Young Donald dearer loved than life
The proud Dunallan's daughter;
But, barr'd by feudal hate and strife,
In vain he loved and sought her.
She loved the Lord of Garry's glen,
The chieftain of Clanronald;
A thousand plaided Highlandmen
Clasp'd the claymore for Donald.
On Scotland rush'd the Danish hordes,
Dunallan met his foemen;
Beneath him bared ten thousand swords
Of vassal, serf, and yeomen.
The fray was fierce--and at its height
Was seen a visor'd stranger,
With red lance foremost in the fight,
Unfearing Dane and danger.
"Be praised--brave knight! thy steel hath striven
The sharpest in the slaughter;
Crave what thou wilt of me--though even
My fair--my darling daughter!"
He lifts the visor from his face--
The chieftain of Clanronald!
And foes enclasp in friends' embrace,
Dunallan and young Donald.
Dunallan's halls ring loud with glee--
The feast-cup glads Glengarry;
The joy that should for ever be
When mutual lovers marry.
The shout and shell the revellers raise,
Dunallan and Clanronald;
And minstrel measures pour to praise
Fair Kath'rine and brave Donald!