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

CANTO IV.] THE LORD OF THE ISLES. 173
-Pent in this isle we may not lie,'
Nor would it long our want supply.
Right opposite, the mainland towers
Of my own Turnberry court our powers-Might not my father's beadsman hoar,
Cuthbert, who dwells upon the shore,
Kindle a signal-flame, to show
The time propitious for the blow?
It shall be so-some friend shall bear
Our mandate with despatch and care;
-Edward shall find the messenger.
That fortress ours, the island fleet
May on the coast of Carrick meet.O Scotland! shall it e'er be mine
To wreak thy wrongs in battle-line,
To raise my victor-head, and see
Thy hills, thy dales, thy people free,That glance of bliss is all I crave,
Betwixt my labours and my grave! "
Then down the hill he slowly went,
Oft pausing on the steep descent,
And reach'd the spot where his bold train
Held rustic camp upon the plain.2
1 [This and the twelve succeeding lines are interpolated on
the blank page of the MS.]
2 [" The fourth canto cannot be very greatly praised. It
contains, indeed, many pleasing passages; but the merit which
they possess is too much detached from the general interest
of the poem. The only business is Bruce's arrival at the isle
of Arran. The voyage is certainly described with spirit; but
the remainder of the canto is rather tedious, and might, with