The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott, with memoir of the author.

CANTO I.] ROKEBY. 49
The wily priests their victim sought,
And damm'd each free-born 1 deed and thought.
Then must I seek another home,
My license shook his sober dome;
If gold he gave, in one wild day
I revell'd thrice the sum away.
An idle outcast then I stray'd,
Unfit for tillage or for trade.
Deem'd, like the steel of rusted lance,
Useless and dangerous at once.
The women fear'd my hardy look,
At my approach the peaceful shook;
The merchant saw my glance of flame,
And lock'd his hoards -when Bertram came;
Each child of coward peace kept far
From the neglected son of war.
XVIII.
"But civil discord gave the call,
And made my trade the trade of all.
By Mortham urged, I came again
His vassals to the fight to train.
What guerdon waited on my care! 2
I could not cant of creed or prayer;
Sour fanatics each trust obtain'd,
And I, dishonour'd and disdain'd,
1 [MS.-" Each liberal deed."]
2 [MS.-" But of my labour what the meed?
I could not cant of church or creed."]
VOL. IV. 4