The heartsick lay was hardly said, The list'ner had not turned her head, 690 It trickled still, the starting tear, When light a footstep struck her ear, And Snowdoun's graceful knight was near. She turned the hastier, lest again The prisoner should renew his strain. 695 "O welcome, brave Fitz-James!" she said; "How may an almost orphan maid Pay the deep debt"--"O say not so! To me no gratitude you owe. Not mine, alas! the boon to give, 700 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. 705 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, 710 And gently whispered hope and cheer; Her faltering steps, half led, half stayed, Through gallery fair, and high arcade, Till, at his touch, its wings of pride A portal arch unfolded wide. 715 XXVI Within 'twas brilliant all and light, A thronging scene of figures bright; It glowed on Ellen's dazzled sight, As when the setting sun has given Ten thousand hues to summer even, 720 And from their tissue, fancy frames Aerial knights and fairy dames. Still by Fitz-James her footing stayed; A few faint steps she forward made, Then slow her drooping head she raised, 725 And fearful round the presence gazed; For him she sought, who owned this state, The dreaded Prince whose will was fate!-- She gazed on many a princely port, Might well have ruled a royal court; 730 On many a splendid garb she gazed-- Then turned bewildered 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; 735 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 is Scotland's King. 740 XXVII