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

CANTO I.] THE LORD OF THE ISLES. 27
She mark'd her child receive their care,
Cold as the image sculptured fair,
(Form of some sainted patroness,)
Which cloister'd maids combine to dress;
She mark'd-and knew her nursling's heart
In the vain pomp took little part.
Wistful awhile she gazed-then press'd
The maiden to her anxious breast
In finish'd loveliness —and led
To where a turret's airy head,
Slender and steep, and battled round,
O'erlook'd, dark Mull! thy mighty Sound,'
1 The Sound of Mull, which divides that island from the
continent of Scotland, is one of the most striking scenes
which the Hebrides afford to the traveller. Sailing from
Oban to Aros, or Tobermory, through a narrow channel, yet
deep enough to bear vessels of the largest burden, he has on
his left the bold and mountainous shores of Mull; on the
right those of that district of Argyleshire, called Morven, or
AMorvern, successively indented by deep salt-water lochs,
running up many miles inland. To the southeastward arise
a prodigious range of mountains, among which Cruachan
Ben is preeminent. And to the northeast is the no less huge
and picturesque range of the Ardnamurchan hills. Many
ruinous castles, situated generally upon cliffs overhanging the
ocean, add interest to the scene. Those of Donolly and Dunstaffuage are first passed, then that of Duart, formerly belonging to the chief of the warlike and powerful sept of
Macleans, and the scene of Miss Baillie's beautiful tragedy,
entitled the Family Legend. Still passing on to the northward, Artornish and Aros become visible upon the opposite
shores; and, lastly, Mingarry, and other ruins of less distinguished note. In fine weather, a grander and more impressive scene, both from its natural beauties, and associations