Now back they wend their watery way,
And, "O my sire!" did Ellen say, 565
"Why urge thy chase so far astray?
And why so late returned? And why"--
The rest was in her speaking eye.
"My child, the chase I follow far,
'Tis mimicry of noble war; 570
And with that gallant pastime reft
Were all of Douglas I have left.
I met young Malcolm as I strayed
Far eastward, in Glenfinlas' shade,
Nor strayed I safe; for all around, 575
Hunters and horsemen scoured the ground.
This youth, though still a royal ward,
Risked life and land to be my guard,
And through the passes of the wood
Guided my steps, not unpursued; 580
And Roderick shall his welcome make,
Despite old spleen, for Douglas' sake.
Then must he seek Strath-Endrick glen,
Nor peril aught for me again."