r."
For Allan, who his mood well knew,
Was choked with grief and terror too. 325
"Who fought--who fled?--Old man, be brief--
Some might--for they had lost their Chief.
Who basely live?--who bravely died?"
"O calm thee, Chief!" the Minstrel cried,
"Ellen is safe;" "For that thank Heaven!" 330
"And hopes are for the Douglas given;
The Lady Margaret too is well;
And, for thy clan--on field or fell,
Has never harp of minstrel told,
Of combat fought so true and bold. 335
Thy stately Pine is yet unbent,
Though many a goodly bough is rent."

XIV

The Chieftain reared his form on high,
And fever's fire was in his eye;
But ghastly pale, and livid streaks 340
Checkered his swarthy brow and cheeks.
"Hark, Minstrel! I have heard thee play,
With measure bold, on festal day,
In yon lone isle, ... again where ne'er
Shall harper play, or warrior hear!... 345
That stirring air that peals on high,
O'er Dermid's race our victory.
Strike it!--and then--for well thou canst--
Free from thy minstrel spirit glanced,
Fling me the picture of the fight, 350
When met my clan the Saxon might.
I'll listen, till my fancy hears
The clang of swords, the crash of spears!
These grates, these walls, shall vanish then,
For the fair field of fighting men, 355
And my free spirit burst away,
As if it soared from battle fray."
The trembling Bard with awe obeyed--
Slow on the harp his hand he laid;
But soon remembrance of the sight 360
He witnessed from the mountain's height,
With what old Bertram told at night,
Awakened the full power of song,
And bore him in career along;
As shallop launched on river's side, 365
That slow and fearful leaves the side,
But, when it feels the middle stream,
Drives downward swift as lightning's beam.

XV

BATTLE OF BEAL' AN DUINE

"The Minstrel came once more to view
The eastern ridge of Benvenue, 370
For ere he parted, he would say
Farewell to lovely Loch Achray--
Where shall he find in foreign land,
So lone a lake, so sweet a strand!
There is no breeze upon the fern, 375
Nor ripple on the lake,
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