n pain;
And all, upon the armed ground
Knew William of Deloraine!
Each ladye sprung from seat with speed,
Vaulted each marshal from his steed;
'And who art thou,' they cried,
'Who hast this battle fought and won?'
His plumed helm was soon undone--
'Cranstoun of Teviotside!
For this fair prize I've fought and won,'
And to the Ladye led her son."

Then is described the struggle that takes place in the maternal breast:

"And how the clan united prayed
The Ladye would the feud forego,
And deign to bless the nuptial hour
Of Cranstoun's Lord and Teviot's Flower.

XXVI.

"She looked to river, looked to hill,
Thought on the Spirit's prophecy,
Then broke her silence stern and still,
'Not you, _but Fate_, has vanquished me;
_Their influence kindly stars may shower_
On Teviot's tide and Branksome's tower,
For pride _is_ quelled, and love _is_ free.'"

The mission of the elf is now accomplished, his last special service having
been to steal the armour of William of Deloraine "while slept the knight,"
and thus to enable his master to personate that warrior.

It may be remarked that hitherto there is no direct evidence that the Page
was sent by Michael Scott. That evidence is reserved for the moment of his
final disappearance.

On the same evening, after the celebration of the nuptials, a mysterious
and intense blackness enveloped the assembled company in Branksome Hall.

"A secret horror checked the feast,
And chilled the soul of every guest;
Even the high Dame stood half aghast,
She knew some evil in the blast;
The elvish Page fell to the ground,
And, shuddering, muttered, 'Found! found! found!'

XXV.

"Then sudden through the darkened air,
A flash of lightning came,
So broad, so bright, so red the glare,
The castle seemed on flame,
&c. &c.
Full through the guests' bedazzled band
Resistless flashed the levin-brand,
And filled the hall with smouldering smoke,
As on the elvish Page it broke,
&c. &c.
When ended was the dreadful roar,
The elvish Dwarf was seen no more.

XXVI.

"Some heard a voice in Branksome Hall,
Some saw a sight, not seen by all;
That dreadful voice was heard by some
Cry, with loud summons, 'Gylbin, come!'
And on the spot where burst the brand,
Just where the Page had flung him down,
Some saw an a