CANTO VI.
THE GUARD-ROOM.
261
Ah, yes! or wherefore art thou here!
Yet speak,—speak boldly,—do not fear."—
(For Allan, who his mood well knew,
Was choked with grief and terror too.) —
"Who fought—who fled!—Old man, be brief;—
Some might—for they had lost their Chief.
Who basely live?—who bravely died?"—
"O, calm thee. Chief!" the Minstrel cried,
"Ellen is safe;"—"For that, thank heaven!"
"And hopes arc for the Douglas given;—
The Lady Margaret too is well,
And, for thy clan,—on field or fell,
Has never harp of minstrel told,
Of combat fought so true and bold.
Thy stately pine is yet unbent.
Though many a goodly bough is rent."—
Yet speak,—speak boldly,—do not fear."—
(For Allan, who his mood well knew,
Was choked with grief and terror too.) —
"Who fought—who fled!—Old man, be brief;—
Some might—for they had lost their Chief.
Who basely live?—who bravely died?"—
"O, calm thee. Chief!" the Minstrel cried,
"Ellen is safe;"—"For that, thank heaven!"
"And hopes arc for the Douglas given;—
The Lady Margaret too is well,
And, for thy clan,—on field or fell,
Has never harp of minstrel told,
Of combat fought so true and bold.
Thy stately pine is yet unbent.
Though many a goodly bough is rent."—
XIV.
The Chieftain reared his form on high,
And fever's fire was in his eye;
The Chieftain reared his form on high,
And fever's fire was in his eye;
