第141章 VIII.

Answered Fitz-James: 'And, if I sought, Think'st thou no other could be brought?

What deem ye of my path waylaid?

My life given o'er to ambuscade?'

'As of a meed to rashness due:

Hadst thou sent warning fair and true,--

I seek my hound or falcon strayed, I seek, good faith, a Highland maid,--Free hadst thou been to come and go;

But secret path marks secret foe.

Nor yet for this, even as a spy, Hadst thou, unheard, been doomed to die, Save to fulfil an augury.'

'Well, let it pass; nor will I now Fresh cause of enmity avow To chafe thy mood and cloud thy brow.

Enough, I am by promise tied To match me with this man of pride:

Twice have I sought Clan-Alpine's glen In peace; but when I come again, I come with banner, brand, and bow, As leader seeks his mortal foe.

For love-lore swain in lady's bower Ne'er panted for the appointed hour As I, until before me stand This rebel Chieftain and his band!'