"Brave Gael, my pass, in danger tried, Hangs in my belt, and by my side; Yet, sooth to tell," the Saxon said, "I dreamt not now to claim its aid. 65 When here, but three days since, I came, Bewildered in pursuit of game, All seemed as peaceful and as still As the mist slumbering on yon hill; Thy dangerous Chief was then afar, 70 Nor soon expected back from war. Thus said, at least, my mountain-guide, Though deep perchance the villian lied." "Yet why a second venture try?" "A warrior thou, and ask me why! 75 Moves our free course by such fixed cause As gives the poor mechanic laws? Enough, I sought to drive away The lazy hours of peaceful day; Slight cause will then suffice to guide 80 A Knight's free footsteps far and wide-- A falcon flown, a greyhound strayed, The merry glance of mountain maid; Or, if a path be dangerous known, The danger's self is lure alone." 85 V "Thy secret keep, I urge thee not;-- Yet, ere again ye sought this spot, Say, heard ye nought of Lowland war, Against Clan-Alpine, raised by Mar?" "No, by my word--of bands prepared 90 To guard King James's sports I heard; Nor doubt I aught, but, when they hear This muster of the mountaineer, Their pennons will abroad be flung, Which else in Doune had peaceful hung." 95 "Free be they flung!--for we were loath Their silken folds should feast the moth. Free be they flung!--as free shall wave Clan-Alpine's pine in banner brave. But, Stranger, peaceful since you came, 100 Bewildered in the mountain game, Whence the bold boast by which you show Vich-Alpine's vowed and mortal foe?" "Warrior, but yester-morn, I knew Naught of thy Chieftain, Roderick Dhu, 105 Save as an outlawed desperate man, The chief of a rebellious clan, Who, in the Regent's court and sight, With ruffian dagger stabbed a knight; Yet this alone might from his part 110 Sever each true and loyal heart." VI