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

INTRODUCTION. 41
The Aged Minstrel audience gain'd.
But, when he reach'd the room of state,
Where she, with all her ladies, sate,
Perchance he wish'd his boon denied:
For, when to tune his harp he tried,
His.trembling hand had lost the ease,
Which marks security to please;
And scenes, long past, of joy and pain,
Came wildering'o'er his aged brainHe tried to tune his harp in vain!
The pitying Duchess praised its chime,
And gave him heart, and gave him time,'Till every string's according glee
Was blended into harmony.
And then, he said, he would full fain
He could recall an ancient strain,
He never thought to sing again.
It was not framed for village churls,
But for high dames and mighty earls;
He had play'd it to King Charles the Good,
When he kept court in Holyrood;
And much he wish'd, yet fear'd, to try
The long-forgotten melody.
Amid the strings his fingers stray'd,
And an uncertain warbling made,
And oft he shook his hoary head.
But when he caught the measure wild,
The old man raised his face, and smiled;
And lighten'd up his faded eye,
With all a poet's ecstasy!