Mary's Voyage from Scotland to France-The Minstrel's Farewell-Arrival at Brest-Proceeds to St. Germain-en-laye-Captives liberated at her approach-Lesly's admiration of her-Description of Night—Marriage with the Dauphin Francis-Death of the French King Henry the Second-Death of Francis-Mary's Adieu to her Mother's Tomb. CANTO THE FIRST. I. FAIR breaks the Morn, and rising o'er the lea, Oh! it is sweet on such a morn to brave Then-when no object meets th' admiring eye, Save the blue waters, and the bluer sky; When all is silent, save a transient breeze That scarce can break the crystal of the seas; While Fancy smiles upon the still dear throng, II. But to my theme! perchance too long delay'd, To muse on scenes where first my footsteps stray'd; Nor let the poet smile, nor critic deem Such recollections can disgrace my theme: For in those scenes my thoughts first learnt to pore! O'er the wild tales of legendary lore; First lisp'd the name at which my bosom glows, And wept o'er Mary's beauty, and her woes. Mark ye, where rising o'er the swelling surge, Yon bark seems ling'ring on th' horizon's verge, Spreads its white sails majestically slow, And cleaves the waters with its glittering prow y? There, woo'd by pleasure such as youth beguiles, The exil'd Queen of Caledonia smiles; (1) Round her the daughters of each high-born chiefHer young companions soothe, or share her grief: (2). Launch'd into all the novelty of life, They little reck of sorrow or of strife ; Nor deem, unconscious of their future doom, As if already she had learnt the joy Smile on, young Queen! smile on, securely gay, Nor weep till grief shall claim thee for his prey; |