[115] Archibald Douglas, so called because so many of his enterprises ended in _tine_ (or "distress"). After being defeated by Harry Hotspur at Homildon Hill in 1402, he joined Hotspur in his rebellion against Henry IV., and in the following year was with him disastrously defeated at Shrewsbury. [116] The Celtic festival celebrated about the 1st of May. [117] A species of grass. XVI. Far up the lengthen'd lake were spied Four darkening specks upon the tide, That, slow enlarging on the view, Four mann'd and masted barges grew, And, bearing downwards from Glengyle, Steer'd full upon the lonely isle; The point of Brianchoil[118] they pass'd, And, to the windward as they cast, Against the sun they gave to shine The bold Sir Roderick's banner'd Pine.[119] Nearer and nearer as they bear, Spears, pikes, and axes flash in air. Now might you see the tartans brave,[120] And plaids and plumage dance and wave: Now see the bonnets[121] sink and rise, As his tough oar the rower plies; See, flashing at each sturdy stroke, The wave ascending into smoke; See the proud pipers on the bow, And mark the gaudy streamers[122] flow From their loud chanters down, and sweep The furrow'd bosom of the deep, As, rushing through the lake amain, They plied the ancient Highland strain. [118] A promontory on the north bank of Loch Katrine. [119] The badge or crest of the MacGregors. [120] Gay. [121] Scotch caps. [122] Ribbons attached to the chanters or tubes of a bagpipe for decoration. XVII. Ever, as on they bore, more loud And louder rung the pibroch proud. At first the sound, by distance tame, Mellow'd along the waters came, And, lingering long by cape and bay, Wail'd every harsher note away; Then, bursting bolder on the ear, The clan's shrill Gathering they could hear; Those thrilling sounds, that call the might Of old Clan-Alpine to the fight. Thick beat the rapid notes, as when The mustering hundreds shake the glen, And, hurrying at the signal dread, The batter'd earth returns their tread. Then prelude light, of livelier tone, Express'd their merry marching on, Ere peal of closing battle rose, With mingled outcry, shrieks, and blows; And mimic din of stroke and ward, As broadsword upon target jarr'd; And groaning pause, ere yet again, Condensed, the battle yell'd amain; The rapid charge, the rallying shout, Retreat borne headlong into rout, And bursts of triumph, to declare Clan-Alpine's conquests--all were there. Nor ended thus the strain; but slow, Sunk in a moan prolong'd and low, And changed the conquering clarion swell, For wild lament o'er those that fell. XVIII.