It may not be forgive her, Chief,
Nor hazard aught for our relief.
Against his sovereign, Douglas ne'er
Will level a rebellious spear.

'T was I that taught his youthful hand
To rein a steed and wield a brand;
I see him yet, the princely boy!
Not Ellen more my pride and joy;
I love him still, despite my wrongs,
By hasty wrath, and slanderous tongues.
O seek the grace you well may find,
Without a cause to mine combined."

XXXIII.

Twice through the hall the Chieftain strode ;
The waving of his tartans broad,

And darken'd brow, where wounded pride
With ire and disappointment vied,
Seem'd, by the torch's gloomy light,
Like the ill demon of the night,
Stooping his pinions' shadowy sway
Upon the nighted pilgrim's way;
But, unrequited Love! thy dart
Plunged deepest its envenom'd smart.
And Roderick, with thine anguish stung,
At length the hand of Douglas wrung,
While eyes, that mock'd at tears before,
With bitter drops were running o'er.
The death-pangs of long-cherish'd hope
Scarce in that ample breast had scope,

But, struggling with his spirit proud, Convulsive heaved its checker'd shroud, While every sob-so mute were allWas heard distinctly through the hall.

She rose, and to her side there came,
To aid her parting steps, the Græme.

Then Roderick from the Douglas brokeAs flashes flame through sable smoke, Kindling its wreaths, long, dark, and low To one broad blaze of ruddy glow,

So the deep anguish of despair

Burst, in fierce jealousy, to air.
With stalwart grasp his hand he laid
On Malcolm's breast and belted plaid;

"Back, beardless boy!" he sternly said,

'Back, minion! hold'st thou thus at naught The lesson I so lately taught?

This roof, the Douglas, and that maid,
Thank thou for punishment delay'd."
Eager as greyhound on his game,
Fiercely with Roderick grappled Græme.
"Perish my name, if aught afford
Its Chieftain safety save his sword!”
Thus as they strove, their desperate hand
Griped to the dagger or the brand,
And death had been-but Douglas rose,
And thrust between the struggling foes
His giant strength :—“ Chieftains, forego!
I hold the first who strikes, my foe.
Madmen, forbear your frantic jar!
What is the Douglas fall'n so far,
His daughter's hand is deem'd the spoil
Of such dishonorable broil!"

Sullen and slowly, they unclasp,

As struck with shame, their desperate grasp,

And each upon his rival glared,

With foot advanced and blade half bared.

XXXV.

Ere yet the brands aloft were flung,
Margaret on Roderick's mantle hung,

And Malcolm heard his Ellen's scream,

As falter'd through terrific dream.

Then Roderick plunged in sheath his sword, And veil'd his wrath in scornful word.

WITH FOOT ADVANCED AND BLALE HALF BARED.

"Rest safe till morning; pity 't were
Such cheek should feel the midnight air!
Then mayest thou to James Stewart tell
Roderick will keep the lake and fell,