised-the Chieftain's plan ' But wherefore sleeps Sir Roderick Dhu Brian an augury hath tried, Of that dread kind which must not be The Taghairm call'd; by which, afar, MALISE. 66 [MS.-"'Tis well advised—a prudent plan, Worthy the father of bis clan."] 2 [See Appendix, Note I.] |