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

194 THE LORD OF THE ISLES. [CANTO V.
The Clifford's force was strong and ware,1
Augmented, too, that very morn,
By mountaineers who came with Lorn.
Long harrow'd by oppressor's hand,
Courage and faith had fled the land,
And over Carrick, dark and deep,
Had sunk dejection's iron sleep.Cuthbert had seen that beacon flame,
Unwitting from what source it came.
Doubtful of perilous event,
Edward's mute messenger he sent,
If Bruce deceived should venture o'er,
To warn him from the fatal shore.
XVI.
As round the torch the leaders crowd,
Bruce read these chilling news aloud.
" What council, nobles, have we now?To ambush us in greenwood bough,
And take the chance which fate may send
To bring our enterprise to end,
Or shall we turn us to the main
As exiles, and embark again? "Answer'd fierce Eldward, " Hap what may,
In Carrick, Carrick's Lord must stay.
I would not minstrels told the tale,
Wildfire or meteor 2 made us quail."
1 [MS.-" That Clifford's force in watch were ware,"]
2 [MS.-" A wildfire meteor," &c.]