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

CANTO IV.] ROKEBY. 169
The porter answer'd to the call,
And instant rush'd into the hall
A Man, whose aspect and attire
Startled the circle by the fire.
VIII.
His plaited hair in elf-locks spread 2
Around his bare and matted head;
On leg and thigh, close stretch'd and trim,
His vesture show'd the sinewy limb;
In saffron dyed, a linen vest
Was frequent folded round his breast;
A mantle long and loose he wore,
Shaggy with ice, and stain'd with gore.
He clasp'd a burden to his heart,
And, resting on a knotted dart,
The snow from hair and beard he shook,
And round him gazed with wilder'd look.
Then up the hall, with staggering pace,
He hasten'd by the blaze to place,
Half lifeless from the bitter air,
His load, a Boy of beauty rare.
To Rokeby, next, he louted low,
Then stood erect his tale to show,3
1 [MS.-" And instant into Rokeby-hall
A stranger rush'd, whose wild attire
Startled," &c.]
2 [See Appendix, Note H.]
3 LMS.-" Shaggy with snow, and stain'd with gore
His features as his dress were wild,
And in his arms he bore a child.