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

THE PROPHECY. CA NTO
"Bold wordsl —but, though the beast of gamne
The privilege of chase may claim,
Though space and law the stag we lend,
Ere hound we slip, or bow we bend,
Who ever reck'd, where, how, or when,
The prowling fox was trapped or slain?
Thus, treacherous scouts-yet sure they lie,
Who say thou cam'st a secret spyl"
"They do, by Heaven! Come Roderick DhU
And of his clan the boldest two,
And let me but till morning rest,
I write the falsehood on their crest."
6"If by the blaze I mark aright,
Thou bear'st the belt and spur of Knight."
"' Then, by these tokens may'st thou know,;ach proud oppressor's mortal foe."
"Enough, enough; sit down and share
A soldier's couch, a soldier's fare."
XXXL
He gave him of his highland cheer,
The hardened flesh of mountain deer;
Dry fuel on the fire he laid,
And bade the Saxon share his plaid.
He tended him like welcome guest,
Then thus his further speech addresseds
"Stranger, I am to Roderick Dhu
A clansman born, a kinsman true;
Each word agaiqst his honour spoke,
Demands of me avenging stroke;
Yet more-upon thy fate,'tis said,
A mighty augury is laid.
It rests with me to wind my horn,
Thou art with numbers overborne;
It rests with me, here, brand to brand,
Worn as thou art, to bid thee stand:
But nor for clan nor kindred's cause,
Will I depart from honour's laws:
To assail a wearied man were shame,
A stranger is a holy name;
Guidance and rest, and food and fire,
In vain he never must require.
Then rest thee here till dawn of day;
Myself will'guide thee on the way,
O'er stock and stone, through watch and wTard.
Till past clan-Alpine's outmost gularil,