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

SCENE II.]

HALIDON HILL.

289

And such an enemy as this same Edward,
To choose our field of battle! He knows how
To make our. Scottish pride betray its master
Into the pitfall.
[During this speech the debate anong the
Nobles is continued.
Suth. [aloud.] We will not back one furlongnot one yard,
No, nor one inch; where'er we find the foe,
Or where the foe finds us, there will we fight
him.
Retreat will dull the spirit of our followers,
Who now stand prompt for battle.
Ross. My Lords, methinks great Morarchat'1
has doubts,
That, if his Northern clans once turn the seam
Of their check'd hose behind, it will be hard
To halt and rally them.
Suth. Say'st thou, MacDonnell?-Add another
falsehood,
And name when Morarchat was coward or
traitor?
Thine island race, as chronicles can tell,
Were oft affianced to the Southron cause;
Loving tthe weight and temper of their gold,
More than the weight and temper of their steel.
Reg. Peace, my Lords, ho!
1 [Morarcliate is the ancient Gaelic designation of the Earls
of Sutherland.]
VOL. VIII. 19