Old Allan followed to the strand--
Such was the Douglas's command--
And anxious told, how, on the morn,
The stern Sir Roderick deep had sworn 830
The Fiery Cross should circle o'er
Dale, glen, and valley, down, and moor.
Much were the peril to the Graeme
From those who to the signal came;
Far up the lake 'twere safest land, 835
Himself would row him to the strand.
He gave his counsel to the wind,
While Malcolm did, unheeding, bind,
Round dirk and pouch and broadsword rolled,
His ample plaid in tightened fold, 840
And stripped his limbs to such array,
As best might suit the watery way--