Canto II The Island Smiled she to see the stately drake Perchance the maiden smiled to see VI While yet he loiter'd on the spot, But when his stately form was hid, "Thy Malcolm! vain and selfish maid': On the smooth phrase of southern tongue; Young Malcolm Græme was held the flower. VII The Minstrel waked his harp-three times And thrice their high heroic pride In melancholy murmurs died. 'Vainly thou bid'st, O noble maid,' Clasping his wither'd hands, he said, 'Vainly thou bid'st me wake the strain, Though all unwont to bid in vain. Alas! than mine a mightier hand Has tuned my harp, my strings has spann'd; C Canto II The Island Canto II The Island And mournful answer notes of woe; And the proud march, which victors tread, O well for me, if mine alone That dirge's deep prophetic tone! This harp, which erst Saint Modan sway'd, VIII 'But ah! dear lady, thus it sigh'd The eve thy sainted mother died: And such the sounds which, while I strove To wake a lay of war or love, Came marring all the festal mirth, Appalling me who gave them birth, And disobedient to my call, Wail'd loud through Bothwell's banner'd hall, Ere Douglasses, to ruin driven, Were exiled from their native heaven. Oh! if yet worse mishap and woe |