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

84 THE BRIDAL OF TRIERMAIN. [CANTO l.
VI.
'Twas then was heard a heavy sound,
(Sound, strange and fearful there to hear,
'Mongst desert hills, where, leagues around,
Dwelt but the gorcock atd the deer:)
As, starting from his couch of fern,
Again he heard, in clangour stern,
That deep and solemn swell,Twelve times, in measured tone, it spoke,
Like some proud minster's pealing clock,
Or city's larum-bell.
What thought was Roland's first when fell,
In that deep wilderness, the knell
Upon his startled ear?
To slander warrior were I loth,
Yet must I hold my minstrel troth,It was a thought of fear.
VII.
But lively was the mingled thrill
That chased that momentary chill,
For Love's keen wish was there,
And eager Hope, and Valour high,
And the proud glow of Chivalry,
That burn'd to do and dare.
Forth from the cave the Warrior rush'd,
Long ere the mountain-voice 2 was hush'd,
1 [MS. --- " his couch of rock,
Again upon his ear it broke."]
2 [MS --- — mingled sounds were hush'd."]