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

CANTO II.] HAROLD THE DAUNTLESS.

155

The stranger's size and thewes to scan;
But as he scann'd, his courage sunk,
And from unequal strife he shrunk,
Then forth, to blight and blemish, flies
The harmful curse from Jutta's eyes;
Yet, fatal howsoe'er, the spell
On Harold innocently fell!
And disappointment and amaze
Were in the witch's wilder'd gaze.
XII.
But soon the wit of woman woke,
And to the Warrior mild she spoke:
" Her child was all too young."-" A toy,
The refuge of a maiden coy."Again, "A powerful baron's heir
Claims in her heart an interest fair."" A trifle-whisper in his ear,
That Harold is a suitor here! "Baffled at length she sought delay:
"Would not the Knight till morning stay?
Late was the hour-he there might rest
Till morn, their lodge's honour'd guest."
Such were her words,-her craft might cast,
Her honour'd guest should sleep his last:
"No, not to-night-but soon," he swore,
"He would return, nor leave them more."
The threshold then his huge stride crost,
And soon he was in darkness lost.