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

CANTO III.] THE BRIDAL OF TRIERMAIN.

87

And barbican 1 and ballium 2 vast,
And airy flanking towers, that cast
Their shadows on the stream.
'Tis no deceit! distinctly clear
Crenell8 and parapet appear,
While o'er the pile that meteor drear
Makes momentary pause;
Then forth its solemn path it drew,
And fainter yet and fainter grew
Those gloomy towers upon the view,
As its wild light withdraws.
x.
Forth from the cave did Roland rush,
O'er crag and stream, through brier and bush;
Yet far he had not sped,4
Ere sunk was that portentous light
Behind the hills, and utter night
Was on the valley spread.He paused perforce,-and blew his horn,
And, on the mountain-echoes borne6
Was heard an answering sound,
A wild and lonely trumpet-note,In middle air it seem'd to float
High o'er the battled mound;
1 The outer defence of the castle gate.
2 Fortified court.
8 Apertures for shooting arrows.
4 [MS. had not gone."]
5 [MS. "the valley lone."]
6 [MS.-"And far upon the echoes borne."]