ed.

VIII

Boldly she spoke--"Soldiers, attend!
My father was the soldier's friend; 160
Cheered him in camps, in marches led,
And with him in the battle bled.
Not from the valiant, or the strong,
Should exile's daughter suffer wrong."
Answered De Brent, most forward still 165
In every feat of good or ill:
"I shame me of the part I played;
And thou an outlaw's child, poor maid!
An outlaw I by forest laws,
And merry Needwood knows the cause. 170
Poor Rose--if Rose be living now"--
He wiped his iron eye and brow--
"Must bear such age, I think, as thou.
Hear ye, my mates; I go to call
The Captain of our watch to hall. 175
There lies my halberd on the floor;
And he that steps my halberd o'er,
To do the maid injurious part,
My shaft shall quiver in his heart!
Beware loose speech, or jesting rough; 180
Ye all know John de Brent. Enough."

IX

Their Captain came, a gallant young--
Of Tullibardine's house he sprung--
Nor wore he yet the spurs of knight;
Gay was his mien, his humor light, 185
And, though by courtesy controlled,
Forward his speech, his bearing bold.
The high-born maiden ill could brook
The scanning of his curious look
And dauntless eye; and yet, in sooth, 190
Young Lewis was a generous youth;
But Ellen's lovely face and mien,
Ill suited to the garb and scene,
Might lightly bear construction strange,
And give loose fancy scope to range. 195
"Welcome to Stirling towers, fair maid!
Come ye to seek a champion's aid,
On palfrey white, with harper hoar,
Like errant damosel of yore?
Does thy high quest a knight require, 200
Or may the venture suit a squire?"
Her dark eye flashed--she paused and sighed--
"O what have I to do with pride!
Through scenes of sorrow, shame, and strife,
A suppliant for a father's life, 205
I crave an audience of the King.
Behold, to back my suit, a ring,
The royal pledge of grateful claims,
Given by the Monarch to Fitz-James."

X

The signet ring young Lewis took, 210
With deep respect and altered look;
And said--"This ring our duties own;
And pardon, if to worth u