XXIX HYMN TO THE VIRGIN Ave Maria! maiden mild! Listen to a maiden's prayer! Thou canst hear though from the wild, Thou canst save amid despair. Safe may we sleep beneath thy care, Though banish'd, outcast, and reviled— Maiden! hear a maiden's prayer; Mother, hear a suppliant child! Ave Maria! undefiled! Ave Maria! The flinty couch we now must share Shall seem with down of eider piled, If thy protection hover there. The murky cavern's heavy air Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled; Then, Maiden! hear a maiden's prayer, Mother, list a suppliant child! Ave Maria! stainless styled! Ave Maria! Foul demons of the earth and air, From this their wonted haunt exiled, Shall flee before thy presence fair. We bow us to our lot of care, Beneath thy guidance reconciled; Hear for a maid a maiden's prayer, And for a father hear a child! Ave Maria! Canto III The Gathering Canto III -- The Gathering XXX Died on the harp the closing hymn-- XXXI A various scene the clansmen made, But most, with mantles folded round, Unless where, here and there, a blade, Or lance's point, a glimmer made, Canto III The Like glow-worm twinkling through the shade. Gathering They saw the Chieftain's eagle plume, And Silence claim'd her evening reign. CANTO FOURTH THE PROPHECY I 'THE rose is fairest when 'tis budding new, I bid your blossoms in my bonnet wave, Emblem of hope and love through future years!' Thus spoke young Norman, heir of Armandave, What time the sun arose on Vennachar's broad wave. II Such fond conceit, half said, half sung, For on a pass 'twixt lake and wood, A wakeful sentinel he stood. 'Stand, or thou diest!-What, Malise?-soon 90 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. To his lone couch I'll be your guide.'— III Together up the pass they sped: At prompt command, to march from Doune; Soon will this dark and gathering cloud Inured to bide such bitter bout, The warrior's plaid may bear it out; |