The Chief in silence strode before, And reach'd that torrent's sounding shore, Which, daughter of three mighty lakes,[287] From Vennachar in silver breaks, Sweeps through the plain, and ceaseless mines On Bochastle the moldering lines, Where Rome, the Empress of the world, Of yore her eagle[288] wings unfurl'd. And here his course the Chieftain stayed, Threw down his target and his plaid, And to the Lowland warrior said,-- "Bold Saxon! to his promise just, Vich-Alpine has discharged his trust. This murderous Chief, this ruthless man, This head of a rebellious clan, Hath led thee safe, through watch and ward, Far past Clan-Alpine's outmost guard. Now, man to man, and steel to steel, A Chieftain's vengeance thou shalt feel. See here, all vantageless[289] I stand, Arm'd, like thyself, with single brand: For this is Coilantogle ford, And thou must keep thee with thy sword." [287] Katrine, Achray, and Vennachar. [288] The eagle, with wings displayed and a thunderbolt in one of its talons, was the ensign of the Roman legions. Ancient earthworks near Bochastle are thought to date back to the Roman occupation of Britain. [289] Without advantage. XIII. The Saxon paused:--"I ne'er delay'd When foeman bade me draw my blade; Nay, more, brave Chief, I vow'd thy death: Yet sure thy fair and generous faith, And my deep debt for life preserv'd, A better meed have well deserv'd: Can naught but blood our feud atone? Are there no means?"--"No, Stranger, none! And hear,--to fire thy flagging zeal,-- The Saxon cause rests on thy steel; For thus spoke Fate, by prophet bred Between the living and the dead: 'Who spills the foremost foeman's life, His party conquers in the strife.'"-- "Then, by my word," the Saxon said, "The riddle is already read. Seek yonder brake beneath the cliff,-- There lies Red Murdoch, stark and stiff. Thus Fate hath solved her prophecy, Then yield to Fate, and not to me. To James, at Stirling, let us go, When, if thou wilt be still his foe, Or if the King shall not agree To grant thee grace and favor free,[290] I plight mine honor, oath, and word, That, to thy native strengths[291] restored, With each advantage shalt thou stand, That aids thee now to guard thy land." [290] Complete. [291] Strongholds. XIV.