XXVI Fitz-James's mind was passion-toss'd, He waved at once his blade on high, Canto IV Close couch'd upon the heathery moor; As lightning strikes the pine to dust; With foot and hand Fitz - James must strain, Ere he can win his blade again. Bent o'er the fall'n, with falcon eye, He grimly smiled to see him die; H Canto IV The Prophecy Then slower wended back his way, Where the poor maiden bleeding lay. XXVII She sate beneath the birchen-tree, The Knight to stanch the life-stream tried, Stranger, it is in vain !' she cried. 'This hour of death has given me more Of reason's power than years before; Through danger, frenzy, and despair! I waver still.-O God! more bright XXVIII A kindly heart had brave Fitz-James; 'By Him, whose word is truth! I swear, Till this sad token I imbrue In the best blood of Roderick Dhu! -But hark! what means yon faint halloo ? The stag at bay's a dangerous foe.' Canto IV The Prophecy |