第112章 X.

Ellen.

'No, Allan, no ' Pretext so kind My wakeful terrors could not blind.

When in such tender tone, yet grave, Douglas a parting blessing gave, The tear that glistened in his eye Drowned not his purpose fixed and high.

My soul, though feminine and weak, Can image his; e'en as the lake, Itself disturbed by slightest stroke.

Reflects the invulnerable rock.

He hears report of battle rife, He deems himself the cause of strife.

I saw him redden when the theme Turned, Allan, on shine idle dream Of Malcolm Graeme in fetters bound, Which I, thou saidst, about him wound.

Think'st thou he bowed shine omen aught?

O no' 't was apprehensive thought For the kind youth,-- for Roderick too--Let me be just--that friend so true;

In danger both, and in our cause!

Minstrel, the Douglas dare not pause.

Why else that solemn warning given, 'If not on earth, we meet in heaven!'

Why else, to Cambus-kenneth's fane, If eve return him not again, Am I to hie and make me known?

Alas! he goes to Scotland's throne, Buys his friends' safety with his own;He goes to do--what I had done, Had Douglas' daughter been his son!'