"Stranger, that warrior from the east, Who comes with headlong speed, Is Edgar, Hubert's son, at least, He rides on Edgar's steed!" "Be calm, fair maid! Thou gallant knight, Who speedest o'er the plain, Give us some tidings of the fight, The victor and the slain! One moment stay! for many a care Now fills us with alarm! Is Edward King? Is Hubert's heir, Escap'd from death and harm?" "The sun of Lancaster is set, And never more to rise;" Return'd the knight, "I know not yet If Edgar lives or dies!" And scarce he check'd the flowing rein, In hurried accents spoke, And, dull and hollow was the strain That through the helmet broke. "Where is he?" shriek'd fair Ellen forth, He started at the sound, And, leaping sudden on the earth, His armour rang around. "Queen of my destiny!" he cried, "Thy faithful Edgar see! Whose welfare thou canst best decide, For it depends on thee! I sav'd our youthful Monarch's life, Whose bounteous hand accords, A dower to grace the noblest wife That England's realm affords. With thee his splendid gifts I share, Or soon this youthful head A solemn monk's dark cowl shall wear, To love and glory dead. Perhaps that tear upon thy cheek Foretels a milder doom! Thou wilt again our mansion seek, Oh! let me lead thee home!" _FINIS._