The Fiery Cross. For there, she said, did fays resort, Now eve, with western shadows long, Floated on Katrine bright and strong, When Roderick, with a chosen few, Repassed the heights of Ben Venue. Above the Goblin-cave they go, Through the wild pass of Beal-nam-bo; The prompt retainers speed before, A single page, to bear his sword, The rest their way through thickets break, The Prophecy. "THE rose is fairest when 'tis budding new, And hope is brightest when it dawns from fears; The rose is sweetest washed with morning dew, And love is loveliest when embalmed in tears. O wilding rose, whom fancy thus endears, I bid your blossoms in my bonnet wave, Emblem of hope and love through future years!" Thus spoke young Norman, heir of Armandave, What time the sun arose on Vennachar's broad wave. Such fond conceit, half said, half sung, His axe and bow beside him lay, A wakeful sentinel he stood. Hark! on the rock a footstep rung, And instant to his arms he sprung. By thy keen step and glance I know, (For while the Fiery Cross hied on, On distant scout had Malise gone.) "Where sleeps the Chief?" the henchman said. "Apart, in yonder misty glade; To his lone couch I'll be your guide." Then called a slumberer by his side, And stirred him with his slackened bow Up, up, Glentarkin! rouse thee, ho! We seek the Chieftain; on the track Keep eagle watch till I come back." Together up the pass they sped. Has for two day been ready boune, At prompt command, to march from Doune; Soon will this dark and gathering cloud The warrior's plaid may bear it out; But, Norman, how wilt thou provide A shelter for thy bonny bride?" "What! know ye not that Roderick's care To the lone isle hath caused repair The Prophecy. Each maid and matron of the clan, That such dear pledge may rest secure?""'Tis well advised-the Chieftain's plan Bespeaks the father of his clan. But wherefore sleeps Sir Roderick Dhu Brian an augury hath tried, Of that dread kind which must not be The Taghairm called; by which, afar, Duncraggan's milk-white bull they slew," MALISE. "Ah! well the gallant brute I knew, His red eye glowed like fiery spark; So fierce, so tameless, and so fleet, Sore did he cumber our retreat, |