"Thanks, Brian, for thy zeal and care!
Good is thine augury, and fair. 135
Clan-Alpine ne'er in battle stood,
But first our broadswords tasted blood.
A surer victim still I know,
Self-offered to the auspicious blow:
A spy has sought my land this morn-- 140
No eve shall witness his return!
My followers guard each pass's mouth,
To east, to westward, and to south;
Red Murdoch, bribed to be his guide,
Has charge to lead his steps aside, 145
Till in deep path or dingle brown,
He light on those shall bring him down.
--But see, who comes his news to show!
Malise! what tidings of the foe?"