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

276 ETHE LAlYt O' TIEE LAKE..1tF "
Kinding its wreaths;. long, dark and k'w,
To one broad blaze of ruddy glow,
So the deep anguish of despair
Burst, in fierce jealousy, to air.
With stalwart grasp his hand he laid
On Malcolm'sbreastand belted plaid:"Back, beardless boyl" he sternly said,
"Back, minionl hold'st thou:thus at naugwlr
The lesson I so lately taught?
This roof, the Douglas, and that maid,
Thank thou for punishment delayed."
Eager as greyhound on bis game,
Fiercely with Roderick grappled Grema.
"Perish my name, if aught afford
Its chieftain safety,save his sword!"
Thus as they surove, their desperate hand
Griped to the dagger or the brand,
And death had been-but Douglas roser
And thrust between the struggling foes
His giant strength: —" Chieftains, forcol.
I hold the first who strikes, my foe,
Madmen, forbear your frantic jar!
What! is the Douglas fallen so far,.-is daughter's hand is deemed the spoil
Of such dishonourable broil! "
Sullen and slowly, they unclasp,
As struck with shame, their desperate gr..U;.i.
And each upon his rival glared,
With foot advanced, and blade half bared.
XXXV.
Ere yet the brands aloft were flung,
Margaret on Roderick's mantle hung,
And Malcolm heard his Ellen's screamn
As faltered through terrific dream.
Then Roderick plunged in sheath his sword.,
And veiled his wrath in scornful word.
"Rest safe till morning.;. pity'twere
Such cheek should feel the midnight air!
Then may'st thou to James Stuart tell,
Roderick will keep-the lake and fell,
Nor lackey,, with his free-born clan,
The pageant pomp of earthly man.
More would he of Clan-Alpine know,
Thou canst our strength and passes show~
Malise, what ho?" —his henchman catn~;
"Give our safe conduct to the Grimne.'