The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott ... Notes & life of the author.

298 TRE rROPHECY. CANTO IV
We seek the Chieftain; on the track,
Keep eagle watch till I come back."
Together up the pass they sped:
"What of the foeman? " Norman said.
"Varying reports from near and far;
This certain-that a band of war
Has for two days been ready boune,
At prompt command, to march from Doune;
King James, the while, with princely powers,
Holds revelry in Stirling towers.
Soon will this dark and gathering cloud
Speak on our glens in thunder loud.
Inured to bide such bitter bout,
The warrior's plaid may bear it out;
But, Norman, how wilt thou provide
A shelter for thy bonny brideS"
What! know ye not that Roderick's care
To the lone isle hath caused repair
Each maid and matron of the clan,
And every child and aged man
Unfit for arms? and given his charge,
Nor skiff nor shallop, boat nor barge,
Upon these lakes shall float at large,
But all beside the islet moor,
That such dear pledge may rest secure?"
IV.
"'Tis well advised-the Chieftain's plan
Bespeaks the father of his clan.
But wherefore sleeps Sir Roderick Dha
Apart from all his followers true?"
"It is; because last evening-tide
Brian an augury hath tried,
Of that dread kind which must not be
Unless in dread extremity,
The Taghairm called; by which, afar,
Our sires foresaw the events of war.
Duncraggan's milk-white bull they slew —
MALISE.
"Ahl well the gallant brute I knew,
The choicest of the prey we had,