XXIII

Ellen, the while, with bursting heart, 635

Remained in lordly bower apart,

Where played, with many colored gleams,

Through storied pane the rising beams.

In vain on gilded roof they fall,

And lightened up a tapestried wall, 640

And for her use a menial train

A rich collation spread in vain.

The banquet proud, the chamber gay,

Scarce drew one curious glance astray;

Or if she looked, 'twas but to say, 645

With better omen dawned the day

In that lone isle where waved on high

The dun-deer's hide for canopy;

Where oft her noble father shared

The simple meal her care prepared, 650

While Lufra, crouching by her side,

Her station claimed with jealous pride,

And Douglas, bent on woodland game,

Spoke of the chase to Malcolm Graeme,

Whose answer, oft at random made, 655

The wandering of his thoughts betrayed.

Those who such simple joys have known,

Are taught to prize them when they're gone.

But sudden, see, she lifts her head!

The window seeks with cautious tread. 660

What distant music has the power

To win her in this woeful hour!

Twas from a turret that o'erhung

Her latticed bower, the strain was sung.

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