Such fond conceit, half said, half sung, 10
Love prompted to the bridegroom's tongue.
All while he stripped the wild-rose spray,
His ax and bow beside him lay,
For on a pass 'twixt lake and wood,
A wakeful sentinel he stood. 15
Hark! on the rock a footstep rung,
And instant to his arms he sprung.
"Stand, or thou diest!--What, Malise?--soon
Art thou returned from Braes of Doune.
By thy keen step and glance I know, 20
Thou bring'st us tidings of the foe."
For while the Fiery Cross hied on,
On distant scout had Malise gone.--
"Where sleeps the Chief?" the henchman said.
"Apart, in yonder misty glade; 25
To his lone couch I'll be your guide."
Then called a slumberer by his side,
And stirred him with his slackened bow--
"Up, up, Glantarkin! rouse thee, ho!
We seek the Chieftain; on the track, 30
Keep eagle watch till I come back."