trict of lakes and mountains, which, in exercise of my poetical privilege, I have subjected to the authority of my imaginary chieftain; and which, at the period of my romance, was really occupied by a clan who claimed a descent from Alpine-a clan the most unfortunate, and most persecuted, but neither the least distinguished, least powerful, or least brave, of the tribes of the Gael. Slioch non rioghridh duchaisach Aig an robh crun na Halba othus The first stage of the Fiery Cross is to Duncraggan, a place near the Brigg of Turk, where a short stream divides Loch-Achray from LochVennachar. From thence, it passes towards Callender, and then, turning to the left up the pass of Lennie, is consigned to Norman at the chapel of Saint Bride, which stood on a small and romantic knoll in the middle of the valley called Strath-Ire. Tombea and Arnandave, or Ardmandave, are names of places in the vicinity. The alarm is then supposed to pass along the lake of Lubnaig, and through the various glens in the district of Balquidder, including the neighbouring tracts of Glenfinlas and Strathgartney. Note XII. Not faster o'er thy heathery brues, Balquidder, speeds the midnight blaze.-St. XXIV. p. 97. It may be necessary to inform the southern reader, that the heath on the Scottish moorlands is often set fire to, that the sheep may have the advantage of the young herbage produced in room of the tough ord heather plants. This custom (execrated by sportsmen) produces occasionally the most beautiful nocturnal appearances, similar almost to the discharge of a volcano. The simile is not new to poetry. The charge of a warrior, in the fine ballad of Hardyknute, is said to be "like a fire to heather set." THE LADY OF THE LAKE. CANTO THE FOURTH. The Prophecy. I. "THE rose is fairest when 'tis budding new, I bid your blossoms in my bonnet wave, wave. IL Such fond conceit, half said, half sung, All while he stripp'd the wild-rose spray, His axe and bow beside him lay. 'Stand, or thou diest !—What, Malise?—soon Art thou return'd from Braes of Doune. By thy keen step and glance I know, "Where sleeps the Chief?" the henchman said, 'Apart, in yonder misty glade; 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; Unfit for arms? and given his charge, That such dear pledge may rest secure?" IV. "'T is well advised-the chieftain's plan Bespeaks the father of his clan. But wherefore sleeps Sir Roderick Dhu Of that dread kind which must not be The Taghairm call'd: by which, afar, MALISE. "Ah! well the gallant brute I knew ! |