CANTO FIFTH THE COMBAT

Fair as the earliest beam of eastern light, When first, by the bewildered pilgrim spied, It smiles upon the dreary brow of night, And silvers o'er the torrent's foaming tide, 5 And lights the fearful path on mountain side; Fair as that beam, although the fairest far, Giving to horror grace, to danger pride, Shine martial Faith, and Courtesy's bright star, Through all the wreckful storms that cloud the brow of War.

10 That early beam, so fair and sheen, Was twinkling through the hazel screen, When rousing at its glimmer red, The warriors left their lowly bed, Looked out upon the dappled sky, 15 Muttered their soldier matins by, And then awaked their fire, to steal, As short and rude, their soldier meal. That o'er, the Gael around him threw His graceful plaid of varied hue, 20 And, true to promise, led the way, By thicket green and mountain gray. A wildering path—they winded now Along the precipice's brow, Commanding the rich scenes beneath, 25 The windings of the Forth and Teith, And all the vales between that lie, Till Stirling's turrets melt in sky; Then, sunk in copse, their farthest glance Gained not the length of horseman's lance. 30 'Twas oft so steep, the foot was fain Assistance from the hand to gain; So tangled oft, that, bursting through, Each hawthorn shed her showers of dew— That diamond dew, so pure and clear, 35 It rivals all but Beauty's tear!

At length they came where, stern and steep, The hill sinks down upon the deep. Here Vennachar in silver flows, There, ridge on ridge, Benledi rose; 40 Ever the hollow path twined on, Beneath steep bank and threatening stone; An hundred men might hold the post With hardihood against a host. The rugged mountain's scanty cloak 45 Was dwarfish shrubs of birch and oak, With shingles bare, and cliffs between,note And patches bright of bracken green, And heather black, that waved so high, It held the copse in rivalry. 50 But where the lake slept deep and still, Dank osiers fringed the swamp and hill; And oft both path and hill were torn, Where wintry torrents down had borne, And heaped upon the cumbered land 55 Its wreck of gravel, rocks and sand. So toilsome was the road to trace, The guide, abating of his pace, Led slowly through the pass's jaws, And asked Fitz-James, by what strange cause 60 He sought these wilds, traversed by few, Without a pass from Roderick Dhu.

"Brave Gael, my pass, in danger tried, Hangs in my belt, and by my side; Yet, sooth to tell," the Saxon said, 65 "I dreamt not now to claim its aid. When here, but three days since, I came, Bewildered in pursuit of game, All seemed as peaceful and as still As the mist slumbering on yon hill; 70 Thy dangerous Chief was then afar, Nor soon expected back from war. Thus said, at least, my mountain-guide, Though deep perchance the villian lied." "Yet why a second venture try?" 75 "A warrior thou, and ask me why! Moves our free course by such fixed cause As gives the poor mechanic laws? Enough, I sought to drive away The lazy hours of peaceful day; 80 Slight cause will then suffice to guide A Knight's free footsteps far and wide— A falcon flown, a greyhound strayed, The merry glance of mountain maid; Or, if a path be dangerous known, 85 The danger's self is lure alone."

"Thy secret keep, I urge thee not;— Yet, ere again ye sought this spot, Say, heard ye nought of Lowland war, Against Clan-Alpine, raised by Mar?" 90 "No, by my word—of bands prepared To guard King James's sports I heard; Nor doubt I aught, but, when they hear This muster of the mountaineer, Their pennons will abroad be flung, 95 Which else in Doune had peaceful hung." "Free be they flung!—for we were loath Their silken folds should feast the moth. Free be they flung!—as free shall wave Clan-Alpine's pine in banner brave. 100 But, Stranger, peaceful since you came, Bewildered in the mountain game, Whence the bold boast by which you show Vich-Alpine's vowed and mortal foe?" "Warrior, but yester-morn, I knew 105 Naught of thy Chieftain, Roderick Dhu, Save as an outlawed desperate man, The chief of a rebellious clan, Who, in the Regent's court and sight, With ruffian dagger stabbed a knight; 110 Yet this alone might from his part Sever each true and loyal heart."

Wrathful at such arraignment foul, Dark lowered the clansman's sable scowl. A space he paused, then sternly said, 115 "And heard'st thou why he drew his blade? Heard'st thou that shameful word and blow Brought Roderick's vengeance on his foe? What recked the Chieftain if he stood On Highland heath, or Holy-Rood? 120 He rights such wrong where it is given, If it were in the court of heaven." "Still was it outrage—yet, 'tis true, Not then claimed sovereignty his due; While Albany, with feeble hand,note 125 Held borrowed truncheon of command, The young King, mewed in Stirling tower, Was stranger to respect and power. But then, thy Chieftain's robber life! Winning mean prey by causeless strife, 130 Wrenching from ruined Lowland swain His herds and harvest reared in vain— Methinks a soul, like thine, should scorn The spoils from such foul foray borne."

The Gael beheld him grim the while, 135 And answered with disdainful smile— "Saxon, from yonder mountain high, I marked thee send delighted eye Far to the south and east, where lay, Extended in succession gay, 140 Deep waving fields and pastures green, With gentle slopes and groves between; These fertile plains, that softened vale, Were once the birthright of the Gael; The stranger came with iron hand, 145 And from our fathers reft the land. Where dwell we now! See, rudely swell Crag over crag, and fell o'er fell. Ask we this savage hill we tread For fattened steer or household bread; 150 Ask we for flocks these shingles dry, And well the mountain might reply, 'To you, as to your sires of yore, Belong the target and claymore! I give you shelter in my breast, 155 Your own good blades must win the rest.' Pent in this fortress of the North, Think'st thou we will not sally forth, To spoil the spoiler as we may, And from the robber rend the prey? 160 Aye, by my soul! While on yon plain The Saxon rears one shock of grain; While, of ten thousand herds, there strays But one along yon river's maze, The Gael, of plain and river heir, 165 Shall, with strong hand, redeem his share. Where live the mountain Chiefs who hold That plundering Lowland field and fold Is aught but retribution true? Seek other cause 'gainst Roderick Dhu."

170 Answered Fitz-James, "And if I sought, Think'st thou no other could be brought? What deem ye of my path waylaid? My life given o'er to ambuscade?" "As of a meed to rashness due: 175 Hadst thou sent warning fair and true— I seek my hound, or falcon strayed, I seek, good faith, a Highland maid— Free hadst thou been to come and go; But secret path marks secret foe. 180 Nor yet, for this, even as a spy, Hadst thou, unheard, been doomed to die. Save to fulfill an augury." "Well, let it pass; nor will I now Fresh cause of enmity avow, 185 To chafe thy mood and cloud thy brow. Enough, I am by promise tied To match me with this man of pride: Twice have I sought Clan-Alpine's glen In peace; but when I come again, 190 I come with banner, brand, and bow, As leader seeks his mortal foe. For love-lorn swain, in lady's bower, Ne'er panted for the appointed hour, As I, until before me stand 195 This rebel Chieftain and his band!"

"Have, then, thy wish!" He whistled shrill, And he was answered from the hill; Wild as the scream of the curlew,note From crag to crag the signal flew. 200 Instant, through copse and heath, arose Bonnets and spears and bended bows; On right, on left, above, below, Sprung up at once the lurking foe; From shingles gray their lances start, 205 The bracken bush sends forth the dart, The rushes and the willow-wand Are bristling into ax and brand, And every tuft of broom gives life To plaided warrior armed for strife. 210 That whistle garrisoned the glen At once with full five hundred men, As if the yawning hill to heaven A subterranean host had given. Watching their leader's beck and will, 215 All silent there they stood, and still. Like the loose crags whose threatening mass Lay tottering o'er the hollow pass, As if an infant's touch could urge Their headlong passage down the verge, 220 With step and weapon forward flung, Upon the mountain-side they hung. The Mountaineer cast glance of pride Along Benledi's living side, Then fixed his eye and sable brow 225 Full on Fitz-James—"How say'st thou now? These are Clan-Alpine's warriors true; And, Saxon—I am Roderick Dhu!"

Fitz-James was brave. Though to his heart The life-blood thrilled with sudden start, 230 He manned himself with dauntless air, Returned the Chief his haughty stare, His back against a rock he bore, And firmly placed his foot before: "Come one, come all! this rock shall fly 235 From its firm base as soon as I." Sir Roderick marked—and in his eyes Respect was mingled with surprise, And the stern joy which warriors feel In foemen worthy of their steel. 240 Short space he stood—then waved his hand; Down sunk the disappearing band; Each warrior vanished where he stood, In broom or bracken, heath or wood; Sunk brand and spear and bended bow, 245 In osiers pale and copses low; It seemed as if their mother Earth Had swallowed up her warlike birth. The wind's last breath had tossed in air, Pennon, and plaid, and plumage fair; 250 The next but swept a lone hill-side, Where heath and fern were waving wide. The sun's last glance was glinted back, From spear and glaive, from targe and jack,note The next, all unreflected, shone 255 On bracken green, and cold gray stone.

Fitz-James looked round—yet scarce believed The witness that his sight received; Such apparition well might seem Delusion of a dreadful dream. 260 Sir Roderick in suspense he eyed, And to his look the Chief replied, "Fear naught—nay, that I need not say— But—doubt not aught from mine array. Thou art my guest—I pledged my word 265 As far as Coilantogle ford; Nor would I call a clansman's brand For aid against one valiant hand, Though on our strife lay every vale Rent by the Saxon from the Gael. 270 So move we on—I only meant To show the reed on which you leant, Deeming this path you might pursue Without a pass from Roderick Dhu." They moved—I said Fitz-James was brave, 275 As ever knight that belted glaive; Yet dare not say, that now his blood Kept on its wont and tempered flood, As, following Roderick's stride, he drew That seeming lonesome pathway through, 280 Which yet, by fearful proof, was rife With lances, that, to take his life, Waited but signal from a guide, So late dishonored and defied. Ever, by stealth, his eye sought round 285 The vanished guardians of the ground, And still, from copse and heather deep, Fancy saw spear and broadsword peep, And in the plover's shrilly strain, The signal whistle heard again. 290 Nor breathed he free till far behind The pass was left; for then they wind Along a wide and level green, Where neither tree nor tuft was seen, Nor rush nor bush of broom was near, 295 To hide a bonnet or a spear.

The Chief in silence strode before, And reached that torrent's sounding shore, Which, daughter of three mighty lakes, From Vennachar in silver breaks, 300 Sweeps through the plain, and ceaseless mines On Bochastle the moldering lines,note Where Rome, the Empress of the world, Of yore her eagle wings unfurled. And here his course the Chieftain stayed, 305 Threw down his target and his plaid, And to the Lowland warrior said— "Bold Saxon! to his promise just, Vich-Alpine has discharged his trust. This murderous Chief, this ruthless man, 310 This head of a rebellious clan, Hath led thee safe, through watch and ward, Far past Clan-Alpine's outmost guard. Now, man to man, and steel to steel. A Chieftain's vengeance thou shalt feel. 315 See, here, all vantageless I stand, Armed, like thyself, with single brand; For this is Coilantogle ford, And thou must keep thee with thy sword."

The Saxon paused: "I ne'er delayed, 320 When foeman bade me draw my blade; Nay more, brave Chief, I vowed thy death; Yet sure thy fair and generous faith, And my deep debt for life preserved, A better meed have well deserved. 325 Can naught but blood our feud atone? Are there no means?" "No, Stranger, none! And hear—to fire thy flagging zeal— The Saxon cause rests on thy steel; For thus spoke Fate, by prophet bred 330 Between the living and the dead; 'Who spills the foremost foeman's life, His party conquers in the strife.'" "Then, by my word," the Saxon said, "The riddle is already read. 335 Seek yonder brake beneath the cliff— There lies Red Murdoch, stark and stiff. Thus Fate hath solved her prophecy, Then yield to Fate, and not to me. To James, at Stirling, let us go, 340 When, if thou wilt be still his foe, Or if the King shall not agree To grant thee grace and favor free, I plight mine honor, oath, and word, That, to thy native strengths restored, 345 With each advantage shalt thou stand, That aids thee now to guard thy land."

Dark lightning flashed from Roderick's eye— "Soars thy presumption, then, so high, Because a wretched kern ye slew, 350 Homage to name to Roderick Dhu? He yields not, he, to man nor Fate! Thou add'st but fuel to my hate; My clansman's blood demands revenge. Not yet prepared?—By heaven, I change 355 My thought, and hold thy valor light As that of some vain carpet knight, Who ill deserved my courteous care, And whose best boast is but to wear A braid of his fair lady's hair." 360 "I thank thee, Roderick, for the word! It nerves my heart, it steels my sword; For I have sworn this braid to stain In the best blood that warms thy vein. Now, truce, farewell! and ruth, begone!— 365 Yet think not that by thee alone, Proud Chief! can courtesy be shown; Though not from copse, or heath, or cairn, Start at my whistle clansmen stern, Of this small horn one feeble blast 370 Would fearful odds against thee cast. But fear not—doubt not—which thou wilt— We try this quarrel hilt to hilt." Then each at once his falchion drew, Each on the ground his scabbard threw, 375 Each looked to sun, and stream, and plain, As what they ne'er might see again; Then foot, and point, and eye opposed, In dubious strife they darkly closed.

Ill fared it then with Roderick Dhu, 380 That on the field his targe he threw, Whose brazen studs and tough bull-hide Had death so often dashed aside; For, trained abroad his arms to wield, Fitz-James's blade was sword and shield. 385 He practiced every pass and ward, To thrust, to strike, to feint, to guard; While less expert, though stronger far, The Gael maintained unequal war. Three times in closing strife they stood, 390 And thrice the Saxon blade drank blood; No stinted draft, no scanty tide, The gushing flood the tartans dyed. Fierce Roderick felt the fatal drain, And showered his blows like wintry rain; 395 And, as firm rock, or castle-roof, Against the winter shower is proof, The foe, invulnerable still, Foiled his wild rage by steady skill; Till, at advantage ta'en, his brand 400 Forced Roderick's weapon from his hand, And backward borne upon the lea, Brought the proud Chieftain to his knee.

"Now, yield thee, or by Him who made The world, thy heart's blood dyes my blade!"— 405 "Thy threats, thy mercy, I defy! Let recreant yield, who fears to die." —Like adder darting from his coil, Like wolf that dashes through the toil, Like mountain-cat who guards her young,note 410 Full at Fitz-James's throat he sprung; Received, but recked not of a wound, And locked his arms his foeman round. Now, gallant Saxon, hold thine own! No maiden's hand is round thee thrown! 415 That desperate grasp thy frame might feel, Through bars of brass and triple steel!— They tug, they strain! down, down they go, The Gael above, Fitz-James below. The Chieftain's gripe his throat compressed 420 His knee was planted in his breast; His clotted locks he backward threw, Across his brow his hand he drew, From blood and mist to clear his sight, Then gleamed aloft his dagger bright! 425 But hate and fury ill supplied The stream of life's exhausted tide, And all too late the advantage came, To turn the odds of deadly game; For, while the dagger gleamed on high, 430 Reeled soul and sense, reeled brain and eye. Down came the blow! but in the heath The erring blade found bloodless sheath. The struggling foe may now unclasp The fainting Chief's relaxing grasp; 435 Unwounded from the dreadful close, But breathless all, Fitz-James arose.

He faltered thanks to Heaven for life, Redeemed, unhoped, from desperate strife; Next on his foe his look he cast, 440 Whose every gasp appeared his last; In Roderick's gore he dipped the braid— "Poor Blanche! thy wrongs are dearly paid; Yet with thy foe must die, or live, The praise that faith and valor give." 445 With that he blew a bugle-note, Undid the collar from his throat, Unbonneted, and by the wave Sat down his brow and hands to lave. Then faint afar are heard the feet 450 Of rushing steeds in gallop fleet; The sounds increase, and now are seen Four mounted squires in Lincoln green; Two who bear lance, and two who lead, By loosened rein, a saddled steed; 455 Each onward held his headlong course, And by Fitz-James reined up his horse— With wonder viewed the bloody spot— "Exclaim not, gallants! question not. You, Herbert and Luffness, alight, 460 And bind the wounds of yonder knight; Let the gray palfrey bear his weight,note We destined for a fairer freight, And bring him on to Stirling straight; I will before at better speed, 465 To seek fresh horse and fitting weed.note The sun rides high—I must be boune, To see the archer-game at noon; But lightly Bayard clears the lea— De Vaux and Herries, follow me.

470 "Stand, Bayard, stand!" The steed obeyed, With arching neck and bended head, And glancing eye and quivering ear As if he loved his lord to hear. No foot Fitz-James in stirrup stayed, 475 No grasp upon the saddle laid, But wreathed his left hand in the mane, And lightly bounded from the plain, Turned on the horse his arméd heel, And stirred his courage with the steel. 480 Bounded the fiery steed in air; The rider sat erect and fair; Then like a bolt from steel crossbow Forth launched, along the plain they go. They dashed that rapid torrent through, 485 And up Carhonie's hill they flew; Still at the gallop pricked the Knight, His merrymen followed as they might. Along thy banks, swift Teith! they ride, And in the race they mock thy tide; 490 Torry and Lendrick now are past,note And Deanstown lies behind them cast; They rise, the bannered towers of Doune, They sink in distant woodland soon; Blair-Drummond sees the hoofs strike fire, 495 They sweep like breeze through Ochtertyre; They mark just glance and disappear The lofty brow of ancient Kier; They bathe their coursers' sweltering sides, Dark Forth! amid thy sluggish tides, 500 And on the opposing shore take ground, With plash, with scramble, and with bound. Right-hand they leave thy cliffs, Craig-Forth! And soon the bulwark of the North, Gray Stirling, with her towers and town, 505 Upon their fleet career looked down.

As up the flinty path they strained Sudden his steed the leader reined; A signal to his squire he flung, Who instant to his stirrup sprung: 510 "Seest thou, De Vaux, yon woodsman gray, Who townward holds the rocky way, Of stature tall and poor array? Mark'st thou the firm, yet active stride, With which he scales the mountain-side? 515 Know'st thou from whence he comes, or whom?" "No, by my word—a burly groom He seems, who in the field or chase A baron's train would nobly grace." "Out, out, De Vaux! can fear supply, 520 And jealousy, no sharper eye? Afar, ere to the hill he drew, That stately form and step I knew; Like form in Scotland is not seen, Treads not such step on Scottish green. 525 'Tis James of Douglas, by Saint Serle!note The uncle of the banished Earl. Away, away, to court, to show The near approach of dreaded foe; The King must stand upon his guard; 530 Douglas and he must meet prepared." Then righthand wheeled their steeds, and straight They won the castle's postern gate.note

The Douglas, who had bent his way From Cambus-Kenneth's abbey gray, 535 Now, as he climbed the rocky shelf, Held sad communion with himself: "Yes! all is true my fears could frame; A prisoner lies the noble Graeme, And fiery Roderick soon will feel 540 The vengeance of the royal steel. I, only I, can ward their fate— God grant the ransom come not late! The Abbess hath her promise given, My child shall be the bride of heaven. 545 Be pardoned one repining tear! For He, who gave her, knows how dear, How excellent!—but that is by, And now my business is—to die. —Ye towers! within whose circuit dread 550 A Douglas by his sovereign bled; And thou, O sad and fatal mound! That oft hast heard the death-ax sound, As on the noblest of the land Fell the stern headsman's bloody hand— 555 The dungeon, block, and nameless tomb Prepare—for Douglas seeks his doom! —But hark! what blithe and jolly peal Makes the Franciscan steeple reel? And see! upon the crowded street, 560 In motley groups what maskers meet! Banner and pageant, pipe and drum, And merry morris dancers come. I guess, by all this quaint array, The burghers hold their sports today. 565 James will be there; he loves such show, Where the good yeoman bends his bow, And the tough wrestler foils his foe, As well as where, in proud career, The high-born tilter shivers spear. 570 I'll follow to the Castle-park, And play my prize—King James shall mark If age has tamed these sinews stark, Whose force so oft, in happier days, His boyish wonder loved to praise."

575 The Castle gates were open flung, The quivering drawbridge rocked and rung, And echoed loud the flinty street Beneath the coursers' clattering feet, As slowly down the steep descent 580 Fair Scotland's King and nobles went, While all along the crowded way Was jubilee and loud huzza. And ever James was bending low, To his white jennet's saddle-bow,note 585 Doffing his cap to city dame, Who smiled and blushed for pride and shame. And well the simperer might be vain— He chose the fairest of the train. Gravely he greets each city sire, 590 Commends each pageant's quaint attire. Gives to the dancers thanks aloud, And smiles and nods upon the crowd, Who rend the heavens with their acclaims, "Long live the Commons' King, King James!" 595 Behind the King thronged peer and knight, And noble dame and damsel bright, Whose fiery steeds ill brooked the stay Of the steep street and crowded way. But in the train you might discern 600 Dark lowering brow and visage stern; There nobles mourned their pride restrained, And the mean burgher's joys disdained; And chiefs, who, hostage for their clan, Were each from home a banished man, 605 There thought upon their own gray tower, Their waving woods, their feudal power, And deemed themselves a shameful part Of pageant which they cursed in heart.

Now, in the Castle-park, drew out 610 Their checkered bands the joyous rout. Their morricers, with bell at heel,note And blade in hand, their mazes wheel; And chief, beside the butts, there standnote Bold Robin Hood and all his band—note 615 Friar Tuck with quarterstaff and cowl, Old Scathelocke with his surly scowl, Maid Marion, fair as ivory bone, Scarlet, and Mutch, and Little John; Their bugles challenge all that will, 620 In archery to prove their skill. The Douglas bent a bow of might— His first shaft centered in the white,note And when in turn he shot again, His second split the first in twain. 625 From the King's hand must Douglas take A silver dart, the archer's stake; Fondly he watched, with watery eye, Some answering glance of sympathy— No kind emotion made reply! 630 Indifferent as to archer wight, The monarch gave the arrow bright.

Now, clear the ring! for, hand to hand, The manly wrestlers take their stand. Two o'er the rest superior rose, 635 And proud demanded mightier foes, Nor called in vain; for Douglas came. —For life is Hugh of Larbert lame; Scarce better John of Alloa's fare, Whom senseless home his comrades bear. 640 Prize of the wrestling match, the King To Douglas gave a golden ring, While coldly glanced his eye of blue, As frozen drop of wintry dew. Douglas would speak, but in his breast 645 His struggling soul his words suppressed; Indignant then he turned him where Their arms the brawny yeomen bare. To hurl the massive bar in air. When each his utmost strength had shown, 650 The Douglas rent an earth-fast stone From its deep bed, then heaved it high, And sent the fragment through the sky, A rood beyond the farthest mark; And still in Stirling's royal park, 655 The gray-haired sires, who know the past, To strangers point the Douglas-cast, And moralize on the decay Of Scottish strength in modern day.

The vale with loud applauses rang, 660 The Ladies' Rock sent back the clang.note The King, with look unmoved, bestowed A purse well-filled with pieces broad. Indignant smiled the Douglas proud, And threw the gold among the crowd, 665 Who now, with anxious wonder, scan, And sharper glance, the dark gray man; Till whispers rose among the throng, That heart so free, and hand so strong, Must to the Douglas blood belong. 670 The old men marked and shook the head, To see his hair with silver spread, And winked aside, and told each son, Of feats upon the English done, Ere Douglas of the stalwart hand 675 Was exiled from his native land. The women praised his stately form, Though wrecked by many a winter's storm; The youth with awe and wonder saw His strength surpassing Nature's law. 680 Thus judged, as is their wont, the crowd, Till murmur rose to clamors loud. But not a glance from that proud ring Of peers who circled round the King, With Douglas held communion kind, 685 Or called the banished man to mind; No, not from those who, at the chase, Once held his side the honored place, Begirt his board, and, in the field, Found safety underneath his shield; 690 For he, whom royal eyes disown, When was his form to courtiers known!

The Monarch saw the gambols flag, And bade let loose a gallant stag, Whose pride, the holiday to crown, 695 Two favorite greyhounds should pull down, That venison free, and Bordeaux wine, Might serve the archery to dine. But Lufra—whom from Douglas' side Nor bribe nor threat could e'er divide, 700 The fleetest hound in all the North— Brave Lufra saw and darted forth. She left the royal hounds mid-way, And dashing on the antlered prey, Sunk her sharp muzzle in his flank, 705 And deep the flowing life-blood drank. The King's stout huntsman saw the sport By strange intruder broken short, Came up, and with his leash unbound, In anger struck the noble hound. 710 The Douglas had endured, that morn, The King's cold look, the nobles' scorn, And last, and worst to spirit proud, Had borne the pity of the crowd; But Lufra had been fondly bred, 715 To share his board, to watch his bed, And oft would Ellen, Lufra's neck In maiden glee with garlands deck; They were such playmates, that with name Of Lufra, Ellen's image came. 720 His stifled wrath is brimming high, In darkened brow and flashing eye; As waves before the bark divide, The crowd gave way before his stride; Needs but a buffet and no more, 725 The groom lies senseless in his gore. Such blow no other hand could deal, Though gauntleted in glove of steel.

Then clamored loud the royal train, And brandished swords and staves amain, 730 But stern the Baron's warning—"Back! Back, on your lives, ye menial pack! Beware the Douglas.—Yes! behold, King James! the Douglas, doomed of old, And vainly sought for near and far, 735 A victim to atone the war, A willing victim, now attends, Nor craves thy grace but for his friends." "Thus is my clemency repaid? Presumptuous Lord!" the monarch said; 740 "Of thy misproud ambitious clan, Thou, James of Bothwell, wert the man, The only man, in whom a foe My woman-mercy would not know: But shall a Monarch's presence brook 745 Injurious blow, and haughty look? What ho! the Captain of our Guard! Give the offender fitting ward. Break off the sports!"—for tumult rose, And yeomen 'gan to bend their bows— 750 "Break off the sports!" he said, and frowned, "And bid our horsemen clear the ground."

Then uproar wild and misarray Marred the fair form of festal day. The horsemen pricked among the crowd, 755 Repelled by threats and insult loud; To earth are borne the old and weak, The timorous fly, the women shriek; With flint, with shaft, with staff, with bar, The hardier urge tumultuous war. 760 At once round Douglas darkly sweep The royal spears in circle deep, And slowly scale the pathway steep; While on the rear in thunder pour The rabble with disordered roar. 765 With grief the noble Douglas saw The Commons rise against the law, And to the leading soldier said— "Sir John of Hyndford! 'twas my blade, That knighthood on thy shoulder laid; 770 For that good deed, permit me then A word with these misguided men.

"Hear, gentle friends! ere yet for me, Ye break the bands of fealty. My life, my honor, and my cause, 775 I tender free to Scotland's laws. Are these so weak as must require The aid of your misguided ire? Or, if I suffer causeless wrong, Is then my selfish rage so strong, 780 My sense of public weal so low, That, for mean vengeance on a foe, Those cords of love I should unbind, Which knit my country and my kind? O no! Believe, in yonder tower 785 It will not soothe my captive hour, To know those spears our foes should dread, For me in kindred gore are red; To know, in fruitless brawl begun, For me, that mother wails her son; 790 For me, that widow's mate expires; For me, that orphans weep their sires; That patriots mourn insulted laws, And curse the Douglas for the cause. O let your patience ward such ill, 795 And keep your right to love me still!"

The crowd's wild fury sunk again In tears, as tempests melt in rain. With lifted hands and eyes, they prayed For blessings on his generous head, 800 Who for his country felt alone, And prized her blood beyond his own. Old men, upon the verge of life, Blessed him who stayed the civil strife; And mothers held their babes on high, 805 The self-devoted Chief to spy, Triumphant over wrongs and ire, To whom the prattlers owed a sire. Even the rough soldier's heart was moved; As if behind some bier beloved, 810 With trailing arms and drooping head, The Douglas up the hill he led, And at the Castle's battled verge, With sighs resigned his honored charge.

The offended Monarch rode apart, 815 With bitter thought and swelling heart, And would not now vouchsafe again Through Stirling streets to lead his train. "O Lennox, who would wish to rule This changeling crowd, this common fool? 820 Hear'st thou," he said, "the loud acclaim, With which they shout the Douglas name? With like acclaim, the vulgar throat Strained for King James their morning note; With like acclaim they hailed the day 825 When first I broke the Douglas' sway; And like acclaim would Douglas greet, If he could hurl me from my seat. Who o'er the herd would wish to reign, Fantastic, fickle, fierce, and vain! 830 Vain as the leaf upon the stream, And fickle as a changeful dream; Fantastic as a woman's mood, And fierce as Frenzy's fevered blood. Thou many-headed monster-thing, 835 O who could wish to be thy king!

"But soft! what messenger of speed Spurs hitherward his panting steed? I guess his cognizance afar— What from our cousin, John of Mar?"— 840 "He prays, my liege, your sports keep bound Within the safe and guarded ground; For some foul purpose yet unknown— Most sure for evil to the throne— The outlawed Chieftain, Roderick Dhu, 845 Has summoned his rebellious crew; 'Tis said, in James of Bothwell's aid These loose banditti stand arrayed. The Earl of Mar, this morn, from Doune, To break their muster marched, and soon 850 Your Grace will hear of battle fought; But earnestly the Earl besought, Till for such danger he provide, With scanty train you will not ride."

"Thou warn'st me I have done amiss— 855 I should have earlier looked to this; I lost it in this bustling day. Retrace with speed thy former way; Spare not for spoiling of thy steed The best of mine shall be thy meed. 860 Say to our faithful Lord of Mar, We do forbid the intended war. Roderick, this morn, in single fight, Was made our prisoner by a knight; And Douglas hath himself and cause 865 Submitted to our kingdom's laws. The tidings of their leaders lost Will soon dissolve the mountain host, Nor would we that the vulgar feel For their Chief's crimes, avenging steel. 870 Bear Mar our message, Braco; fly!" He turned his steed—"My liege, I hie, Yet, ere I cross this lily lawn,note I fear the broadswords will be drawn." The turf the flying courser spurned, 875 And to his towers the King returned.

Ill with King James's mood that day, Suited gay feast and minstrel lay; Soon were dismissed the courtly throng, And soon cut short the festal song. 880 Nor less upon the saddened town The evening sunk in sorrow down. The burghers spoke of civil jar, Of rumored feuds and mountain war, Of Moray, Mar, and Roderick Dhu, 885 All up in arms—The Douglas too, They mourned him pent within the hold, "Where stout Earl William was of old." And there his word the speaker stayed, And finger on his lip he laid, 890 Or pointed to his dagger blade. But jaded horsemen, from the west, At evening to the Castle pressed; And busy talkers said they bore Tidings of fight on Katrine's shore; 895 At noon the deadly fray begun, And lasted till the set of sun. Thus giddy rumor shook the town, Till closed the Night her pennons brown.