[5] St. Monan was a Scotch monk of the fourth century. The rill cannot be identified. [6] See map, p. 2. II. As Chief, who hears his warder[7] call, "To arms! the foemen storm the wall," The antler'd monarch of the waste Sprung from his heathery[8] couch in haste. But, ere his fleet career he took, The dewdrops from his flanks he shook; Like crested leader proud and high, Toss'd his beam'd[9] frontlet to the sky; A moment gazed adown the dale, A moment snuff'd the tainted gale,[10] A moment listen'd to the cry, That thicken'd as the chase drew nigh; Then, as the headmost foes appear'd, With one brave bound the copse he clear'd, And, stretching forward free and far, Sought the wild heaths of Uam-Var.[11] [7] For the meaning of technical terms, colloquialisms, and unusual words not to be found in a school dictionary, see _Glossary_ at the end of volume. [8] The heath or heather is a small ever-green shrub very common in the Scottish Highlands. [9] The head of a stag is said to be beamed after its fourth-year horns appear. [10] "Tainted gale," i.e., the wind scented with the odor of the pursuers. [11] See map, p. 2. III. Yell'd on the view the opening[12] pack; Rock, glen, and cavern, paid them back; To many a mingled sound at once The awaken'd mountain gave response. A hundred dogs bay'd deep and strong, Clatter'd a hundred steeds along, Their peal the merry horns rung out, A hundred voices join'd the shout; With hark and whoop and wild halloo, No rest Benvoirlich's echoes knew. Far from the tumult fled the roe, Close in her covert cower'd the doe, The falcon, from her cairn on high, Cast on the rout[13] a wondering eye, Till far beyond her piercing ken[14] The hurricane had swept the glen. Faint, and more faint, its failing din Return'd from cavern, cliff, and linn,[15] And silence settled, wide and still, On the lone wood and mighty hill. [12] A pack of hounds is said to "open" when the dogs begin to bark, upon recovering the scent or catching sight of the game. [13] A confused or boisterous gathering. [14] Sight. [15] A deep pool. IV. Less loud the sounds of silvan war Disturb'd the heights of Uam-Var, And roused the cavern, where, 'tis told, A giant made his den of old; For ere that steep ascent was won, High in his pathway hung the sun, And many a gallant, stay'd perforce, Was fain to breathe his faltering horse, And of the trackers of the deer, Scarce half the lessening pack was near; So shrewdly[16] on the mountain side Had the bold burst their mettle tried. [16] Severely. V.