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

TH.E'LADY OF THE LAKE. CANTO VS
Such as the rugged days' of old,
Deem'd fit fobr captive noble's hold.
4 Here," said De Brent, " thou may'st remain
Till the Leach visit him again.
Strict is his charge, the warders tell,
To tend the noble prisoner welL"
Retiring then the bolt he drew,
And the lock's murmurs growl'd anew.
Roused at the sound, from lowly bed
A captive feebly raised his head;
The wondering Minstrel looked, and knew
Not his dearlord, but Roderick Dhu!
For, come from where Clan-Alpine fought,
They, erring, deemed the Chief he sought,
XHL
As the tall ship, whose lofty prore
Shall never stem the billows more,
Deserted by her gallant band,
Amid the breakers lies astrand,
So, on his couch, lay Roderick Dhul
And oft his fevered limbs he threw
In toss abrupt, as when her sides
Lie rocking in the advancing tides,
That shake her frame with ceaseless beat,
Yet cannot heave her from her seat;
Oh! how unlike her course on seal
Or his free step on hill and lea! —
Soon as the Minstrel he could scan,
"What of thy lady?-of my clan? —
My Mother?-Douglas?-tell me all!
Have they been ruined in my fall?
Ah, yes! or wherefore art thou here!
Yet speak-speak boldly!-do not fear,"
(For Allan, who his mood well knewt
Was choked with grief and terror too.)
"Who fought?-who fled? Old man, be briefs
Some might-for they had lost their Chief.
Who basely live?-who bravely died?"
" Oh, calm thee, Chief!" the Minstrel cried,
"Ellen is safe;" —For that, thank Heaven!'
"And hopes are for the Douglas given;
The Lady Margaret too is well,
And, for thy clan-on field or fell,
Has never harp of minstrel told,
Of combat fought so true and bold.