The heart-sick lay was hardly said, The list'ner had not turn'd her head, It trickled still, the starting tear, When light a footstep struck her ear, And Snowdoun's graceful Knight was near. She turn'd the hastier, lest again The prisoner should renew his strain. "Oh, welcome, brave Fitz-James!" she said; "How may an almost orphan maid Pay the deep debt"--"Oh, say not so! To me no gratitude you owe. Not mine, alas! the boon to give, And bid thy noble father live; I can but be thy guide, sweet maid, With Scotland's King thy suit to aid. No tyrant he, though ire and pride May lay his better mood aside. Come, Ellen, come! 'tis more than time-- He holds his court at morning prime." With beating heart, and bosom wrung, As to a brother's arm she clung. Gently he dried the falling tear, And gently whisper'd hope and cheer; Her faltering steps half led, half stayed,[357] Through gallery fair and high arcade, Till, at his touch, its wings of pride A portal arch unfolded wide. [357] Supported. XXVI. Within 'twas brilliant all and light, A thronging scene of figures bright; It glow'd on Ellen's dazzled sight, As when the setting sun has given Ten thousand hues to summer even, And from their tissue, fancy frames Aërial[358] knights and fairy dames. Still by Fitz-James her footing staid; A few faint steps she forward made, Then slow her drooping head she raised, And fearful round the presence[359] gazed; For him she sought, who own'd this state, The dreaded Prince, whose will was fate!-- She gazed on many a princely port, Might well have ruled a royal court; On many a splendid garb she gazed, Then turn'd bewilder'd and amazed, For all stood bare; and, in the room, Fitz-James alone wore cap and plume. To him each lady's look was lent; On him each courtier's eye was bent; Midst furs, and silks, and jewels sheen, He stood, in simple Lincoln green, The center of the glittering ring,-- And Snowdoun's Knight[360] is Scotland's King. [358] Fanciful; imaginary. [359] Presence chamber of the King. [360] James V. was accustomed to make personal investigation of the condition of his people. The name he generally assumed when in disguise was "Laird of Ballingeich." XXVII.