THE LADY OF THE LAKE. TO THE MOST NOBLE JOHN JAMES MARQUIS OF ABERCORN, &c. &c. &'c. THIS POEM IS INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR. ARGUMENT. The Scene of the following Poem is laid chiefly in the vicinity of Loch Katrine, in the Western Highlands of Perthshire. The time of action includes six days, and the transactions of each day occupy a Canto THE LADY OF THE LAKE. CANTO FIRST. The Chase. O wake once more! how rude soe'er the hand That ventures o'er thy magic maze to stray; HARP of the North! that mouldering wake once more! though scarce my long hast hung On the witch-eim that shades Saint And down the fitful breeze thy numbers flung, Till envious ivy did around thee cling, Muffling with verdant ringlet every string, O minstrel Harp, still must thine accents sleep? Mid rustling leaves and fountains murmuring, Still must thy sweeter sounds their silence keep, Nor bid a warrior smile, nor teach a maid to weep? Not thus, in ancient days of Caledon, Was thy voice mute amid the festal crowd, When lay of hopeless love, or glory won, Aroused the fearful, or subdued the proud. At each according pause, was heard aloud Thine ardent symphony sublime and high! Fair dames and crested chiefs attention bow'd; For still the burden of thy minstrelsy Was Knighthood's dauntless deed, and Beauty's matchless eye. ski!! command |