Walter Scott

“ The bride had eonsented, the gallant came late:
For a laggard in love, and a dastard in war,
Was to wed the fair Ellen of brave Lochinvar!
So boldly he entered the Netherby hall,
'Mong bride's men, and kinsmen, and brothers and all!
Then spoke the bride's father, his hand on his sword—
For the poor craven bridegroom said never a word—
'O, come ye in peace here, or eome ye in war?
Or to dance at our bridal? young Lord Loehinvar!
I long woo'd your daughter, my suit you denied:
Love swells like the Solway, but ebbs like its tide! ”

“ For, trained abroad his arms to wield,
Fitz-James's blade was sword and shield.
He practised every pass and ward,
To thrust, to strike, to feint, to guard;
While less expert, though stronger far,
The Gael maintained unequal war. ”

“ The world, thy heart's blood dyes my blade!'
'Thy threats, thy mercy, I defy!
Let recreant yield who fears to die.'—
Like adder darting from his coil,
Like wolf that dashes through the toil,
Like mountain-cat who guards her young,
Full at Fitz-James's throat he sprung:
Received, but reeked not of a wound,
And locked his arms his foeman round.—
Now, gallant Saxon, hold thine own!
No maiden's hand is round thee thrown!
That desperate grasp thy frame might feel,
Through bars of brass and triple steel!—
They tug, they strain!—down, down, they go,
The Gael above, Fitz-James below. ”