238
THE LADY OF THE LAKE.
CANTO V.
Roderick, this morn, in single fight,
Was made our prisoner by a knight,
And Douglas hath himself and cause
Submitted to our kingdom's laws.
The tidings of their leaders lost
Will soon dissolve the mountain host,
Nor would we that the vulgar feel,
For their Chief's crimes, avenging steel.
Bear Mar our message, Braco, fly!"—
He turned his steed,—"My liege, I hie,
Yet, ere I cross this lily lawn,
I fear the broad-swords will be drawn."—
The turf the flying courser spurned,
And to his towers the King returned.
Was made our prisoner by a knight,
And Douglas hath himself and cause
Submitted to our kingdom's laws.
The tidings of their leaders lost
Will soon dissolve the mountain host,
Nor would we that the vulgar feel,
For their Chief's crimes, avenging steel.
Bear Mar our message, Braco, fly!"—
He turned his steed,—"My liege, I hie,
Yet, ere I cross this lily lawn,
I fear the broad-swords will be drawn."—
The turf the flying courser spurned,
And to his towers the King returned.
XXXIII.
Ill with King James's mood that day,
Suited gay feast and minstrel lay;
Soon were dismissed the courtly throng,
And soon cut short the festal song.
Ill with King James's mood that day,
Suited gay feast and minstrel lay;
Soon were dismissed the courtly throng,
And soon cut short the festal song.
