"At Doune, o'er many a spear and glaive 150 Two Barons proud their banners wave. I saw the Moray's silver star, And marked the sable pale of Mar." "By Alpine's soul, high tidings those! I love to hear of worthy foes. 155 When move they on?" "Tomorrow's noon Will see them here for battle boune." "Then shall it see a meeting stern! But, for the place--say, couldst thou learn Nought of the friendly clans of Earn? 160 Strengthened by them, we well might bide The battle on Benledi's side. Thou couldst not! Well! Clan-Alpine's men Shall man the Trossachs' shaggy glen; Within Loch Katrine's gorge we'll fight, 165 All in our maids' and matrons' sight, Each for his hearth and household fire, Father for child, and son for sire-- Lover for maid beloved! But why-- Is it the breeze affects mine eye? 170 Or dost thou come, ill-omened tear! A messenger of doubt and fear? No! sooner may the Saxon lance Unfix Benledi from his stance, Than doubt or terror can pierce through 175 The unyielding heart of Roderick Dhu! 'Tis stubborn as his trusty targe. Each to his post--all know their charge." The pibroch sounds, the bands advance, The broadswords gleam, the banners dance, 180 Obedient to the Chieftain's glance. --I turn me from the martial roar, And seek Coir-Uriskin once more. IX Where is the Douglas?--he is gone; And Ellen sits on the gray stone 185 Fast by the cave, and makes her moan; While vainly Allan's words of cheer Are poured on her unheeding ear: "He will return--dear lady trust! With joy return--he will--he must. 190 Well was it time to seek, afar, Some refuge from impending war, When e'en Clan-Alpine's rugged swarm Are cowed by the approaching storm. I saw their boats with many a light, 195 Floating the live-long yesternight, Shifting like flashes darted forth By the red streamers of the north; I marked at morn how close they ride, Thick moored by the lone islet's side, 200 Like wild-ducks couching in the fen, When stoops the hawk upon the glen. Since this rude race dare not abide The peril on the mainland side, Shall not thy noble father's care 205 Some safe retreat for thee prepare?" X ELLEN