ULb". /^.^ / University of California • Berkeley " When danger threatens, 111 be nigh ; Therefore, my child, on dreams rely.'' And she believed each incident Was by her father's spirit sent. To warn of treason, or of blood, Or danger all misunderstood. A load upon her heart it weigh'd. And on her youthful spirits prey'd ; At length she left her royal pile. To visit, and consult the while Columba of the holy isle : A seer and priest of God was he, A saint of spotless purity ; BOOK I. BOOK I. QUEEN HYNDE. 31 And then held in such high regard. That Scottish sovereign nothing dared, Of war, religion, or of law. Without consulting Columba. Queen Hynde embarks in Uan bay, Brisk was the breeze and bright the day ; Before the tide, before the gale. The gilded barge, with silken sail, Adown the narrow channel run, Like meteor in the morning sun. So swiftly swept the flying keel. The woods and islands seem''d to wheel ; And distant peaks of freckly grey Were winding to the north away. The sea-gull rose as she drew nigh, And tried before her speed to fly ; But after toilsome travelling. With beating breast and flapping wing. Was forced to turn aside outworn. For shelter in the creeks of Lorn. 32 ^ QUEEN HYNDE. But Ila Glas, the minstrel grey, Well noted, as they sped away, That sea-fowls flock'd from isle and steep, To view that wonder of the deep ; And well they might, for never more Such bark shall glide from Scotland's shore. The sailors were as chiefs bedight, The queen and virgins all in white ; The prow was form'd in curious mould, The top-mast stem of beaten gold ; The sails were white, the sails were blue, And every dye the rainbow knew ; And then the pennons, red and pale. So far were fluttering in the gale. She was not like an earthly thing, But some sweet meteor on the wing. I may not say, (and if I might, Man never has beheld the sight,) That all were like pure angels driven By living breeze in barge of heaven. BOOK 1. QUEEN HYNDE. 3S When westward from the sound she fell, She met the ocean's mighty swell ; Yet bounded on in all her pride, Breasting the billow's mountain side. Or bearing with delirious sweep From dizzy verge into the deep. Maid of Dunedin, well I know, Hadst thou been there, there had- been woe ! Distress of body and of mind. And qualms of most discourteous kind. But here, in days of yore, were seen Young Hynde, the Caledonian queen. With all her maids, enjoy the motion, Blithe as the bird that skims the ocean. O to have been the soaring gull, Perch'd on the headland cliff of Mull, There to have watch'd, with raptured eye. That royal bark go bounding by. Casting a tiny rainbow shade O'er every hill the ocean made ! c 34 QUEEN HYNDE. b lona bay is gain d at last — The barge is moorM, the anchor cast ; And though no woman might come nigh That consecrated land of I, The queen, presuming on her sway, Went right ashore without delay. Her sire that isle had gifted free. And reared that sacred monastVy ; The doctrine of the cross he heard, Believed, and paid it high regard ; For he perceived that simple plan A band ^twixt God and sinful man, Befitting well his nature weak. That would not loose, and could not break ; And with his child and kinsmen came, And was baptized in Jesus'" name. When Ila Glas, in holy fane. Announced his queen and virgin train. Saint Oran was that very time Giving such picture of the crime BOOK QUEEN HYNDE. 35 Of woman's love and woman's art, Of woman's mind and woman's heart ! If thou, dear maid, the same hadst heard, Thy blissful views had all been marr'd ; For thou durst never more have been In robe of lightsome texture seen. Thy breast, soft-heaving with the sigh, Arresting glance of vagrant eye ! Love's fatal and exhaustless quiver Must have been shrouded up for ever ! The perfume — simper — look askance — The ready blush — the ogling glance — All, all o'erthrown, ne'er to recover ! Thy conquests and thy triumphs over ! O breathe to Heaven the grateful vow. That good Saint Oran lives not now ! When he of such intrusion heard, Around in holy wrath he stared : — " What !" said the saint — " What ! even here Must these unrighteous pests appear ! 3G QUEEN HYNDE. Though even the rough surrounding sea Could not protect our sanctuary ; Nor maiden modesty, nor pride, Can keep them from where men reside, I should have ween'd, that, thus retired, The frame of mind the place required. The frame of holy penitence, Had been enough to keep them hence. " I know them well, and much I fear No good intent has brought them here. E'er since that day, deplored the most, When Adam sinn'd, and man was lost. By woman tempted to the deed, Mischief to man has been their meed. Rise, holy brethren, rise with me, And drive them back into the sea ! Should they resist, do them no harm. But bear them back by force of arm.*" — Up sprung the bearded group amain. Who to be first each nerve they strain ; BOOK I. QUEEN HYNDE. 'ol Whether to save the holy isle From woman's snare and witching wile, Or once again to fold the charms Of beauty in their idle arms, I nothing wot ; but all was vain, For, in the chancel of the fane, Columba rose before the band. With crosier stretcFd in his right hand. — " Hold, my loved brethren — is it best Thus to expel a royal guest ? We not as woman her receive. But Scotland's representative ; And meet it is that maids should be Tending on virgin royalty." — That word was law — the rage was o'er, The stern Saint Oran said no more : He sat down on his chair of stone, Shook his grey head, and gave a groan. Come, view the barefoot group with me, Kneeling upon one bended knee. 38 QUEEN HYNDE. book i. In two long piles — a lane between, Where pass the maidens and their queen, Up to the sacred altar stone, Where good Columba stands alone. There was one maiden of the train Known by the name of Wicked Wene ; A lovely thing, of slender make, Who mischief wrought for mischief's sake ; And never was her heart so pleased As when a man she vex'd or teazed. By few at court she was approved, And yet by all too well beloved ; So dark, so powerful was her eye. Her mien so witching and so sly. That every youth, as she inclined. Was mortified, reserved, or kind ; This day would curse her in disdain. And next would sigh for Wicked Wene. No sooner had this fairy eyed The looks demure on either side. OKI. QUEEN HYNDE. 39 Than all her spirits 'gan to play With keen desire to work deray. Whene'er a face she could espy Of more than meet solemnity, Then would she tramp his crumpled toes, Or, with sharp fillip on the nose. Make the poor brother start and stare, With watery eyes and bristling hair. And yet this wayward elf the while Inflicted all with such a smile. That every monk, for all his pain, Looked as he wish'd it done again. Saint Oran scarce tKe coil could brook ; With holy anger glow'd his look ; But, judging still the imp would cease. He knit his brows, and held his peace. At length the little demon strode Up to a huge dark man of God ; Her soft hand on his temple laid, To feel how fair his pulses play'd ; 40 QUEEN HYNDE. Then by the beard his face she raised, And on th^ a8toni8h''d bedesman gazed With such enchantment, such address, Such sly, insidious wickedness. That, spite of insult and amaze. Softer and softer wax'd his gaze, Till all his stupid face was blent With smile of awkward languishment. Saint Oran saw — ^in trumpet tone, He cried — " Satan, avoid ! — begone ! Hence ! — all away ! for, by the rood, YeVe fiends in form of flesh and blood !"" — Columba beckoned ; all was still. Hynde knew the mover of the ill, And, instant turning, looked for Wene : " I told thee, girl, and tell again. For once remember where thou art, And be due reverence thy part.*" — Low bowM the imp with seemly grace, And humbly shew'd to acquiesce ; fiOOK OK I. QUEEN HYNDE. 41 But mischief on that lip did lie, And sly dissemblage in the eye. Scarce had her mistress ceased to speak, When form'd the dimple on her cheek, And her keen glance did well bewray ^ Who next should fall the jackalPs prey. Saint Oran, woe be to the time She mark'd thy purity sublime i Oh ! never was her heart so fain— 'Twas a new fund for Wicked Wene. Meantime the queen most courteously Addressed the seer and priest of I ; And told her latent fears at large. Her aged father''s dying charge. And, finally, with earnest mien, Of the late vision she had seen ; And that for counsel she had come Thus on a pilgrimage from home. — " Yet, reverend sires — the truth to say, Though I have ponder'd night and day 42 QUEEN HYNDE. book On this strange vision — yet so toss'd Hath been my mind, that much is lost ; And now I only can present You with its startling lineament.^ — " O !" cried Saint Oran— " here, forsooth, Is sample fair of woman's truth ! Here she pretends to ask her lot From dream, yet owns that dream forgot ! Out on ye all ! — your whole intent Is on some devilish purpose bent !** — The queen was utterly astounded ; Even Saint Columba was confounded At such outrageous frowardness ; The real cause they did not guess. Ere that time, Wene, full silently, Had slid up to Saint Oran's knee, And ogled him with look so bland That all his efforts could not stand ; Such language hung on every glance ; Such sweet provoking impudence. BOOK QUEEN HYNDE. 43 At first he tried with look severe That silent eloquence to sear. But little ween d the fairy's skill, He tried what was impossible ! His flush of wrath, and glance unkind, Were anodynes unto her mind. Then she would look demure, and sigh, And sink in graceful courtesy ; Press both her hands on her fair breast. And look what could not be exprest ! When o'er his frame her glance would stray. He wist not what to do or say ! No one perceived the elf's despight. Nor good Saint Oran's awkward plight. So quick the motion of her eye, All things at once she seem'd to spy ; For Hynde, who loved her, wont to say. For all her freaks by night and day. Though mischief was her hourly meed. She ne'er could catch her in the deed. So instantly she wrought the harm, Then, as by momentary charm. 44 QUEEN HYNDE. book i. m Stood all composed, with simplest grace, With look demure and thoughtful face, As if unconscious of offence, The statue of meek innocence ! Of Oran's wrath none saw the root, The queen went on, and all were mute.— " Now, sires, to you I have appealed, To know what's nature, what reveard ; And that you may discern aright, I'll tell you how I pass'^d the night ; What feelings on my fancy crept. And all my thoughts before I slept." — " Now, for the Virgin'^s sake, I pray. Spare the recital if you may !" Cried Oran, with distempered mien, And stretch'd his hands forth to the queen. " My liege, whatever the train denotes, O spare the feelings and the thoughts ! We know them well — too well foresee Their tenor and their tendency. OK I. QUEEN HYNDE. 45 Heavens ! how weVe bearded and belay'd ! Would that the dream itself were said !'' — Columba poignantly reproved The rudeness of the man he loved ; Though all were shock'd at what he said, None saw how the poor priest was bay'd. O Wene ! for many a wild uproar, Much, much hast thou to answer for ! Scarce had the queen again begun, When something Wene had look'd or done. Enraged the saint to such excess. He cried with desperate bitterness, " Avoid thee, Satan ! — off ! — away ! Thou piece of demon-painted clay ! Thy arts are vain ! thy efforts lost !" — All look'd astounded, Wene the most, So sad — so sweet — so innocent, That all supposed the queen was meant. Between the fathers strife arose. And words were like to end in blows. — 46 QUEEN HYNDE. HOOK 1. " Sooth r said Saint Oran, " m it fit That you or I should calmly sit Listening to tale of which the theme Is woman''s thought and woman's dream ? Out on them all !''' — And forth he strode, Groaning as one beneath a load ; And muttering words, they heard not well, Of limbs of Satan, sin, and hell ! Straight to his little cell he wended, Where loud th' impassion''d prayer ascended ; Peace was restored, and Wene was left Of every cue to ill bereft. Columba listened to the queen With deep regard and troubled mien ; And conscious many dreams were sent By spirits kind and provident, The more he thought and ponder'd o'er That wondrous vision, still the more He was confirmed it did portend Some evil wisdom might forefend ; OK I. QUEEN HYNDE. 47 And lie resolved to journey straight Home with the queen th' event to wait, For well he knew the Christian cause Rested on Scotland's throne and laws. The vow was seaFd, the host was laid, The hymn was sung, the mass was said. And after gifts of value high, The royal Hynde withdrew from I. Columba went her guide to be. In rule, in truth, and purity. They halted on the shore a while, And ere they left the sacred isle, Oran, with holy garments on. Bestowed on each his benison. Yet all with half an eye could see. He deem"'d it did nought signify ; He seem'd as if with Heaven he strove. And more in anger than in love. Scarce had he said the word, Amen^ When petulant and pesterous Wene 48 QUEEN HYNDE. KneePd on the sand and claspM his knee, Ajid thus addressed her earnest plea : — " O, holy sire ! be it my meed With thee a heavenly life to lead ; Here do I crave to sojourn still, A nun, or abbess, which you will ; For much I long to taste with thee A life of peace and purity. Nay, think not me to drive away, For here I am, and here I'll stay, To teach my sex the right to scan. And point the path of truth to man.''— " The path of truth r Saint Oran cried, His mouth and eyes distended wide ; It was not said, it was not spoke, 'Twas like a groan from prison broke, With such a burst of rushing breath, As if the pure and holy faith Had, by that maiden'^s fond intent. Been wholly by the roots uprent. — s BOOK I. QUEEN HYNDE. 49 " The path of truth !— O God of heaven ! Be my indignant oath forgiven ! For, by thy vales of light I swear, And all the saints that sojourn there, If ever again a female eye, That pole-star of iniquity. Shed its dire influence through our fane, In it no longer I remain. " Were God for trial here to throw Man's ruthless and eternal foe, And ask with which I would contend, I'd drive thee hence, and take the fiend ! The devil, man may hold at bay. With book, and bead, and holy lay ; But from the snare of woman's wile. Her breath, and sin-uplifted smile, No power of man may 'scape that gin. His foe is in the soul within. " O ! if beside the walks of men. In green-wood glade, and mountain glen. 50 QEEEN HYNDE. book i. Rise weeds so fair to look upon, Woe to the land of Caledon ! Its strength shall waste, its vitals burn, And all its honours overturn. Go, get thee from our coast away. Thou floweret of a scorching day ! Thou art, if mien not thee belies, A demon in an angel's guise.'' — " Angels indeed !'' said Lauchlan Dhu, As from the strand the boat withdrew. Lauchlan was he whom Wene addressed, Whose temple her soft hand had press's ; Whose beard she caught with flippant grace, And smiled upon his sluggish face. A burning sigh his bosom drew ! " Angels indeed !" said Lauchlan Dhu. — " Lauchlan," the Father cried with heat, " Thou art a man of thoughts unmeet ! For that same sigh, and utterance too, Thou shalt a grievous penance do. BOOK 1. QUEEN HYNDE. 51 Angels, forsooth ! — O God, I pray. Such blooming angels keep away !''— Lauchlan turn'd round in seeming pain, Look'd up to heaven, and sigh'd again ! From that time forth, it doth appear, Saint Oran's penance was severe ; He fasted, pray'd, and wept outright. Slept on the cold stone all the night ; And then, as if for error gross, He caused them bind him to the cross. Unclothe his back, and, man by man. To lash him till the red blood ran. But then— or yet in after time, No one could ever learn his crime ; Each keen inquiry proved in vain. Though all supposed he dream'd of Wene. Alas, what woes her mischief drew On Oran and on Lauchlan Dhu ! Sweet maiden, I thy verdict claim ; Was not Saint Oran sore to blame 52 QUEEN HYNDE. book For so inflicting pains condign ? O think, if such a doom were thine ! Of thy day-thoughts I nothing know, Nor of thy dreams — and were it so, They would but speak thy guileless core, And I should love thee still the more. But ah ! if I were scourged to be For every time I dream of thee, Full hardly would thy poet thrive ! Harsh is his song that's flay'd alive ! Then let us breathe the grateful vow. That stem Saint Oran lives not now. The sun went down, the bark went slow, The tide was high, the wind was low ; And ere they won the Sound of Mull, The beauteous group grew mute and dull. Silent they lean'd against the prow, And heard the gurgling waves below. Playing so near with chuckling freak. They almost ween'd it wet the cheek ; One single inch 'twixt them and death. They wonder'd at their cordial faith ! 30K I. QUEEN HYNDE. 53 During this silent, eiry dream, This tedious toiling with the stream, Old Ila Glas his harp-strings rung, With hand elate, and puled and sung A direful tale of woe and weir. Of bold unearthly mountaineer ; A lay full tiresome, stale, and bare, As most of northern ditties are : I learn'd it from a bard of Mull, Who deem'd it high and wonderful ; 'Tis poor and vacant as the man ; I scorn to say it though I can. Maid of Dunedin, thou may'st see, Though long I strove to pleasure thee. That now IVe changed my timid tone. And sing to please myself alone ; And thou wilt read, when, well I wot, I care not whether you do or not. Yes, 111 be querulous or boon. Flow with the tide, change with the moon ; 5^ QUEEN HYNDE. book i. For what am I, or what art thou, Or what the cloud and radiant bow, Or what are waters, winds, and seas. But elemental energies ? The sea must flow, the cloud descend, The thunder burst, the rainbow bend. Not when they would, but when they can. Fit emblems of the soul of man ! Then let me frolic while I may. The sportive vagrant of a day ; Yield to the impulse of the time. Be it a toy, or theme sublime ; Wing the thin air or starry sheen. Sport with the child upon the green ; Dive to the sea-maid's coral dome. Or fairy's visionary home ; Sail on the whirlwind or the storm. Or trifle with the maiden's form ; Or raise up spirits of the hill. But only if, and when I will. Say, may the meteor of the wild. Nature's unstaid, erratic child. BOOK I. QUEEN HYNDE. ' 55 That glimmers o'er the forest fen, Or twinkles in the darksome glen, Can that be bound ? Can that be rein'd ? By cold ungenial rules restrained ? No ! — ^leave it o'er its ample home. The boundless wilderness, to roam ! To gleam, to tremble, and to die, 'Tis Nature's error, so am I ! Then, O forgive my wandering theme ! Pity my faults, but do not blame ! Short my advantage, small my lore, I have one only monitor. Whose precepts, to an ardent brain, Can better kindle than restrain. Then leave to all his fancies wild. Nature's own rude untutor'd child ; And should he forfeit that fond claim. Pity his loss, but do not blame. Let those who list, the garden choose, Where flowers are regular and profuse ; 56 QUEEN HYNDE. book i. m Come thou to dell and lonely lea, And cull the mountain gems with me ; And sweeter blooms may be thine own, By Nature^s hand at random sown ; And sweeter strains may touch thy heart, Than are producible by art. The nightingale may give delight A while, 'mid silence of the night, But th** lark, lost in the heavens' blue, O, her wild strain is ever new ! END OF BOOK FIKST. QUEEN HYNDE. BOOK SECOND, QUEEN HYNDE, BOOK SECOND. When Hynde rettirn''d to her royal hall, With Saint Columba she withdrew. Who told her much that would befall ; For of the future much he knew. He solved the eagle, and the oak. The hawk, and maiden of the sea, (Of whom the hoary Vision spoke,) To chiefs defined by heraldry. But who would fight, or who would fly. Or who their sovereign would betray, Or what the roe-buck could imply, With all his gifts he could not say. 60 QUEEN HYNDE. BOOK II. But there was trouble and suspense, For, though they knew that woe would come. The seer could not divine from whence, If from abroad, or rise at home. Much sorrow woman^s bosom bears Which oft she braves with courage high ; But to that ardent soul of hers Suspense is utter misery. Hynde could not hunt, she could not play, She could not revel in the ring ; She could not fast, she could not pray. Nor yet disclose her languisliing. One day, as in her topmost tower, Upon her lattice she reclined, Her eyes to mountain, sea, and shore. Roving all restless as her mind, She spied a hind stand at her gate, With face of mystery and despair ; BOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 61 But, when he came before her seat. He told her, with a troubled air. That fairies were to Morven come, In thousand thousands there to dwell ; That the wild correi was their home, Watch'd by a grisly sentinel ! That with his eyes he had them seen In countless myriads on the hill ; Clad in their downy robes of green. Rising and vanishing at will ! When Hynde had heard the story wild, And saw the teller quake amain. She look'd unto the man and smiled. And bade him say his tale again. Again the wondrous tale was said, But nothing could of that be made. It was so i^nallied and odd. Again she cast her eyes abroad, 62 QUEEN HYNDE. book And spied on green Barcaldine lea A horseman posting furiously : His steed, outspent, was clotted o'er, His neck with foam, his sides with gore ; Though great his speed, at every strain He seem'd to eye the verdant plain With look most haggard and aghast, As if for spot to breathe his last ; Yet still he strainM, leaving behind A stream of smoke upon the wind. The rider waved his bonnet high. And cried aloud, as he drew nigh, " Open your gates, and let me on— Throw wide the gates of Beregon ! Clear— clear the way, and let me fly ; The messenger of wonder I T^ Down dropt his steed the gate before. His breath was spent, his efforts o''er, While the rude herald of dismay Cursed him, and urged on foot his way. BOOK TI. QUEEN HYNDE. 63 He saw the queen at casement high, And " Tidings !"" bawl'd with tremulous cry.—- The queen grew red — the queen grew wan, From lattice to the door she ran ; Then back — then hurried down the stair. To meet that vehement messenger ; But when his sounding step drew nigh, She fled back to her turret high. And, 'mid her maids, with feverish mind. Listened the brown and breathless hind. Whose habit and whose mien bespoke A maniac from confinement broke ; But when his accents met the ear. They shew'd him fervent and sincere. — " Which is the Queen of fair Scotland ? Pardon — I need not make demand. O haste, my liege, and raise afar The beacon and the flag of war ; Warn all your chiefs f attend you here, For high your peril is, and near. 64 QUEEN HYNDE. book ii. Let this be done without delay ; And then I have a tale to say !^— The flag of blood was raised anon, The war-blast from the tower was blown ; The battle- whoop aloud began, The henchmen rode, the pages ran, The beacon which from Uock shone. Was answered soon on Bede-na-boan, And that from every mountain hoar, From Melforvony to Ben-More, Uttering afar, o''er frith and flood, The voice of battle and of blood. When this the peasant saw prevail. He profler'd to the queen his tale ; Shewing the while he had a sense Of his own mighty consequence ; Three times he drank his thirst t** allay. Pledging the dames in courteous way ; Thrice forth his seemly leg did shew. And sleek'd the brown hair down his brow ; BOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 65 Then thus, in hurried, earnest way. Began his wondrous tale to say. — " Last eve upon the height I stood. Where Ardnamurchan bays the flood ; The northern breeze sung on the tree, Wrinkhng the dark and purple sea ; Yet not a cloudlet was in view. For heaven was deepening into blue. " I thought I saw, without the bay, Just in the line where Canay lay. Somewhat that did the ocean shroud ; It seem'd a living, moving cloud I turn'd mine eyes from off the sea. Deeming it was some fantasy ; But still, when turning round again, I saw that vision of the main. Nay, once I thought white foam arose;, Rolling before unnumbered prows. " While thus I stood in deep surprise, The vision vanished from my eyes. 66 QUEEN HYNDE. book ii. But whether it melted into air, Or sunk beneath, or lingered there, I could not tell, for fall of night Shaded the spectre fleet from sight ; And, though to fear not much inclined, A kind of terror seized my mind. All reasoning but increased my dread, I rose at midnight from my bed, And heard a din upon the ocean. As if the world had been in motion ; Voices repressed along the shores. And lashes from a thousand oars. " I heard them — yet confess I must, I scarcely could my senses trust. But deem'd some trouble sway'd my blood, Or on enchanted ground I stood ; For all was calm at break of day. Nor ship nor boat was in the bay. Along the shore and heathy hill No whisper moved, save from the rill ; Yet I could note the roaming deer Turn from that mountain's side in fear ; BOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 6T No snowy flocks were straggling there. The kid had left its wonted lair, And the dull heifer paused to gaze, And ruminate in deep amaze. " From what I saw at even-tide, I deem'd that something there did hide ; If so, I knew all was not well, But how, or why, I could not tell. So I resolved my life to stake, For my fair queen and country'^s sake " I clothed me in this foolV array, I launched my shallop in the bay ; I crossed Loch-Sunart to the east. And stray'd along the mountain'*s breast Jabbering and singing as I went. Like idiot mean and indigent. " At first one warrior cross'd my way, Resting his lance to make me stay ; A man he was of rugged mien, Such arms or robes I ne''er had seen. 68 ^ QUEEN HYNDE. # My hands were claspM my back behind, My eyes wide open to the wind, I did not once these hands divide, But with my elbow turn'd aside His lance, with wide, unalter''d stare, As if such man had not been there. Rough words he spoke in unknown tongue. But still I jabber'*d and I sung. And onward pass'd, resolved to spy The mystery out, though doom'*d to die. The warrior smiled, and laid him down ; I sauntered, sung, and wander'd on. " At length an armed file I spied. Hid in the heath all side by side ! I made no motion of surprise. But trudged, and sung, in idiot wise ; Then stretched me down amid the throng. And pull'd the grass, and crooned my song. They seem'd amused, and smiled to see My deep, unmoved stupidity. My ears on all their accents hung. But all was in an unknown tongue. BOOK II. QUEEN HYKDE. 69 " I next went to a rising ground, Where I could see all round and round. And uttered such a horrid yell, That rocks and hills rang out the knell. But never since I view''d the day, Saw I such vision of dismay ! Thousands of warriors, grim and swarth. Upraised their heads out of the earth ; Then softly, like a fairy scene, They crept into the earth again ; Each brake was lined, above the strand. With warriors of a foreign land. " This brought me many an angry look, And chastisement, and stern rebuke ; I bore them all full patiently. And 'scaped to bring the word to thee. O'er Morven hills I ran with speed, I swam the Coran on my steed, And I have ridden the Appin o'er As never mortal rode before. This is my tale, I vouch it true ; Much it imports, my liege, to you ; 70 QUEEN HYNDE. book u. The foe is strong, the danger nigh ; My steed IVe lost ! and here am I.'' — " If that be truth,'' Queen Hynde replied, ** A truth in nothing falsified. Of thy lost steed have no regard, For ample shall be thy reward, In gifled lands and honours high, For thou hast acted gallantly : If false, then of thyself take heed, The highest tree shall be thy meed. To prove thee honest as thou seem'st, Say all thou saw'st, and all thou deem'st." — " I've braved the Briton on the field, I've met the Roman shield to shield ; Of many a foe I've seen the face ; But such a rough and warlike race As they who lie on Morven's shore, In sooth, I ne'er beheld before. " If there are nations north away, As I have heard old minstrels say. BOOK II. ^ QUEEN HYNDE. 71 Who live by land, or live by sea, As suits the time or casualty ; Who o'er the wave, on summer tide. Along the wastes of ocean glide, Or in the deep indented bay, Like pellochs, dive to pick their prey ; And when the seasons 'gin to turn, Amid the forests far sojourn. Hunting the great deer to and fro. Or burrowing, 'neath eternal snow. Deep in the bowels of the ground ; With their unlovesome mates around. Howling the songs of other spheres, And feasting on lank wolves and bears ; — If such there are, a countless host Of such now lies on Scotland's coast : For all their robes are from the wood, Or seal-skin of the northern flood ; Their beards are long, their arms unclean, Their food the hateful haberdine. " Farther I saw that to the sea Their eyes reverted constantly ; 7« QUEEN HYNDE. book ii. There still they look'd, as if aware That all their hopes were anchored there ; And thence, I judge, from Barra's shore. This night wiD bring as many more ; And that, before the break of day, Their fleet may ride in Creran bay. , " >Jay, more, I dread that to their side Some Scots have tum'd, and been their guide ; For not in all our western bound Could such a landing-place be found ; Such solitude in bay and hill, So deep, so lonely, and so still. " One passenger, while I was there, Came up the shore with lightsome air ; He sung, he whistled, and he ran ; I deemM him one of Moidart's clan. But as he passM, with luckless eye. He saw the beach all trodden lie ; He mark'^d the footsteps and stood still, Look'd to the sea, and to the hill. OK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 73 Still lingering on the tainted brink, As if he wist not what to think. " A chief arose, with ill intent, Out of the brake, and to him went ; And with one stroke and little din Clove the poor traveller to the chin. Then hid him in the clustering brake. how my heart began to quake ! 1 thought of death, and 'gan to con The prayer that would be soonest done. I 'scaped them all, though sore beset ! In artifice I ne'er was beat. None else could thus have caution'd you, Though I, who should not say it, do." — O when that hind aside had laid His fool's attire, and was array'd In belted plaid and broad claymore. And robes which once a chieftain wore ; And came, with martial cap in hand, Before the nobles of the land, 74 QUEEN HYNDE. book ii. It would have joy'd your heart toVe seen His face of wisdom and his mien. And aye he stretched with careful fold His philabeg of tassell'd gold, And tried with both hands to sleek down His locks all weatherbeat and brown ; Then quite bewildered every sense With words of great magnificence : The motley clown I do not blame, Few are his paths that lead to fame ! One gainM, let him that path pursue, For great and glorious is the view ! High on a rock the palace stood, Looking afar o'er vale and flood, Amid a mighty citadel. To force of man impregnable. Seven towers it had of ample space, Which still the stranger well may trace. Much famed in legendary lore, 'Twas Selma in the days of yore. But east and north the city lay, On ridge and vale, from bay to bay. BOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 75 And many a stately building shone Within the ancient Beregon, And many a fair and comely breast Heaved in that jewel of the west. While round it cliffs and walls arose Impassable to friends and foes. The Caledonians lay at ease. Beleaguered by their hills and seas, They knew no force by land could won Their old imperial Beregon ; But hostile navies were their dread. To which a thousand bays were spread, Round every peopled vale and hill, Where they might ravage at their will ; And never news so fraught with fear Had met the Caledonian's ear. Benderiloch and Appin men. From Etive bay, to Cona glen. Led by old Connal of Lismore, Appeared the first on Creran shore. 76 QUEEN HYNDE. booe ii. # Gillian of Lorn, at close of cvc, Crossed over ConncFs boisterous wave, With seven score yeomen in his train. Well baited on the battle-plain. All these, with other armed men, Knight, squire, and serf, and citizen. Assembled were at evening fall, Scarcely a thousand men in all. But where the watch to keep o^er night ; Or where the danger would alight ; What foe was nigh, or what would be. All was in dim uncertainty. On every height and headland steep, Wardens were placed the watch to keep, By shores of Appin and of Lorn, With pipe, and call, and bugle-horn, In various notes to give alarms To warriors resting on their arms. The autumn eve closed on the hill ; The north was breathing brisk and chill ; BOOK n. QUEEN HYNDE. 77 The stars were sprinkled o'er the night, With goggling and uncertain light, As if eventful watch to keep. Over these reavers of the deep. What with the roar of ConneFs stream ; The cormorant's awakening scream ; The constant whistling of the gale ; The dead-lights glimmering in the dale ; The shadowy mountains, bored and riven. That seem'd to gap the eastern heaven ; It was by sages truly hight. An ominous and awful night ! High beat the heart of many a maid. And many an ear was open laid. Deep listening, with suspended breath, To hear the signal sound of death. Each casual clang, and breathing boom, And voice that wandered through the gloom Sent to the heart a thrilling knell. And when the morrow's sentinel, The cock, his midnight 'larum crew, A thousand cheeks were changed of hue ; 78 QUEEN HYNDE. book it. Ten thousand heads, stunn'd and amazed, Were from green moss and pillow raised. The midnight came, and passed away, And silence hung o^er keep and bay ; Save that three watchers, on Loch-Linhe, Above Glen-HendaFs groves of pine,— Just in the midnight^s deepest reign. When Orion with his golden chain Had measured from the moors of Tay To keystone of the milky way, — Heard a soft lay of sorrow given. Somewhere from out the skirts of heaven, Much like the ftmeral song of pain Which minstrel pours o'er warrior slain, And well the strains, to sorrow true. Of Ossian's airy harp they knew, Which his rapt spirit from the sky. Gave to the breeze that journeyed by ; As well they knew the omen drear Boded of danger, death, and weir. BOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 79 The first watch of the morning past, Dark was the shade o'er nature cast ; And o'er the eyes that watch had kept, The short and dreamy slumber crept ; When, all at once, from sentinel, Burst on the air the bugle's swell ! And never did note from bugle blown Congeal so many hearts to stone ! If thou did'st e'er the affliction bear Of having all thou valued'st here Placed in a frail and feeble bark, Exposed upon the ocean dark ; And when thy spirit yearn'd the most. The word arrived that all was lost. Then may'st thou guess the pains that stole Cold on the Caledonian's soul. Unto the first alarm that broke, No answer came, save from the rock, For all sat list'ning in suspense,- And doubting every mortal sense ; BO QUEEN HYNDE. . book ii. But soon repeated was the roar, Longer and louder than before. Then one o'^erwhelming flood of sound Burst over Scotland round and round ; Away, away ! by mountain hoar. By moated peel, by isle, and shore, Far eastward to the break of mom, And o''er the thousand glens of Lorn : Slow down the links of Spey it flew. On Lomond waked the slumbering mew, Till down Cantire, with rolling sweep, It died along the southern deep. The matron said her holiest prayer ; The household dog rose from his lair, TumM up his snout, and howl'd amain ; The fox and eagle joined the strain ; The capperkailzie scorn'^d to flee. But gallow'd on the forest tree ; The hill- wolf turn''d him to the wind, And lick'd his bloody flew, and whined. BOOK ir. QUEEN HYNDE. 81 How shook the foemen at the noise, They deemed it was the land of voice ! By every mountain, lake, and glen, By forest, frith, and shaking fen, Came rows of men in arms bedight, Panting and hurrying through the night. And aye as from the mountain''s head, Beside the bealfire blazing red, The watcher's warning note was blown. Faster they strode, and posted on. Yet all those lines afar and near Straight inward to one goal did steer, As to the lake the streamlets run, Or rays point to the morning sun ; Or like the lines of silvery foam Around the ocean's awful tomb, Where grim Lofodden's thirsty cave Swallows adown the living wave ; Around, around the whirlpool's brink, To that they point, and rim, and sink. So pour'd the warriors of the land, Around their queen and throne to stand ; • 82 QUEEN HYNDE. book ii. Too late they came ! ere rose the sun, The bloody fight was lost and won ! Where sounded first the watcher's horn, Rushed to the shore the men of Lorn, And saw, as to the strand they pressed, Upon the ocean'*s groaning breast. As if the forest of Lismore Came struggling on to Appin's shore. So far that moving wood was spread, The sound so wholly covered, That all along its level sheen No image of a star was seen : Such fleet no Scot had ever haiPd, Nor e''er on Albyn's seas had sail'd. Onward it came like moving wood. Loaded, and lipping with the flood. Till every keel refused the oar, And, stranded, leaned on Appin shore : Each warrior there had pledged his faith. To win a home for life or death. BOOK 11. QUEEN HYNDE. 83 The barks were moor'd all side by side, Then plunged the warriors in the tide.— *^ Now !" cried old Connal, in a tone Of ecstasy — " on, warriors, on !" — And as the hail-cloud hanging swarth Bursts with the thunder on the earth. So rush'^d on death our warriors brave. With shout that deaden'd every wave. The plunge of horses, and the neigh. The broken and uncertain bay. Where floundering warriors fought and fell. The utter darkness, and the knell Of battle stiU that louder grew, The flashes from the swords that flew, Form'd altogether such a scene As warriors scarce shall view again I In sooth, when first these warriors met. When every sword to sword was set. You would have ween'd some meteor's ray, Or curve of flame, hung o'er the bay. So flew the fire from weapons keen, 84 aUEEN HYNDE. »ook ii. While all was noise and rage between, But nothing save that fire was seen. Where Lorn with his brave horsemen came, The coast was firm, the beach the same ; But where the galleys lay, they knew Abrupt and deep at once it grew. Into the wave they rode amain, The foe withstood them, but in vain ; They drove them backward in the strife, To plunge amid their ships for life. But too intrepid in their wrath, And too intent on foemen"*s death. Over the beach, into the deep. They rush''d like flock of weetless sheep. That headlong plunge, with flurried mind. While dogs and shepherds whoop behind ; Or like the cumbrous herd that goes. Of panting, thirsting buffaloes, From deep Missouri's wave to drink ; Fast press they to the stayless brink. Pushing the foremost from the shore. Till thousands sink to rise no more : BOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 85 So plunged our yeomen over head, Till scarce a remnant turn*'d and fled, While rock'd the galleys to and fro. With struggling, parting life below. This error Muse may scarce define, A breach was made in Scotia's line ; ' The foe in thousands gain d the strand. And stretch*'d in files to either hand. So that the footmen were beset, Who still the foe had backward beat ; For when they first met in the sea. They scarcely fought unto the knee ; Now all the waving crescent line, ToiFd to the breasts in smoking brine, Which round them thick and clammy grew, A waveless tide of crimson hue ; But still they fought, though coiPd in gore. With foes behind, and foes before. No son of Albyn held at ought His hfe, or harboured once a thought That on his coast might step a foe. Who first not o'er his breast should go. 86 QUEEN HYNDE. Their perilous case hid from their view, Amid the moming^s murky hue, Each warrior fought for country's sake, As if his all had been at stake, As if the safety of the land Lay in the force of his right hand. No groan of hero's death could tell, As 'mid the thickening wave they fell ; Warriors on shivering warriors stood, Choked in that tide of briny blood. O, when the sun, through morning rime, Looked over Cana's cliffs sublime, Never on Appin's shore was spread Such piles of blench'd and mangled dead ! The tide, receding, left a stain Of crimson ever to remain, (For since that day no tempest's shock Can bleach the colour from the rock,) And left, in woful guise the while, Troops of pale warriors, rank and file, Stretch'd on the strand, in lines uneven. With their cold eye-balls fix'd on heaven ! BOOK II. BOOK n. QUEEN HYNDE. 87 Their bodies swathed in bloody foam, Their heads turned to their native home. And every corse of Albyn''s race. Had marks of gloom in his dead face. As still for life and force he gasp'd, And in his hand his sword was grasp''d. Each visage seem'd to interchange With others grin of stern revenge ; But nigher viewed, it wore an air Of gloom, of sorrow, and despair. As the last feelings of the heart Had been a pang of grief to part From Caledon when needed most, And that his powerful aid was lost. Columba, with his sovereign fair, Had spent the latter hours in prayer, E'er since the time the bugle rung. And many a holy hymn they sung. They never knew till break of day. That Scotia's host had waned away ; 88 QUEEN HYNDE. book u % They knew of battle on the coast, But little weenM that all was lost. And when the morning's purple beam On Beregon began to gleam, O, what a scene for sovereign's eye, Was open'd slow and gradually ! The bay all fringed with glistening gore, The human wreck along the shore ; A thousand masts, from bark and barge. Pointing to the horizon's verge ; For all around the -Keila bay The fleet was moored, and leaning lay ; And dreadful hosts of warriors grim The plains beyond the gate bedim ; All crowding, gathering, bearing on To hapless, hopeless Beregon ! Old Connal Bawn, and wounded Lorn, With handful of brave men outworn. Borne, inch by inch, back from the strand. Now took their last and latest stand Within the porch, with full intent To fall, or entrance there prevent. 4^ Oh II. QUEEN HYNDE. 89 Too plain it was that all was lost, But what astounded Hynde the most, Was the broad banner of the foe, High streaming on the morning^s brow ; For on it flashM, in dreadful wise, A sable bull of monstrous size, His horns, his colour, and his frame. His furious mood the very same As that, remembered still with awe. Which in her hideous dream she saw. The close of that when she thought on. Her heart grew cold, and turned to stone ! She saw a foresight had been given To her of future things by Heaven ; But yet so shadowy and so dim. On reason s. surf it seem'd to swim. And all the struggling of the mind. Its form and substance could not find. But plain it was to every sense, That some sublime intelligence. Beyond the power of mind to scan, Existed between God and man. • m 90 QUEEN HYNDE. book Distemper^ thoughts her bosom stirrM, Her father^s words again recurr'd : And ah ! the thought that there could be A thuig of immortality, A spirit that had passed away. Of one in dust and death that lay Still by her side, to smile, or frown, Converse, and mingle with her own, Was one so deeply pondered on That reason waver'd on her throne. Message on message posting came, Which so perplexed the youthful dame. That all her mind's exertion fled, A stupor on her brain was shed. Her royal city of command, The great emporium of the land, She saw exposed to foemen's ire. To sword, to ravage, and to fire. Her nobles gone to fetch supply. One leader wounded mortally. The other brave, but hard beset, Herself, with holy anchoret. BOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 91 Surrounded by a ruthless foe ; Alas ! what could the virgin do ? No human stay or succour near. She looked to heaven, and dropt a tear ! — " My honoured liege," Columba said, " Suffer your servant, thus arrayM, Forth to the foe in peace to fare. And learn from whence, and who they are ; Their purpose, and their dire intent. And why on war with maiden bent. We haply thus may stay the war. Till Lennox come, and rapid Mar ; I'll wend unaided and alone. For every tongue to me is known." — The queen approved the wise appeal. And lauded high his honest zeal. Forth steppM the sire the hosts between. Bearing a bough of holly green ; The marshalled foe his journey sped. And to their king the seer was led. 92 QUEEN HYNDE. book ii. • A prince he seemM of courage high, Of mighty frame and lion eye, With something generous in his face, A shade of noble courteousness, Mix'*d with a stern and jealous part, Th' effect of caution, not of heart ; And by him stood a prince most fair, Haco, his sister'^s son and heir. Before the king Columba stood, Nor bowM he head, nor lifted hood ; Erect he stood with tranquil ease, Looking the monarch in the face, Loth to avale, if it might be, One jot of Scotland's dignity ; And lothcr still to bring the blame Of cringing on the Christian name : Serene he stood, like one prepared To answer, rather than be heard. One surly glance the monarch threw But momently that glance withdrew, BOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 93 For well his eye had learned to trace The human soul from human face. But such a face, and such an eye Of tranquil equanimity, He had not viewed in all his reign 0'*er Scania's stormy, wild domain ; 'Mong all the dark and stern compeers Of Odin's rueful worshippers.^ — " Who art thou that, in such array, With cowled head, and frock of grey, Approachest on unbending knee The face of sovereign majesty ?" — " I wist not, king, to whom I came, What rank he claim'd, or what his name. Else I had rendered honours due, For to th' awards of Heaven I bow ; And well I know the mighty Hand That rules the ocean and the land,- O'er mankind, his peculiar care, Places the sovereign powers that are ; 94 QUEEN HYNDK. book If such thou art, 111 honours pay ; But first thy name and lineage say. That thus thou comest, in armour sheen, Against a young and virgin queen."" — " As suits you, friend or foe, I am, Eric of Norway is my name ; My lineage is supreme and high. Of Odin's race that rules the sky ; All Scandinavia owns my reign. From Finmark to the northern main ; My errand is, I frankly own. To win your queen, and wear your crown ; That all the northern world may be One huge, resistless monarchy. If young Queen Hynde, of fair renown. Will yield to me herself and crown. Our flag of war shall soon be furPd, I'll make her mistress of the world ; If not, to me it seems as nought, 111 take her, and her land to boot. I and my warriors value less Your forces than one bitter mess ; JIOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 95 I'll crush them like a moth, and must Lay ancient Beregon in dust ; My soldiers' prey it needs must be, Though I regret it grievously. " Go, tell your queen I proffer her My hand, my love, my crown to wear ; And would she save her hand from scathe, Her warriors and her chiefs from death. Her maids from brunt of rude desire, Her capital from sword and fire, Let her be sure her choice to make. Of that perforce she needs must take. Eric of Norway is not wont Of deeds he cannot do to vaunt."— " Forsooth, King Eric, I must say, Such wooer comes not every day. So frank to ask, and free to give, So downright, and so positive ; So brief a courtship ne'er was known Within the bounds of Caledon. 96 QUEEN HYNDE. book u How it may end I little wot, But the beginning has been hot ; And hence, I pray that God may keep Such northern wooers north the deep. " However, I shall well agree, I not dislike your policy ; For should your high designs succeed. The holy faith it needs must spread. As ghostly counsellor, and guide. And messenger of Heaven beside, I may not, and I will not, cease To cultivate eternal peace. But should — as "'tis my firm belief. Her troth be pledged to Scottish chief. What then remains ? — She can^t revoke ; A sovereign's word may not be broke.*" — " Let arms decide the right,^ said he ; " The sword be judge 'twixt him and me.""— This said he in so stem a tone, The saint stood mute, reply was none. 7 BOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 97 " Whoe'er thou art," the king rejoin cl, "As vicar of the royal Hynde, I thee respect, and make appeal If I not fair and frankly deal. My sovereignty I lay aside, From subject wight to win my bride ; If vanquished, I request no more, I yield her to the conqueror : Better one man than thousands die ; Thou hast my answer ; — homeward hie ; ' If not ere noon assent returns, You yield perforce, your city burns ; I'll leave nor pile, nor standing stone, In all your boasted Beregon." — " Most gallant sovereign, I implore One other word, and then no more — What if my queen have pledged her troth, By royal word or solemn oath, To sundry chiefs, in their degrees Bound to particular services. And he that most avails the land, To share her throne, and win her hand ? — G 98 QUEEN HYNDE. book it. I pledge no word tliat this I know, But, sooth, I deem and judge it so."** — " Then bring them all,"' King Eric cried— " Bring one, bring two upon your side — Princes or peasants let them be— Bring ten — ^it is the same to me ! Men to your men I will produce, If Hynde from 'mong the victors choose.'"— " In thee. King Eric, I perceive A noble foe or friend we have : Forthwith before my queen I'll lay Your gallant suit, for yea or nay.**' — Much was the stir, when this was known In palace of old Beregon. Sore they demurred, yet it did seem A respite in a great extreme — A respite from a deadening blow By an overpowering reckless foe. Proud Gaul of Ross, and lordly Mar, And Donald Gorm, were distant far ; BOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 99 For Sutherland they look'd in vain From verges of the northern main ; Lochorn was nigh, and Allan Bane, Lochaber"'s fair and goodly thane, But all uncertain was their power ; Argyle was look'd for every hour, And when he came to aid the war. They knew that neither he, nor Mar, Nor any Scottish chief, would bear King Eric's brag in deeds of weir. They ween'd that warriors there were none Could match the chiefs of Caledon ; Yet such a stake as queen and crown On such a die was never known. While thus they sat in counsel slow, And wist not how or what to do — While fears were high, and feelings strong, While words were few, and pauses long- Queen Hynde, from off her royal seat. Thus spoke in words and mood elate :— • 100 QUEEN HYNDE. book it. " My ancient friends, full well I see Your kind concern and fears for me ; No more your risk, no more your stake, Than Albyn chooses that to make. Fm a mere woman— and my crown, With your support, is great, I own ; Without it, "'tis but sordid dust — Let Eric take us, if he must ! Though both are won, and I constraint, The soul of Albyn is not chain''d ; By hard constraint whatever I do, Be to your independence true. " I'm great or small at your behest— A queen, a trifle, or a jest ; I rule because you will it so. No more can mighty Eric do. I take his offer— three to three His claim shall straight decided be : From out the number that subdues. My husband and my lord I choose. BOOK n. QUEEN HYNDE. 101 " Were there a dread — as there is none — That chosen chiefs of Caledon Can e'er to barbarous foemen yield, Or fainting quit the combat field, Then let King Eric take his all — His queen and kingdom nominal ! " Whereas, should we this pause forego. And baulk a proud and powerful foe. Our wealth and crown, ere falls the night, Must yield to his resistless might. I take his offer without dread ; Be this proviso only made, That, as a queen and crown may go From nation by a single blow, Whoever wins, on yonder plain In seven days shall fight again : That day shall all decisive be — The victor's gain, my crown and me. But, in the interim, I shall claim. In whose soever power I am. Such honours, deference, and esteem, As may a virgin queen beseem.'' — ' 102 QUEEN HYNDE. Consent was full, applause was high. For why, no better meed was nigh. Columba and old Connal went Forth to King Eric'^s royal tent, Which now a wonder rose to view, Spangled with furs of every hue. The clause was joyfully approved. For Eric blood and battery loved. The day was set, the hour, the field, The brief agreement sign'd and seaPd, And all the Norse to music's tone Enter'^d the gates of Beregon. Friendly they were, and madly gay, And, sooth, such revel and deray. Such wassailing and noiance vast. Had not been seen for ages past. The maids of Beregon were pleased, For they were flatter'd, woo''d, and teazed ; And well 'tis known that woman's mind Is still to noise and stir inclined ; She would be mark'd, and woo*d withal, Rather to ill than not at all. BOOK I] BOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 103 Ah ! loveliest of the lovely throng ! Why darts that frown my page along ? If I from courtesy have swerved, 1 may be blamed, and may deserved ; I oft have been, and oft will be — It may not, shall not, be by thee. Why should I tell of that I rue. Or sing, deluded flowers, of you ? Of seven fair sisters in a bower. Each lovelier than the opening flower, Chaste as the snow of winter storms. Or stream that bathed their lovely forms And they were pure as they were fair — So deem'*d we all — and so they were. The spoilers came — their toils were few ! How can I sing of that I rue ? O, I have thought, and thought again. And still the memory gives me pain ! Nor can I deem that beauty's glow. The liquid eye, and radiant brow. 104 QUEEN HYNDE. book ii. The smile that, like the morning dew, Sheds gladness on the gazer^s view — The graceful form, the gliding tread, Too light to hruise the daisy's head — The downy locks, with roses twined, Or wanton waving in the wind — The mantling blush so sweetly spread, Changing the pale rose to the red — All but a gloss in kindness given To woman's youth by pitying Heaven, For glories lost by primal sin, To veil unsanctitude within ! O that such thoughts I could consign To darkness distant and condign ! If broods the soul on such alloy, Then where is mine and nature's joy ? StiU let me love thee as thou art, Though passions rankle at thy heart ; Though chroniclers point thee for ill, I'll ween thee pure and gentle still : I'll say, when thousand faults combine, My sex has dross as well as thine ; BOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 105 And in my last and utmost need, I'll fly to Calvin's sweeping creed. And say of crimes of deepest hue, They were predestined thee to do Ere thou wast born, tfiiough thine the ill — What is our lot we must fulfil ! Nay, rather than to thousands yield, Or fly defeated from the field, I'll quit this jointured age and thee — This age of bond and bankruptcy — With all its sordid thirst of gold. And conjure up the times of old ; Raising from ancient days a queen. And maids that were, or might have been, That I may mould them as I will. And love thee, froward trifler, still. Only — though light I hold thy jeer — None of thy pruding let me hear : . I know thee well — too well to feign, And have my way, as thou hast thine. 106 QUEEN HYNDE. book ii. m If bards and maids must disagree, Woe to the fair ! — and woe to me I IVe sung of wake and roundelay, In beauteous Mary's early day ; Of charms that could all hearts command ; Of maiden borne to fairy land ; Of worlds of love, and virgins bright ; Of pilgrims to the land of light. And I have sung to those who know Of maiden'^s guilt and failings too ; And all in love, to paint to thee The charms of perfect purity. Now IVe caird forth a patriot queen Of generous soul and courtly mien ; And I've upraised a wayward elf With faults and foibles like thyself; And these as women thou shalt see. More as they are, than they should be. Then wrangle not with one whose skill Is short and laggard to his will ; BOOK II. QUEEN HYNDE. 107 Who yet can hope, and brow the heaven, Of God and man to be forgiven For every strain he dared essay, For every line of every lay, That would to purity impart One stain, or wound the virtuous heart. END OF BOOK SECOND. QUEEN HYNDE. _j_—— —————— J BOOK THIRD. m- QUEEN HYNDE. BOOK THIRD. Whoe'ee in future time shall stray O'er these wild valleys west away, Where first, by many a trackless strand. The Caledonian held command ; Where ancient Lorn, from northern shores Of Clyde to where Glen-Connel roars, Presents in frowning majesty Her thousand headlands to the sea : O, traveller ! whomsoe'^er thou art. Turn not aside, with timid heart. At ConneFs tide, but journey on To the old site of Beregon ; 112 QUEEN HYNDE. book in I pledge my word, whether thou lovest The poet'*s tale, or disapprovest, So short, so easy is the way. The scene shall well thy pains repay. There shalt thou view, on rock sublime. The ruins grey of early time, Where, frowning o'*er the foamy flood, The mighty halls of Selma stood. And mark a valley stretching wide, Inwaird by cliff's on either side, By curving shore, where billows broke, And triple wall, from rock to rock ; Low in that strait, from bay to bay. The ancient Beregonium lay. Old Beregon ! what soul so tame Of Scot that warms not at thy name ? Or where the bard, of northern clime. That loves not songs of Selma'*s time ? Yes, while so many legends tell, Of deeds, and woes, that there befell. These ruins shall be dear to fame, And brook the loved, the sacred name. 3 liooK HI. QUEEN HYNDE. 113 Nay, look around, on green-sea wave, On cliff, and shelve, which breakers lave ; On stately towers and ruins grey, ♦• On moat, on island, glen, and bay ; On remnants of the forest pine. Old tenants of that mountain reign ; On cataract and shaggy mound. On mighty mountains far around Jura's fair bosom, form'd and full ; The dark and shapeless groups of Mull ; Others far north, in haze that sink. Proud Nevis, on Lochaber's brink^ And blue Cruachan, bold and riven. In everlasting coil with heaven. View all the scene, and view it well, Consult thy memory, and tell If on the earth exists the same. Or one so well deserves the name.* * Selma signifies The Beautiful View ; Beregon, or Perecon, as it is pronounced, The Serpent of the Strait. H 114 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. Thou still may'st see, on looking round, That, saving from the northern bound, Where stretched the suburbs to the muir. The city stood from foes secure. North on Bomean height was placed King Eric's camp, o'er heathery waste ; And on Barvulen ridge behind, Rock'd his pavilion to the wind. Where royal banners, floating high Like meteors, streamed along the sky. Within the palace he had been, And converse held with Scotland's queen ; And the north tower, of strong defence. Was given him for his residence. There over-night he would not stay. But there he sojourn'd day by day ; For, sooth to say, as well he might, King Eric was in woful plight ; For ne'er was heart of rosy maid. Nor amorous youth, nor dotard, laid So wholly under love's arrest, As was King Eric's noble breast. BOOK 111. QUEEN HYNDE. 115 Queen Hynde was his perpetual theme, His hourly thought, his nightly dream ; And no discourse could chance to be Of war, or peace, or policy. In which, with fondness archly seen, He introduced not Albyn's queen. It was a theme beloved so well. He long'd, and loved on it to dwell. She met him, but his presence thence She shunn'd, as not to give offence ; She had no thought, no pride, no aim. But what her country's rights became ; And in the converse them between. Such majesty was in her mien, Such dignity with sweetness mix'd. The soul of Eric was transfix'd ; From former, ruder joys estranged. His very nature seemed exchanged. The comeliest youth of northern name. Prince Haco, mark'd the growing flame, 116 QUEEN HYNDE. And wild impatience fired his mind, To see that fair, that wondrous Hynde, That thus could raise in warrior's core, Feelings unknown, unfelt before. Oft watch'd he round the tower alone, But word or intercourse was none, Till, feigning tale of import high. He gain'd admittance artfully. Hynde to Columba's aisle had gone, An hour with him to spend alone. Just as the prince was introduced As messenger of secret trust. By wayward chance it happ'd just then, That frolicsome and restless Wene, In all the royal robes of state ArrayM, on throne of ivory sate. Aping a queen with such a face. Such majesty, and proud grimace, That all the noble maids around With laughter sunk upon the ground. One personated haughty Mar, One Norway's boistVous brand of war. BOOK IIJ. BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 11*7 One Allan Bane, one Coulan Brande, And one the Lord of Sutherland ; And each address'd the suit to Wene, In wooer terms, as Scotland's queen. To one the imp, with simpering grin, Turn'd up her nose, and tiny chin ; Her scarf of tissued gold flung by, And raised her shapely arm on high, Saying, in act, most gracefully, " Have done, good friend ! I'll none of thee !" — Another she apart would eye, With piercing glance, or ogle sly ; Another flatter — then again Turn to King Eric of the main ; And all the patriot queen display. In dignified and generous way. While this high game was at the height, And all were wrapt in wild delight, . A gentle rap was at the door ; " Come in," said Wene ; and on the floor 118 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. ^ A bowing page these words addressM, " A messenger in speechless haste From royal Eric craves thine ear.*" — " 'Tis well,'*' said Wene ; " let him appear Before ouu throne.*"-— These words she said So like the queen, the page obeyM. Each maid look'd to the throne on high With dimpling cheek and pregnant eye, And scarce from laughter could refrain At the effrontery of Wene ; But dreading sore that such a jest Would lead to scorn and wrath at least. No time was now these fears to state, To reason, or expostulate ; For, momently, in royal hall. Prince Haco bow'd amid them all. His courtly form so tall and fair. His flowing curls of flaxen hair, His amorous look, and princely gear. Soon made him general favourite there. — BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 119 " Pardon, illustrious queen," he cried, " Flower of the world, and Albyn''s pride. For this intrusion on your court : I tidings bring of strange report ; Haco's my name, King Eric's heir, My message suits your private ear." — With sovereign air, and motion dumb, Wene pointed with her queenly thumb Unto the door — then, in a tone Soft yet majestic, cried " Begone, We wish with him to be alone ; Shortly your counsels we may crave ; To Scotland's weal we are the slave." — Forth stepped the dames with curtsey low ; To each the prince returned a bow ; But as the hindmost disappeared, A tittering sound of mirth he heard. And in his brilliant eye was blent Shame, anger, and astonishment. — " Regard not, prince, a court-dame's fleer, To you they mean no scoff or jeer ; • 1^ QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. 'Tis at their mistress and their queen, And she must bear't," said wicked Wene. ** Prince, when misfortune's at the door. It looses tongues were mute before. They jeer that thus their queen should be In hall alone with prince like thee ; Nor is it meet — ^but I must bow To things unfitting virgin now." — " And, sooth,'' said Haco, " much I fear The queen will turn on me the jeer. When she shall hear, as now she must. My message of important trust. Forgive thy servant, I entreat, 'Tis love that brings me to thy feet ; To see thy face, thy words to hear, Was the intent that brought me here." — " Love r said the urchin, with a frown Such as from eye was never thrown — " Love darest thou name to Albyn's queen, Whose face before thou hast not seen ? BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 121 Such theme we list not to discuss ; We must not yet be toy'd with thus." — " Forgive my youth, angelic dame. And glowing heart of moulded flame ; Thou shalt not need one word to check. Nor hear aught but with due respect. I've set my head upon a die. To pay this homage to thine eye ; For of thy form of matchless grace, Thy cherub eye, and lovely face. So much I heard, that heavenly bliss Seemed less to me than hour like this ; But all was short that I heard told. To beauty that I now behold." — I've said before, and must repeat, That Wene had beauty, archness, wit ; No young man on her face could look Who felt not pang he ill could brook ; He loved, or in his bosom strove With something similar to love ; 122 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. And when she tried her witching skill, Her eye with certainty could kill. Now, in the royal robes array 'd, With gold and jewels overlaid, She seem'd a being of romance, A thing of perfect elegance ; And Haco, trembling, scarcely trow'd Before an earthly maid he bow'd — Such dignity, in mien and eye, A man beholds in majesty ! O titled rank, long be it thine From common gaze remote to shine ! And long be nursed thy speech refined From scrutiny of vulgar mind ! That thing, in robes of state attired, The closer seen, the less admired. Kept at a distance, still may draw The homage of respect and awe : Therefore most humbly do I sue, In name of rank, and reverence due. Subordination, manners prim. And all that keeps a land in trim, BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. To keep thy sphere, whate'er it be, From scar of scoundrel scrutiny. This thing did Wene, for honour'^s sake, Upholding rank she chanced to take ; And Wene knew more, as you'll espy, Of men and things, than you or I. As Haco spoke, the elf the while Lighted her visage with a smile, And gave him look that thrill'd each vein ; For who could stand the eye of Wene ? The prince took heart, and blushing said, " Here, at thy feet, O royal maid. One moment list th"* unwelcome theme. And hear thy servant's simple scheme.*" — " Not at OUR feet," Queen Wene replied. With voice and air most dignified ; " A prince thou art — a foe, 'tis true — Yet — rise — that honour is thy due. No good from this can we divine ; But let us hear that scheme of thine." — 124 QUEEN HYNDE. • " O say not foe ! — If in this heart One atom acted foeman's part, I'd dig it from its latent goal, ^ The sanguine fountain of the soul ! What I will do, thou yet shalt see, For peace, for Scotland, and for thee. My uncle Eric loves thee more Than ever king did queen before ; I know it — ^but he's old — whilst thou Hast jdl that loved and living glow Which youth on virgins can bestow. Now, since IVe seen thee, and approve. And feel to see thee is to love. Might Haco but thy heart engage. No deadly wars the Norse might wage. For, take my word, if here they stay. War there must be, do as you may ; In spite of truce or treaties made. Their breaking forth is but delayed. As certain as the wind must blow Cold o'er their polar wastes of snow. So, where the chiefs of Scania are, Must there be ravage, waste, and war. nooK III. BOOK 111. QUEEN HYNDE. 125 " This to prevent, and Scotland free, Might you transfer your troth to me, Here might we reign, on stable throne. In old imperial Beregon ; And to your Albyn's present bound Unite our islands all around. And when the time comes, as it may. That Scandinavia owns my sway. O'er these thy towers shall wave unfurFd The ensigns of the northern world, And Scotia's free, unyielding land To all these regions give command. These things I deem'd, O beauteous Hynde, Worthy the counsel of your mind. To do them all I pledge my troth — No son of Odin breaks his oath."— " Prince," said Queen Wene, " you pledge too high ; Even sanguine maid may not rely On such great privilege and command, And Vantage to her native land. But yet the eye would be severe. And heart, that judged you insincere. 196 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. • Yet all the answer I can deign, As 'tis — (to those o'er whom I reign, The slave and vassal, subject still To what they feel and what they will — ) Is this, — to thank you, and take leave. This hand in friendship please receive ; And, as thou lovest my peace and bliss, Venture no more on scheme like this." — Haco kneerd down in rapture bland. And took the elfin's queenly hand, Impress'd it with a kiss sincere. And wet the bracelet with a tear ; Whilst Wene, with all her shrewd address. Could scarce her merriment suppress. The prince upraised his humid eye, And noting well her aspect sly, Tum'd half away with mimic flush. With dimple, and with fairy blush. Fled all at once his humble air, And but the lover nought was there. Light as the bound of roe-buck young, To footstool of the throne he sprung ; BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 127 Put one arm round the royal neck ; The other, with all due respect, Her je weird bosom did enfold The gentle form and arms to hold ; And then did lips in silence tell Where lover's lip delights to dwell. Full oft can maid, with frowning brows, Reprove the act she well allows, Though dear, as now, th' impassioned scene^ And action was the soul of Wene ! Prince Haco'*s youthful heart o'erflow^d. And turn''d to wax that liquid glow''d ; And that fond kiss a seal has set Of female form and coronet On it, so deep, that from its core That form was ne'er erased more ; For every thought his mind pursued The dear, the treacherous form renewed. True, though Queen Wene her squire beloved With sharp and cutting words reproved. ■m 128 QUEEN HYNDE. • Yet in her radiant eye was seen No proud offence nor pointed spleen ; And as he lefl her throne supreme, His ardent spirit to inflame, She cast that look of matchless art. That never faiPd on young man's heart, And said, with sigh, " Hard is my lot ! Had I my will — as / have not r — Then bent she down her brow sublime. And wiped her cheek of beauty's prime. The winding stair had steps a score — Prince Haco made them only four ; And when he reached the outer gate. That led from Selma's halls of state, Adown the steep, from rock to stone, Light as a kid, he bounded on. And won the street of Beregon ; Pleased to the soul with his address, His courage, and his bold success. Vain simple youth ! thy bosom"'s queen, The lovely and mischievous Wene, 4 BOOK III. BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 129 On tasseird footstool of the throne, In powerless laughter hath sunk down ; And, prince, 'tis all at thy expense — Thy ardour, truth, and impudence. Loth would Dunedin's daughter be, T' admit such license, Wene, like thee ; Even though a prince or general came, Or poet, a much greater name ! For I have seen the mincing thing, As dancing round the gleesome ring, A gap leave in our saraband. And shrink from poet's gloveless hand ; As if the touch of sun-burnt palm Could discompose the level calm Of virgin blood, or sacred core. Or make the guiltless so no more. O shame — O shame ! — that such a blot Should e'er attach to lovely Scot ! Oft have I mark'd the rueful flaw. And blush'd at what I heard and saw. • 180 QUEEN HYNDE. book ii No book, however pure each thought, Though by divine or matron wrote, Darest thou essay aloud to read, Till every page is duly weight, And each equivocation eyed, And connM, and all constructions tried ; And then thou skipp'st whole pages o'er. Of Gait, of Byron, and of Moore. ^ This have I seen, and grieved anew At thy constructions so untrue. Would'st thou this cherished frippery weigh In reason'^s scale, 'tis plain as day. That fishing, hunting on the scent For what thou know'st was never meant, Of all indelicacies framed By heart impure, or folly named. Is sure the worst, the most confess'd. O such discoveries well attest To what research the thoughts are led, In what a school the mind was bred ! BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 131 In Selma's halls much laughter grew, And many queries Wene forth drew ; But not one word would she unfold, Till to the queen the whole she told, Who smiled, half in delight and pain. At the unbridled freaks of Wene. From that day forth, right carefully, She shunn'd the glance of Haco's eye ; No more as queen he her could see, And less she did not choose to be ; But some supposed her thoughts were given To him at least as much as Heaven ; While he, most blest, illustrious wight ! Was crazed, was drunken with delight. A queen's own lover ! Yes, forsooth — And such a queen ! — O happy youth ! His step grew lighter than the wind. Aye when he thought of beauteous Hynde ; And often to himself he talk'd. Smiling and swaggering as he walk'd— " Well done. Prince Haco ! Say who can, Thou hast not quit thee like a man !" — m 1S2 .QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. Now every day and every hour Brought new supplies of Scottish power. Lochaber's Thane came down the coast, With full seven hundred in his host ; And on the eve of that same day Came all the motley tribes of Spey, Led by a chief of eastern fame, Mordun Moravius by name. And from the Dee*s wild branching flood, The rapid Mar, of royal blood. Brought his grim files, to battle bred, Against the Pict and Saxon led, Till for high deeds they were renown'd The bravest troops on British ground. Then came old Diarmid of Argyle, With men from many a southern isle, Round whose domains the waters flow. From far Cantire to dark Lochow ; Two thousand men, a hardy train. Rose from these margins of the main. BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 133 Then Donald Gorm, the Lord of Skye, Came down attended gallantly, With Pagan standards broad unfurl'd, The remnants of a heathen world. And last, but steadiest of the band, The loyal Lord of Sutherland Came with his clans from frith and glen ; And Harold, with his Caithness men. These then the names of highest worth, That ruled the land from south to north. But, long ere this, the holy seer Had faird at council to appear ; Matins were said, and vespers sung, In royal hall, by old and young ; But Columba was gone, yet how. Or when, or whence, they did not know ; While sadness, solemn and resigned. Sat on the brow of lovely Hynde. In council there was deep surmise Why he had gone in secret guise ; 1'*^* QUEEN HYNDE. book m Some blamed him for a coward's part, And some of deep and monkish art ; And all the chiefs arrived of late, Convened in fiery fierce debate, Arraigned his counsels to the last. The armistice — all that had pass'd. What shame, they said, to risk with foe Their queen and country at a blow ! As who could answer for his might. Or skill, or courage, in the fight ; While the high stakes for which he stood Sufficient were to chill the blood. The highest soul the most to alarm, And wrest the nerve from hero's arm ? In short, one feeling there prevailed, A wayward one, to be bewail'd ; It was, that, maugre dangers deep, That shameful truce they would not keep ! " List me, my lords,'' said rapid Mar, That whirlwind in the field of war. And at the council-board the same, A very wreath of mounting flame ; BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 1B5 While all too many fierce, austere, Congenial souls of his were there — " List me. Who was it made the vow To keep this peace ? — Was't I or you ? — Or who this foolish combat set ? Who but a peevish anchoret, Who knew not of our high command, Or the resources of the land ? The queen, you say, in council high Approved the truce. I that deny. Who is there that our queen should sway To such a deed when we're away ? We are the land, we'll let them know. The people, and the sovereign too. Arouse, then, lords, and let us rush On these rude bears their force to crush ; O'erwhelm them in their bloated den. That loathsome sty of living men, And leave them neither root, nor stem, Nor tongue to howl their requiem !" — " Here is the sword and warrior form Shall lead the fray !" cried Donald Gorm. 1^6 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. » Then rose old Diarmid of Argyle, With brow severe and placid smile, Upraised his hand amid the rage, The wild commotion to assuage, And thus began : — " My lords, I deem This truce made in a great extreme. When none were nigh the foe to check. Or crown or city to protect ; And, by its breach, would we not draw Disgrace on Albyn's throne and law ? Would it not be more courteous plan To fight their champions, man to man ? And if the issue falls aright. As fall it must to Scottish might, Then all is well. But should the Norse Put Albyn''s heroes to the worse. Then be the vigour of our host Strained to the height, else all is lost ; For ne'er to proud presumptuous foe Must we our queen and crown forego. I say not how we shall proceed. Each day's events must rule the deed ; BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 137 But in one point we'll all agree, Of foreign thraldom to be free. I thank you, chiefs, for this regard, And pray no gasconade be heard. Till once the important lists be set, And champions hand to hand have met ; And then, let that eventful day Our future deeds and counsels sway." — Assent ensued, but some there were Who look'd with discontented air. The chief of these, the Lord of Skye, Bit his proud lip, and bent his eye, And muttered some impatient say Of the intolerance of delay. With right or wrong, he long'd for blows With Albyn''s fierce invading foes. Who long, on prey and havoc keen, To him had pesterous neighbours been : But voices bore it, and the while The suffrages were for Argyle. 138 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. That ancient chief again addressed His stern compeers, and warmly pressed Of peace the strong necessity, Mix"'d with their foes as they would be ; And farther said, " I grieve to hear Dishonour cast on Albyn's seer ; A man, the most upright and true, That e'er our sinful nation knew ; Whose warmest prayers, and highest zeal. Are all for Scotland's worth and weal. Where he is gone, I can"*! divine, But for this truth the pledge be mine, Of word and honour, that the saint On scheme for our behoof is bent. Either on secret mission sped To Christian prince for timely aid. Or else in fasting day and night Before his God, in piteous plight ; For all our sins imploring Heaven That they in mercy be forgiven ; And that this land, within whose bound The Cross of Christ a rest hath found, BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 139 May 'scape this overwhelming snare. And still be God's peculiar care. " Nor deem this naught. In olden time, In writings holy and sublime, Strong instances stand on record Of times unnumber'd, when the Lord, At the requests of prophets, rent The floors of heaven, and succour sent. " There stands one record, never lost, Of captain of the Lord's own host, Who pray'd on Gilgal's plain by night Against the invading Amorite ; And lo ! the heaven's dark breast distended, And from its hideous folds descended Hailstones of such enormous frame, Like broken pillars down they came, Or fragments, splinter'd and uneven, Of rocks shook from the hills of heaven. Upon the Amorite's marshall'd power Was cast down this appalling shower. 140 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. % Till thousands of their proud array DeformM and shattered corses lay. " Still God's dread work was but begun, At man's behest he stayed the sun ; Arrested, fix'd in heaven, he shone, And the moon paused o'er Ajalon ; Until the arm of man had done What arm of angel had begun. Then let no sinner, old or young, Against a prophet wag his tongue. Lest vengeance on his head befall. And bring down wrath upon us all. " At holy Samuel's sacrifice. Fierce lightnings issued from the skies, In streams so rapid and so dire. The firmament seem'd all on fire. And then such thunders roll'd abroad, As ne'er burst from the throne of God ; Till Mispah hill, in terrors wild, Rock'd like the cradle of a child, BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 141 Then yawn'd, and swallowed quick to hell The enemies of Israel. The remnant turned, and fled away. In utter horror and dismay ; Without a blow they were cut down, And all their country overthrown. — There is but one thing on the earth I hold as unexceird in worth ; It is (and who its scope may scan !) The prayer of a righteous man. And firmly as I trust in this, That I Ve a spirit made for bliss, I do, that this divine of ours Is trusted by the heavenly powers." — The Lord of Skye sprung from his chair. And, waving both his arms in air. Thus said, in loud impassioned twang, " What boots this starch'd and stale harangue ? Has this old driveller of the Isle Made canting monk of old Argyle ? If so, I boldly would suggest To shun their counsel as a pest. 14« QUEEN HYNDE. ^ Who deems the chiefs of Albyn's reign Of dogged churl can bear the chain, Or stoop their lineage to disgrace ? liCt bedesman keep to bedesman's place ! Stick to his bedework and his beads, His crosiers and his canting creeds ; For should he more, or say I wis That Donald Gorra is that or this. Or small or great, or ^eak or strong. Or meek or proud, or right or wrong, By the dread soul of Selma's king, The dotard from the rock I'll fling !''— The nobles answered with a smile, And sided all with old Argyle. " But where is good Columba gone ? Why has he left the tottering throne In time of trial and of woe ?"" I hear thee ask, and thou must know. Fair maiden, patroness of mine, As far as I, of his design. BOOK III OK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 143 That very night the truce was made, After the saint his prayers had said, In lonely cell his couch he chose, Not for the slumbers of repose, But that no worldly listening ear His communings with God might hear ; And there he hymns to Jesus sung, Till utterance died upon his tongue. And sleep her genial unguent shed Soft round the good man's hoary head. Then all his visions were of bliss, In other chmes and worlds than this. That night to him a vision came, Like form of elemental flame. That seem'd some messenger of grace, But yet it wore a human face, With lineaments the saint had seen, But in what land he could not ween. " Dost thou remember me ?■' it said. Columba raised his reverend head, And sore his memory did strain At recollection, but in vain. • 144 QUEEN HYNDE. But the bright shadow, he could see, Some semblage bore of royalty. The phantom form of lambent flame Waited a while, then nigher came, And said, with deep and hollow moan. In sorrow'^s most subduing tone, " Woe's me, that thou remember'st not Thy early friend ! and hast forgot That once to him thou vow'd'st a vow. 'Twas for a child — Where is he now ? The first of Albyn's race supreme Thou didst baptize in Jesus'* name. — Where is he now ? thou must him find ; For he of all the human kind Is rightfiil heir, and he alone To Caledonia's ancient throne. In which 'tis destined he must reign, Else it is lost to Albyn's line. Think of my words ; the time is now ; Sacred and solemn was the vow. If he appears not on this coast. The nation's liberty is lost." — 7 BOOK III. BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 145 " Yes, I remember word and time," Columba said, in tone sublime ; " And sacred vow I made to thee, And straight performed that vow shall be. My early friend ! And art thou come, From thy far-off, eternal home, To warn me of the times to be, And of thy people's destiny ? I'll treasure up thy words and go. And do what arm of flesh can do. To bring that prince back to the land Where he is destined to command. To keep that vow I'll not decline ; But say, my friend, what fate is thine ? Where hast thou sojourn'd since thy death — In heaven above, or hell beneath ? Oft have I dared of God to crave ' Some tidings from beyond the grave ; Now they are come. For love of Heaven, Be this unto thy servant given. Tell me of all that thou hast seen In heaven, or hell, or place between !" — K 146 QUEEN HYNDE. book in. ^ " No l^ said the spirit, raising high His brow sublime, with kindling eye. And shaking locks that streamed as bright As the first rays of morning light — " No ! — Who to mortal thing would send Tidings he cannot comprehend ? Till once the bourn of death is pass'd, A veil o'er all beyond is cast, That future things conceaPd may lie, Hid from the glance of sinful eye ; For mortal tongue may never name, Nor human soul presume to frame. The scenes beyond the grave that lie In shadows of eternity. ' Concealment suits thy being best ; Then O, in darkness let them rest ! When thou and I shall meet again, Whether in land of living pain. Or in the vales above the sky. Then thou shalt know as much as I." — Columba, listening, paused in dread ; He look'd again, the form was fled ! BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 147 'Twas that of Christian Conran gone, Who once had sat on Albyn's throne. A king of mighty name was he, And famed for grace and piety. He died. His brother seized his crown ; Eugene, a king of great renown, And left it, as before defined. Unto his daughter, lovely Hynde. When Conran died, Coliimba then Bore his young son across the main, As he had sworn, with pious breath, To Conran on his bed of death ; And gave the infant to the hand Of Colmar, King of Erin's land. That king, who ruled a people wild, Was grandsire to the comely child ; And trained that stem of royal name To everything a prince became ; With fix'd resolve, at his own death, To him his kingdom to bequeath. Thus both the realms contented were, With laws, with government, and heir ; 148 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi * And good Columba thought no more Of vow that exile to restore ; For peace he cherished — peace alone — 'Mong all who bow'*d at Jesus' throne. But now this message from the dead New light upon the ftiture shed. It was a dream ; but it was truth ; A vow had issued from his mouth, A sacred vow, that child to guard, And use his influence revered, Again to bring him to his own And father's long descended crown. Columba rose at midnight deep. And roused his followers from their sleep, Sailors and monks, a motley corps, And straight they hastened to the shore. Upheaved the anchor silently, Unftirrd the sails, and put to sea. — ** For Erin straight," Columba cried. " At Colmar's court, whatever betide. IJOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. H9 I needs must be without delay. No time be lost ! — Speed we away !'' — His word was law ; the vessel flew Across the waters, waving blue, With her dark sails, and darker train, Like mournful meteor of the main. Albyn'^s apostle's fervent prayer With Heaven prevailed ; the winds were fair. These, with the tides, and billows prone, Seem'd all combined to bear her on. With swiftness of the soaring swan. She foam'd, she murmured, and she ran, Till safe within Temora bay. Like thing outworn, she leaning lay. King Colmar, at an early hour, Was looking from his topmost tower, And saw the bark before the gale. Speeding her course with oar and sail. — *' This visit bodes no good," said he. " What brings these truant monks to me ? Either they come for some supply To their new-founded sanctuary, 150 QUEEN HYNDE. ' book hi. Or warlike force, to cross the main, And press their young usurper's reign. They shall have neither, by yon sun ! Small good to Erin have they done. For though this father bears a name Of sanctitude and reverend fame, I've always found that horde a pest, Ah ulcer, and a hornet's nest. Their cause is lost ere they appear ; I'm quite in mood their suit to hear."-— Columba came — his message said — Old Colmar smiled, and shook his head. " The prince," said he, " is far from this. Fighting my enemies and his. But as well might you ask of me My crown and kingdom seriously. Whom have I now my foes to quell .^ Or tame my subjects that rebel ? Or who at last my crown to wear. But he, my kinsman and my heir .''" — BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. IM " O5 King of Erin, hear me speak, And see the tears on my wan cheek. I seek the prince, his own to gain ; In Albyn his the right to reign. And well thou know'st I made a vow. Ere I consigned the child to you, All my poor influence to strain To bring him to his own domain. Now, such the crisis on our coast, There''s not one instant to be lost. The powerful Eric of the north Has drawn his heathen myriads forth. Who, at this moment, lie around Old Beregonium's sacred ground. He beat our warriors on the coast, And braves them as a nerveless host. Threatening their force to overgo, And lay the towers of Selma low, Unless he's granted, without frown. To wed J:heir queen and wear their crown. A transient truce is sign'd and seal'd. Till adverse champions on the field 152 QUEEN HYNDE. hook hi. ' Shall meet, and strive in mortal game, Each for his own and country's fame ; And whosoe'er the victory gains Wins Albyn's queen, and her domains." — Old Colmar paused, and turn'd him round. His dim eye fix'd upon the ground. And thrice he stroked his bearded chin. While voices murmured him within. His face was like a winter eve, When clouds arise and billows heave, And hinds look to the western skies, Uncertain where the storm shall rise. Or whether, mixing with the main. It may not all subside again. So stood the king, with ardour fraught. The model of suspense and thought ; Then crossM his arms upon his breast, And thus the yearning sire addressed : — ** Now, by my father's sword and shield. If this be true thou hast reveaFd, BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. , 153 The prize hath in its scope a charm That well befits a hero's arm. There was a day, but it is past, When this arm had not been the last In such a high and martial play ; Though it had led my steps away, Through flood and fire, o''er shore and main, To wastes beneath the polar wain, Or lands that warrior never won. Beyond the rising of the sun. Gods ! how the high and glorious theme Lights this old heart with living flame ! " For some few days remain with me, And as thou lists thy cheer shall be. Of wine and feasting have thy fill ; But if perchance it be thy will To fast and pray, by Heaven, I'll not Baulk such devotion — ^not a jot ! With prince and nobles of my court I must have speech of high import. Of your demand, and then expect An answer downright and direct."— 154 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi " O sovereign liege, great is the need For answer most direct indeed ; Else, ere we reach the Scottish shore, The eventful combat may be o^er. And I had message from the grave That he alone our land could save.**^— ^ " What ! From the grave ? — Pray thee, relate How, where, and why this fact so late ? Came there a voice direct from God ? Or came it oozing through the sod, Where purple flowerets weep and bloom Above the warrior's bloody tomb ? Say, was it so ? For if it came From grave of monk, 'tis scarce the same." — " 'Twas in a dream the spirit spoke."— " Ha ! In a dream !r— 'Tis all a joke ! IVe had such dreams—such visions seen ; But what an idiot I had been If I had dared on them rely ! But hadst thou seen, as oft have I, BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 155 Thy father^s soul rise in his shroud, From out the waste, like livid cloud, In awful guise, without control To wax and wane, and writhe and roll ; Approaching thee like giant grim, With locks of mist and eyeballs dim. And while the hairs crept on thy head. And all thy frame shook like a reed. If thou hadst heard a language run Into thy soul, as I have done. Then had I deem'd thy message sent By some great power beneficent. That rules around, above, below. One whom I dread, but do not know. But, as it is, it goes for nought ; I hope I hold it as I ought.*" — King Colmar turn'd him round, and left The seer well nigh of hope bereft, Grieving with tears for Albyn's fate, Her destiny, and perilous state. But leave we him, by rock and wood, To kneel, and pray, and kiss the rood, 156 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi And follow Colmar to his hall, Where stood the prince and nobles all. He told them all full sullenly. Prince Eiden danced in youthful glee, And shouted till the armour rung Against the wall, and sounding swung. — " Come, let us go. Come, my Cuithone, And, Parian, put your armour on ; If men on earth can beat us three. Mightier than mortals they must be. My heart is burning in my breast To meet King Eric in the list ; Yes, brand to brand, and face to face, Down goes the boast of Odin's race ! Come, let us haste ; the time is near, For sake of all, to warriors dear !" — King Colmar's lip, with anger dumb, Stiffen'*d beneath his toothless gum ; And his white eye- brows scowFd as deep As snow-cloud o'er the wintery steep. BOOK III, QUEEN HYNDE. 157 As up he strode to Eiden's eye, Shaking his palsied hand on high. — " Thou babbler's brood of bounce and bang ! Thou lion's cub without the fang ! Think'st thou thy weetless warrior rage Can be endured by sober age, Well versed in deep affairs of state, And by experience made sedate ? I tell thee, prince, in speech downright, One foot thou g^est not from my sight, On such a raffle — made for fools, The lowest of ambition's tools. " Dost thou not see 'tis all intrigue, A cursed and formidable league, To wile thee hence, and take thy life, On wild pretence of warrior strife ? There is no lord in Caledon Who does not hope to fill thy throne. And from high interest's sure to be Thy sworn and mortal enemy. 158 QUEEN HYNDE. book " Then go not to that fatal strand. Nor leave thy old protector's hand, Who has no hope but in thy sway, Nor comfort when thou art away. Were it to fight our common foe, As Prince of Erin thou should'st go, With such an army in thy rear, That force or guile I should not fear. But to this game of fools to go. And combat with thou know'^st not who, I make a vow was never broke, A promise that I'll not revoke. By the great Spirit I adore, One foot thou movest not from this shore !'' — The prince a low obeisance made, But his fair face was flushed with red ; Which Colmar saw, and still his ire The hotter blazed like spreading fire ; And sore he threatened, in his rage. To chain the prince in iron cage, BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 159 Rather than suffer him to roam Blustering about another home, And raving of a thing so low — A war of pedantry and show. Straight to tjie seer then Colmar went, Part of his jealousy to vent ; And neither sanctity of name, Nor mien revered, could ward the same. He told him roundly he was sent. On base intrigue, to circumvent The prince's progress to the throne, And cut him off by guile alone. Then talk'd, in haughtiness and wrath, Of renegades from ancient faith, Who, maugre all their humble airs. Were ne''er to trust in state affairs. Columba smiled, and with an eye That shone through tears, said fervently, " O sire, withhold the rash resolve, And vow, which thou canst not dissolve ; 160 QUEEN HYNDE. Say nought thy Saviour to aggrieve. In him dost thou not yet believe ?^' — " No, not one jot r King Colmar said ; " I worship, as my fathers did, The King of Heaven omnipotent. And yon bright sun, his vicegerent ; And when he hides his face from me, I kneel beneath the green oak tree. But thou hast made the prince a fool. By the weak tenets of thy school ; All founded on a woman'^s words, Which ill with sovereignty accords. Ill none of them ! And, once for all, Leave thou my shore, lest worse befall ; Nor ask thou that which is not fit — To see the prince I'll not permit ; And if thou art not under way Before the noontide of the day. Perhaps a bed and sleep thoult find 111 suiting thy ambitious mind." — 7 BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 161 Columba for forgiveness pray'd On the old heathen's hoary head ; Then fled his fierce and angry glance, Groaning in heart for the mischance, That thus of hope his soul bereft. And Albyn to destruction left. The sable bark went out to sea, Lashing and leaning to the lee ; But northward when she turn'd her prow, She met the tide in adverse flow ; And the north breeze, in boastful sough, Told them, in language plain enough. That all their force of sail and oar Would fail in making Albyn's shore. To brave the king they had no mind, But northward toil'd against the wind Till midnight ; then, at change of tide. To a small creek they turn'd aside. Of sailor monks there were but few ; And the dull lazy rower crew L # 162 QUEEN HYNDE. book Declared no farther they could wend, Though that should prove their journey'^s end. Unless in time of utmost need, Columba held it high misdeed To weary Heaven with earnest suit. But danger now, and want to boot. Obliged him humbly to apply #^ To his kind Maker, presently Help to afford, by tide or wind, Or by the hand of human kind. The creek was all retired and bare ; Nor hamlet, hall, nor cot, was there ; Yet one approaching they could see, Ere the good man rose from his knee. Down from the cliff the being strode. Like angel sent direct from God, To guide the father and his train Back to their home amid the main. The Sim had just begun to flame Above the coast of Cunninghame, 1^ o BOOK III. QUKEN HYNDE. 163 When this strange guest with caution drew Toward our cowFd and motley crew. His step was firm, his stature tall ; Cunning, and strength, combined with all The rudeness of the savage kerne, Kythed in his hideous face altern. His feet were sandalPd, and his coat Made of the hide of mountain goat. His dark locks, matted and unshorn, Had ne^er been comb''d since he was born. A russet plaid hung to his knee ; In sooth, a fearful wight was he. Few were his words, when words were said ; But, ah ! his looks compensement made — Where terror, wonder, fierceness, rose By turns, on youthful face morose. The monks at times upon him smiled, Then trembled at his gestures wild. Columba wist not what to do — To ask his aid, or let him go. 164 QUEEN HYNDE. book iti. He saw his followers ill inclined Towards the nide, uncourtly hind ; And some even whispcrM in his ear, He was some fiend of other sphere. * Still, being at the moment given, While aid had been implored from Heaven, The sire conceived, that duty pressed Some farther knowledge of his guest. He call'd him in before his face. The youth advanced with giant pace ; While his elf locks, of dew to dry. He wildly shook above his eye. Folded his rude plaid o'er his knee, Look'd at his leg of symmetry, Next at his sword, that trailed behind, — An oaken club without the rind, — , Then stood in half averted way, To listen what the sire would say. He told his name, his age, his wit, And all for which his strength was fit ; O' EOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. ^65 But in such terms, the sire was moved To mirth, which ill his frame behoved. M 'Houston was the varlefs name ; He could not say from whence he came, But he was born beyond the sea. And there again he long'd to be. " What sea ?" was ask'd. He look'd askance ; And O what pride was in his glance, As he return''d, in giggling tone, " Who ever heard of sea but one ?'"' — O, he could row, and he could sail, And guide the rudder in the gale ; And he could make the vessel glide, Wriggling against the wind and tide. By his own tale, he was such man As ne'er from jib to rudder ran ; But all their proffers of reward He scorn'd, and held of no regard. Till once they mentioned warrior brand. When they arrived on Scotia's strand. Then kindled the barbarian's eye, He flew on board with rapturous cry ; 166 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. And from his side his club he flung, That in the fold of mantle swung, Like sheathed sword ; then, with a shock. He wrench'd the hawser from the rock ; And ere the monkish crew had time The Virgin's sacred name to chime, The bark had rockM upon her keel, And from the beach began to heel. " Do this ! — Do that !" the savage roar'd, And, heaving high his oaken sword, He threaten'*d sore, with growl and frown, Whoe'er refused, to cleave him down. The crew at first began to wink. And from their posts essay'd to shrink ; But blows from tall M'Houston's tree Made them apply most strenuously. Close by the helm his post he took ; All shrunk from his offended look : Whene'er he deign'd to sing or speak, A smile would dimple rower's cheek. But yet so gruffly and so grim, - It shew'd how much they dreaded him. BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 167 For lazier train no leader knew Than good Columba's sailor crew. M' Houston by the helm stood fast, And oft upon the sky he cast A troubled look, and then again Would fix it on the heaving main ; • Then shake his black and matted hair, And sing aloud some savage air. At length he said, with careless joke, And aye he stuttered as he spoke — " My masters, we shall have a gale ; Stand by the beam, and reef the sail ; And he who fails, or handles slack. Here's for the dastard vassaFs back. " Where art thou gone, thou angry Sun ? What crime hath poor M' Houston done. That thus thou hidest thy radiant form Behind the darkness of the storm. And leavest thy servant to the sway Of tempest on his wilder'd way ? 168 QUEEN HYNDE. hook hi. No friend in whom he can confide ; No little star his path to guide ; No parent dear to say adieu : Such poor M*Houston never knew ! Nothing but weak and feeble men, Some darksome slaves from downward den. But if, O Sun, thy will it be, ril sacrifice them all to thee, If thou thy servant's life wilt save From bursting cloud and breaking wave : Or shew thy glorious face above, If these are objects of thy love." — By chance, the words were scarcely spoke, When through the lowVing darkness broke A ray of sunshine wanly bright, A transient gleam of livid light — Like the last smile from beauty'^s eye, Resign''d, and laid in peace to die ; That farewell glance, of smile and shiver. Ere darkness seals the orb for ever. So pass'^d the sunbeam o'er the deck : The savage then, with due respect, BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 169 KneeFd down, and bow'd his matted head ; Then look'd around with awful dread. — " Now, friends," he cried, — "for friends we are, — For toil, or death, let all prepare. See where the hurricane comes on With violence dreadful and unknown : The western world is in commotion ; See how the clouds oppress the ocean ; And ocean, into vengeance driven, With foamy billow scourges heaven. Our bark will prove before its swing Like fern upon the whirlwind's wing. Wake the old carle you call the seer. And ask him whereto we shall steer ; For toward sunrise we must fly. With stern right in the tempest's eye : A weather shore we needs must make — It is our last, our only stake."— They ran the holy man to warn. And told him of the liideous kerne. • 170 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. That pray'd to heathen deity, And brought the storm along the sea ; And every monk, in language strong, Declared the Arch-Fiend them among. Columba left his books and prayer With something of a timid air, And moved his head above the deck Just as the masts began to creak. He cast his eye before, behind ; Then cried, with troubled voice and mind, " To Isla Sound ! then we're at home'' — And pointed out the path of foam. — " 'Twould be as wise to gaze and ponder Upon the sky, and point us yonder," The savage said ; " but here is land. Which we might win, if you command." — To east by south he turn'd her prow : The rattling hail, and pelting snow, Just then in furious guise began ; Loud gusts along the ocean ran ; BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 171 And every sob the tempest gave Spoke language of a watery grave. — " Stand by the beam, the main-sail under,'' M'Houston cried, in voice of thunder, " Pull in — Let go — You dastard knaves ! Down with your beads into the waves ! If cross, or bead, I note again, 111 hurl the holder in the main. O King of Heaven ! such furious storm Did ne'er the ocean's breast deform !" — The bark flew on before the wind. So like a thing of soul and mind, It made the savage shout with glee, " There goes the jewel of the sea ! Speed on ! speed on, my bonny bark ! behind the storm is rolling dark ; But if such glorious speed thou make. Swift is the storm will thee o'er take. O, speed thou on, thou blessed thing. Swift as the solan on the wing ! 172 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. • And if behind yon headland blue Safely thou bear'st this fiend-like crew, Then poor M*Houston, on his knee, Shall offer sacrifice to thee ; For God's own blessed oak I know His only emblem here below."— The monks quaked like the aspin slim. And their dark looks grew deadly dim ; They deemM each wave would them overwhelm. With savage heathen at the helm, Or fiend arrived from burning hell ! Their woful plight what tongue could tell ? Yet still the bark her speed did strain, For better never plough'^d the main ; Till at the last, amid the roar Of waves behind, and waves before. By cataract and swell overthrown, Adown she went with clash and groan. — " Hold by the cords !'' M'Houston yell'd. (Gods I how the monks and rowers held !) BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 173 " To see the bottom of the main We but descend to rise again." — Down went the bark, with stern upright, Down many fathoms from the light. As sea-bird, mid the breakers toss'd, Screaming and fluttering off the coast, Dives from the surf of belch and foam, To seek a milder, calmer home. So sought the bark her downward way, From meeting waves and mounting spray. " Hold by the cords !" M'Houston calPd ; The monks obey'd, full sore appalPd. Here rose a groan, and there a scream, As down they bore into the stream ; But these were stifled in the brine, As dived the sable brigandine ; And all was silent, save the gull That mounted from the stormy Mull. 'Twas but a trice of lash and lave. Till, on the top of mountain wave, n4 QUEEN HYNDE. book iii The bark appeared with flapping sail, And dripping monks, and rowers pale. Hanging on ropes all here and there, Deaf, blind, and blurting with despair. Again they heard M 'Houston's tongue, As loud he hallo'd out and sung, " Stand to your tackle manfully ; Hold fast, and leave the rest to me r — Again the waves roll'd o'er the deck ; But, be it told with due respect, At this dire moment, who should call From ridge of wave and tossing fall. But the good seer ! Not seen till now ; Washed from his hold, they knew not how. Blinded with cowl of many a fold, And wildly capering as he roll'd. . M 'Houston caught him by the frock. And held him stedfast as a rock ; Yet not one moment quitted post. Though fearfully 'mong breakers toss'd, Nor once tum'd round his eye, to scan The plight of that most holy man. BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 175 But sung and shouted o'er the swell. With maniac laugh and demon yell. He saw, what others saw at last. That all the danger was o'erpast ; For this turmoil, this uproar dire. Was at the point of Low Kintyre, Where breaking waves, and stormy stir, Still fright the coasting mariner. Now were they breasting mountain steep ; Now plunging 'mid the foamy deep ; Anon they wheel'd from out the roar, ' And swept along a weather shore. Beneath the bank of brake and tree, Upon a smooth and tranquil sea. « Columba stared in dread amaze ; The'pallid monks return'd the gaze. For him, whose tall and giant form Seem'd late the demon of the storm. They now ween'd angel in disguise. Sent down, to save them, from the skies ; 176 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. And knew not how their guest to greet, Or if to worship at his feet. — ** Who art thou T^ said Columba then ; . ** Thou best of angels, or of men ! For if commission'd from above, By the dear Saviour whom I love, As guardian spirit of the sea, m kneel, and pay my vows to thee." — The savage laugh'd with such good will, That eagles answered on the hill, SaiPd on the bosom of the cloud, And neigh'd as fiercely and as loud. " Ha ? Worship me ? That would be brave \ A homeless vagrant and a slave. Worship the Sun ; whose glorious road Along'st the heaven was never trod ; Who frowns, and men are in distress ; Who smiles, and all is loveliness ! But if of better God you know, In heaven above, or earth below, 3 BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 177 Or seraph, saint, or demon grim, Tell me, and I will worship him.''— - The holy sire, to tears constraint. The doctrine of the cross explained ; The fall — the covenant above. And wonders of redeeming love. M 'Houston listened silently. His dark locks trembling o'er his eye, Then said, it was his good belief That Jesus was a noble chief; For none could more for vassals' good, Than for their sakes to shed his blood ; And for that cause, it was his mind To foUow prince so brave and kind. — " But yet the Sun of heaven," said he, " Has been benignant god to me. 'Twas he who rear'd the roe-deer's brood, And the young bristler of the wood ; The sprightly fawn, with dappled sides, And leveret in the fern that hides ; M 178 QUEEN HYNDK. book in. The kid, so playful and so spruce ; And all for poor M 'Houston's use. 'Tis he that makes the well to spring, The dew to fall, the bird to sing ; And gives the berry of the waste Its ripeness, and its savoury taste. Oft with the rook and crow IVe striven For that delicious gift of Heaven ; Not elsewhere knowing when I first Could quench my hunger or my thirst. " 'Tis he that rears the racy pea. And spreads the crowfoot on the lea. And makes the holy acorn grow, The highest gift to man below. 'Tis he that mars, the summer's prime. The rabid storm, and wreathy rime, Makes seas to roll, and rivers run — M 'Houston still must love the sun !"' — Columba answered with a sigh To that barbarian's language high ; .OK iir, QUEEN HYNDE. 179 And wonder'd at his strength of mind, In such low rank of human kind, That, like his frame, seemM thing elate Far ©""er the peasant'*s lowly state. Thence he resolved to win the youth Unto the holy Christian truth. When, in Dalrudhain's lonely bay, They rendered thanks to God that day. Than he, none shewed more humble frame, Nor lowlier bow'd at Jesus' name. Loud and more loud the tempest blew ; On high the fleeting lightnings flew ; The rain and sleet pour''d down so fierce. As if the concave universe Had been upset, or roU'd awry, And oceans tumbled from the sky ; The heaven was swathed in sheets of gray. And thunders gallow'd far away. The seer, impatient to proceed. Knowing his virgin sovereign's need, 180 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi. Bade up that narrow frith to wend, (Now called Loch-Fyne,) unto its end, Resolved to cross the mountains dark, And leave the sailors with the bark. For a long night and stormy day, They saiPd that long and narrow bay. And the next day, at dawn of morn, Mounted the pathless wastes of Lorn. Columba and the savage rude Entered alone that solitude ; For now he so admired the wight, He scarce could bear him from his sight. A dangerous path they had to scan, For every petty torrent ran. Pelting and foaming furiously, As if to say, " Who dares come nigh ?" Then proved the kerne a trusty guide. And many a time his strength was tried. O'er rugged steep, and rapid river. Bearing the old man safely ever. uooK iir. QUEEN HYNDE. 181 But when to Orchay's vale they came, So mighty was that moorland stream, 'Twas like an ocean rolling on. Resistless, dreadful, and alone ! Its path with desolation traced, The valley all one watery waste. One foamy wave,- thundering and smoking, And mighty pines rending and rocking. Columba gazed upon the scene So wild, terrific, and immane, Until his lip grew pale as clay. Said he, " IVe journey 'd many a day. From hill of Zion to the shore Beyond which there is land no more ; But never looked, in all my time. On aught so marvellous and sublime. That day the storm was at its height. Was trial 'twixt the wrong and right ; The wrong has triumphed, now I know, And Albyn"'s rights are lying low; Her chosen chiefs are falFn and gone ; For it was destined, one alone 182 QUEEN HYNDE. book hi- Could save the land that fateful day, And he was kept by Heaven away. Its will be done ; for well or woe, We now must bend before the foe : The Christian banner^s in the toil. The heathen riots in our spoil. " I may be wrong, as grant I may ; But it is plain, that on that day The storm hath all uncqualPd been, Such as no living man hath seen. These are the signs of sinful deed, And these are tokens that I dread. The demons of the fiery reign Have been abroad in Chrises domain, Roused, by some powerful heathen spell. From out the lurid vales of hell, The face of earth and heaven to mar, And hurl the elements in war. " But— note me, youth — the time will come That men shall stand, in terror dumb. BOOK III. QUEEN HYNDE. 183 And see the Almighty's arm of power Stretch'd forth in the avenging hour. Yes, He will shew to heaven, and hell, And all that in the earth do dwell. From babe, to prince upon the throne, That He is God, and He alone !" — But trust not all that prophets say ; The best may err, and so may they. Predictions are but ticklish gear, Though specious, logical, and clear, Condensed, and penned in language strong, Where once aright, they're ten times wrong. This sage experience hath me taught, Whilst thou hast hooted, raiFd, and laugh'd. Alack ! the credit due to seers, Too well is known to my compeers ! Our travellers gain'd the farther shore Of dark Loch-Ow, by dint of oar ; And there the tidings met their ear, Of deeds of darkness, and of weir. 1^4 HOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. 211 '* Speak, Rimmon, bard of Turim's hall ; What think'st thou of this heathen's fall ?" — " Thou lord of that romantic land, The winged isle, of steep and strand ; And all the creeks of brake and fern. Those pathless piles, so dark and dern. That stretch from Sunart's sombre dell, To Duich's heights of moor and fell ; Thou stem of royal seed — nay, more, Son of an hundred kings of yore ! Unto thy servant deign regard ; — Woe to the chief that slights his bard !. " I've heard an adage in my time, A simple old Milesian rhyme, Which bore, that, whatsoever god Was worshipped all the world abroad, From him that reigns in heaven alone. Unto the gods of wood and stone — That, still among each erring crew. These gods should have a reverence due ; 212 QUEEN HYNDE. book iv. Because, in offering insult there, A nation^s feelings injured are ; And man's deep curse, when insults move His sacred feelings to disprove. Is next to that of God's above. I say no more ; but that IVe found These ancient sayings often sound." — Donald looked down with dark grimace, And primm'd his mouth, and held his peace ; And rather seem'd disposed to show Relenting heart o'er prostrate foe. But as imprudence in th"* extreme, Or dire mischance, (a gentler name^) Suggested, the old priest began To brave the spirit of the man ; And his overbearing pride defy, By brief and threatening prophecy. — " 'Tis known," said he, " o'er all the lands Where Odin's heavenly sway expands, That whosoever dares enthrall The meanest guide unto his hall. BOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. ' i^lB Or move a tongue his faith to upbraid, Or hand against his sacred head, That sinner'*s blood shall first be spilt Of all his kindred's, for his guilt. Therefore I dare the whole degrees Of those who bow to Oaken Trees ; Or to the dazzling God of Day ; Or Moon, that climbs the milky way ; Or to that God, mysterious, mild, That died and lived, the virgin's child — I dare you all, by curse unheard. To wrong a hair of this grey beard ; Or down to Lok the caitiff goes. The first of Odin's fated foes."— " So be the offence and the reward ! Thou speak'st to one that ne'er was dared," Said Donald, as he rose amain. Trembling with anger and disdain ; And ere his bard a word could say His master's vengeance to allay. Cursing and foaming in his rage, Sheer to the belt he clove the sage ; 214 QUEEN HYNDE. book iv. To cither side one half did bow, His head and breast were cleft in two ; An eye was left on either cheek, And half a tongue, to see, and speak. O never was so vile a blow. Or such a bloody wreck of woe-! Old Rimmon bowM upon his knee ; And, that such sight he might not see. Shaded his eyes with his right hand, And pour'd forth coronach so grand, O'er the old stranger's mournful fate, That Donald Gorm became sedate ; And softened was his frown severe, To stern regret and sorrow drear ; But his stout heart not to belie. He dash'd the round tear from his eye ; Then turned, and wiped his bloody glaive. And bade to dig the heathen's grave Far in the bowels of the hill, * And with huge rocks the crevice fill. That forth he might not win at all. To blab in Odin's heavenly hall ; A ^f ;t BOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. 215 For, sooth, whateVr was doom'd to be, He would that boisterous deity Might lay his bloody guerdons by For those who own'd his sovereignty. Sore trembled Turim's ancient bard, j^ For the rash deed his lord had dared ; And, the transgression to redeem, Sung a most solemn requiem. Of DonaWs nightly overthrow No note was taken by the foe ; For, yielding to the generous prince, King Eric slyly blink'd the offence. Those strangers both were sway'd by love ; And hoped before the queen to prove Their heroism, and matchless might. And claim unto her hand by right. But either mighty Odin heard His dying servant's last award. Or some all-seeing righteous eye Beheld the ancient father die. 216 QUEEN HYNDE. book iv. % To Eric's tent that night were calPd, Priest, prophet, patriarch, and scald ; And thence were heard, in thundering jar, Loud anthems to the god of war. And when the orisons were said, And victims on the altar laid. And rose the frenzy to the full, With cup drunk from an enemy's skull ; Then blood was dash'd on all around. As text, or omen, to expound ; And, that surveyed with much grimace. The victory given to Odin's race. Again the frenzied song of war On the night breeze was borne afar, Till, on the dark and gelid rock, The drowsy cormorant awoke. And, moved by wonder and dismay, Scream'd out in concert with the lay. Some sentinels that watched nigh. On the north cliff of Valon-Righ, Descended softly to the plain, And overheard the closing strain : BOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. SI 7 And thus it ran, the roundelay, As near as Scottish tongue could say. « Veil up thy heaven From morning till even, With darkness thy throne surrounding, Whenever thy wrath At the foes of our faith, Thou shewest in gloom confounding. Roll up the thunder, Thy right hand under. And the snow and the hail up treasure ; And gather behind The tempest of wind ; — All weapons of thy displeasure. Dreadfully pouring. Rending, and roaring, Send them with vengeance loaden. 218 QUEEN HYNDE. book iv. That all below May tremble to know There's none so mighty as Odin ! There's none so mighty as Odin ! There's none so mighty as Odin ! That all below May tremble, and know There's none so mighty as Odin ! &c. The combat-day arrived at Jast, And with it congregations vast Of maidens, youths, and aged men, From isle, from dale, and Highland glen ; All panting, burning, to survey The deeds of that eventful day. And every group, disputing, came. Who were the warriors first in fame : For every clan avow'd its head Unmatch'd in might and warrior deed — One 'gainst a world to throw the gage, The master spirit of the age ! Full plain it was to eye and ear, That chose to see, and chose to hear. BOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. 219 That no three lords the land could call Would satisfaction give to all. That morning rose in ruddy hue, So bright, that all the fields of dew, The gleaming mountains, and the wood, Appear'^d one mighty waste of blood ; Even the slow billow of the main Appeared to heave and roll in pain — A clammy, viscous, purple tide, That murmured to the mountain side, And broke, with harsh and heavy groan. Upon the beach of Beregon. The sages looked with wistful eye Upon the flushed and frowning sky ; Then on the purpled earth and sea. And sigh''d a prayer internally. But scarcely had the morning's prime Flamed o''er the mountain''s top sublime, Ere sable shades began to spread, And mingle with the murky red ; 220 QUEEN HYNDE. book iv. The sun glared through a curtain gray With broadened face and blunted ray, And short way had he left the rath Upon his high and gloomy path, TiU nought appeared to human sight But a small speck of watery light, That seem'd above the rack to fly, Careering through a troubled sky. Dark and more dark the morning frowned ; At length the shadows closed around, Until the noontide of the day Look"'d like a twilight, in dismay. 'Twas like that interval of gloom ■"Twixt death and everlasting doom, When the lorn spirit, reft away From its frail tenement of clay. Is forced through wastes of night to roam, In search of an eternal home — That space of terror, hope, and dole. The awful twilight of the soul. QUEEN HYNDE. 221 Alas I what earthly anxiousness Resembles such a pause as this ? But mortal tremor and alarm, For the success of foeman's arm. And for the congregating gloom, That almost threatened nature's doom, Were never moved to wilder scope Than on that day of fear and hope. In Eric's council was no flaw. His will was rule, his word was law ; But in the Scottish camp there grew A furious general interview. There was no lord, nor chief of name. Who put not in conclusive claim, As his the right the brand to wield Upon the glorious combat-field. After great heat, in proud deport, With stern arraignment and retort, Resource or remedy was none. But that of casting lots alone ; A base alternative, 'twas true. But that, or battle, nought would do. QUEEN HYNDE. hook The lots were cast with proi>er form, And feU on Mar, and Donald Gorm, And Allan Bane, of wide command. The goodliest knight in fair Scotland. Mar's name was call'd throughout the crowd ; The men of Dee hurra'd aloud ; But those of Athol and Argyle Look'd to the earth, with hem, and smile ; While Moray lads, with envy stung, Cursed in a broad unfashion'd tongue. Brave Donald Gorm was not proclaimed. Gods, how the men of Morven flamed ! And those of Rannoch and Loch-Ow Puird the blue bonnet o'er the brow. And mutter'd words of scorn and hate. Lamenting Albyn^'s hapless fate ; While through the clans of Ross there pass'd A murmur like the mountain blast. Each neighbouring clan was moved to scorn, That such a chance from it was torn BOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. 223 Of royal sway, and warrior boast, And given to those they hated most. While distant tribes forbore to foam, Pleased that it came no nigher home. But when the name of Allan Bane, Lochaber's calm and mighty thane. Was call'd, there was no grumbling sound, Nor aught but plaudits floated round. The gathered thousands seem'd to feel, That heaven had chosen for their weal ; For lord was none, in sway, or fame, In all the land, of equal name. The ring was formed above the bay. Where Eric's ships incumbent lay ; Its circle measured furlongs ten, One half inclosed by Norway-men, While all the Scots ranFd on the lea, Between the city gate and sea ; And 'twixt the hosts, from east to west. Strong ramparts, lined with guards, were placed. »524 QUEEN HYNDE. book iv. The seven towers of Heregon Were clothed and crowded every one. High soaring o'er the sordid strife, Unmeasured piles of mortal life, Breathing, and moving, frown'd they there, Like cloudy pyramids of air. Both friends and foeraen turn'd their eyes To these pilasters of the skies, And almost ween'd the living towers. The altars of the heavenly powers. The tabernacles of the skies. Where angels offered sacrifice, With victims heaped of shadowy forms, Above the pathway of the storms. Up rendered from some dread abode, The foes of men and foes of God ; And there piled for some dire cremation, Some final, horrid immolation. The whole of that momentous scene Was such as on this earth again )0K IV. QUEEN HYNDE. S25 The eye of man can never see, On this side of eternity. The various nations arm"'d and filed ; The thousands round on summits piled. Of rock, of ravelin, and mast ; The sky with darkness overcast ; And when the trumpet's rending blare Bade champions to their posts repair. Ten times ten thousand panting breasts Were quaking, yearning, o'er the lists ; Ten thousand hearts with ardour burned ; Ten thousand eyes were upward turn'd. Trying to pierce the fields of air ; But there was nought but darkness there ! What could they do but mutter vow. And turn their eyes again below ? King Eric, and his champions twain. Entered the lists the first. And then Appeared the Scottish heroes three, Arm'd and accoutred gallantly. But when they met to measure swords, And change salute in courteous words, 2^6 QUEEN HYNDE. book iv. From the Scots files there rose a groan ; For far, in stature, and in bone. The Norse excelled ; so far, indeed, That theirs appeared of pigmy breed. The heroes measured sword and shield ; Then to their various stations wheeled ; And just when ready to begin. Prince Haco sprung like lightning in, KneePd to the king, and made demand To fight that day at his right hand, As his the right by heritage. The champions boded Eric''s rage. And gazed at Haco. But anon King Eric bade the knight begone From his right hand, with kingly grace. And the young hero took his place. A mighty clamour rent the air, And shook the loaded atmosphere ; He was, forsooth, a comely sight. In golden armour bumish'd bright, -.u-^i.. And raiment white, all glittering sheen With gems of purple and of green. BOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. J227 With faee so fair, and form so tall, So courteous, and so young withal, He seem'd, amid the multitude, Like sun-b^am through a darksome cloud. Among the shouts. that scaled the shower, A shriek was heard from Selma's tower. Far upward Haco turn'd his eye. And saw, far in the hollow sky, A female form of radiant white Upheld, and fainting with affright ; But soon she waved a snowy veil. The prince's cheek grew red, then pale ; And with rash hand, and streaming eye. He heaved his golden helmet high. King Eric gave him stern reproof. And warn'd him to his post aloof; But his fond heart, with burning glow. Was roused to more than man might do ; He trod on air ; he grasped at fame ; His sword a meteor seem'd of flame. 228 QUEEN HYNDE. book iv. The king was matchM with lordly Mar ; And Allan Bane with Osnagar, A Dane of most gigantic form ; ^ And the brave prince with Donald Gorm. The marshals walk'd the circle round, ^ Survey ""d the lists, and vantage ground ; Then raised a signal over head. The baleful flag of bloody red. The trumpet sounded once ; and then Bugle and taboiir roll'd amain Cer all the host with rending swell ; Till slumbering echoes caught the knell, And, calling to the mountain side, Proclaimed the combat far and wide. The trumpet gave the second boom ; Again the clamour rent the gloom ! It gave the third. — No murmur ran ! No sound moved by the breath of man Cer all that collied, countless throng ; For trembling feelings, fierce, and strong, Oppressed them all. — Blench'd was each cheek, And lip ; that moved, but durst not speak. 7 BOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. 229 The triple combat then began ; That instant man was matched to man ; And at that very moment flew From out the cloud the lightning blue ; The thunder followed, and the hail Came like a torrent with the peal, Straight in the faces of the three Who fought for Albyn's liberty. The priests and scalds of Scania raised The stormy hymn, and Odin praised ; But Albyn's thousands, blinded quite With hail, and sleet, and glancing light. To covert fled in dire dismay, Trembling and faltering by the way ; All ignorant of what befell. And asking news which none could tell. But not the wrath of angry heaven, The storm with tenfold fury driven, The forked flames, with flash and quiver, The thunder that made earth to shiver. Could daunt the courage of the brave, Who fought for glory, or the grave. 230 QUEEN HYNDE. book iv. No stately marshal was allowed, Nor umpire, verging from the crowd, To meddle with the mortal strife ; Each hero fought for death or life. Few words on either side were spoke, To daunt opponent, or provoke. For why ? The storm so fiercely jarr'd. They neither could be said nor heard. Their weapons met with clanging blows, And high from helm and buckler rose. Mar lost his ground, as Eric pressM ; But calmly still the king regress'd. With foe before, and foe behind. To quit his line he had no mind. And vantage of the rain and wind. 'Tween Osnagar and Allan Bane The fight was dreadful. But the Dane, With every vantage of the field, Eluded Allah's oval shield. And pierced his shoulder to the bone. Reddening his arm and hacqueton. BOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. 9S1 This roused the Scottish hero so, That back he bore his giant foe ; And it was plain to every eye, Though few there were that could espy, That Albyn, in her Allan Bane, Would suffer no dishonest stain. Ha I mighty Donald of the main. Why flagg'st thou on the battle-plain ? Why is thy bronzed cheek aghast, And thy fierce visage overcast ? Can thunder's roar, or fire, or storm, Appal the heart of Donald Gorm, Who, till this hour, at danger spurn'd. Whose sword in battle ne'er was turn'd ? No — But there had been boding sight ! Some dreadful visitant o'ernight ! And now the hero powerless seem'd, And fought as if he slept and dream'd. When Haco first met eye to eye With the impetuous Lord of Skye, 232 QUEEN HYNDE. book iv. One thought alone possess^ the host. Even Eric deemed his nephew lost ; And only kept proud Mar at bay, To watch the issue of the day. Haco strode up with giddy pace, And shook his brand in Donald's face. The day had shortly been, forsooth. If such a fair and flexile youth Had shook a gilded sword or spear At that imperious islander — Heavens ! how the tempest"'s howling breath Had heighten''d been by Donald^s wrath ! Whereas he now to battle fared, As if he neither saw nor heard. Haco made play, and join*'d, and sprung From side to side, like galliard young. Now on his golden shield he clanged ; Now on his foeman's buckler banged ; Now back, now forward, would he fly, In hopes to catch a royal eye. But all the feints he could perform Were lost on drowsj Donald Gorm ; BOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. 233 Though life and death were laid in stake, He held his guard as scarce awake. The prince grew reckless and surprised, Thinking his foeman him despised; And, pressing down that sluggish brand, He closed with Donald, hand to hand. Then did a furious course ensue, Of push and parry, hack and hew ; Until the prince, in sidelong bound. Gave Donald's thigh a ghastly wound. Then burst the chief's inherent ire Forth like the blaze of smother'd fire. Alas ! 'twas bravery's parting qualm, The rending blast before the calm ; The last swoln billow in the bay. When winds have turn'd another way. — " Curse on thy wanton slight !" he cried, " Thou gossip for a maiden's side ! And curse upon the wizard charm. That thus hath chain'd M 'Ola's arm. 234 QUEEN HYNDE. Whose pristine might and majesty Were framed to punish ten like thee ! Here's to thy foppish heart abhorred ! Ward, if thou may'st, this noble sword. Hence to thy ghostly charlatan, And bear him back his curse and ban ; And say, that Til requite it well, In whatever place he dares to dwell — In earth, in cloud, in heaven or hell !" — Thus saying, Donald forward flung, And at the prince his weapon swung With back and forward sweep amain ; But only fought the wind and rain. Or thing invisible to man. He toil'd, he wheeFd, and forward ran ; But not one stroke, for all his fume. So much as levelled Race's plume ; Or downward on his buckler rang ; Or made his golden helmet clang. His rage seem'd madness in th' extreme— The struggle of a frenzied dream. BOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. 235 The prince kept guard, but smiled to see The wildness of his enemy. At length, with flourish, and with spring Forward, like falcon on the wing, He pierced the raving maniac''s side. Forth weird the warm and purple tide ; And, Uke an oak before the storm, Down crash'd the might of Donald Gorm. A shout from Norway''s files too well Proclaimed the loss Scot dared not tell. — " True son of Odin !" Eric cried. And rush'd on Mar with madden'd stride. " Presumptuous lord ! What thing art thou That comest King Eric's ire to brow ? Would that I had (if such there be) A score of Scottish lords Uke thee I With dint of this good sword of mine, I'd heap them all on Odin's shrine !" — So saying, at one dreadful blow, He shear'd the warrior's helm in two, With lightning's force. — The Scottish lord Lies prostrate o'er his bloodless sword. 23() QUEEN HYNDE. book i By this time giant Osnagar Was from his station borne afar, And sore by Allan Bane oppress'*d ; Heaved like the sea his ample chest ! His hand unto his weapon clave — Scarce could he wield that weighty glaive. He in his targe to trust began, For blood o'er all his annour ran ; And, as he wore from side to side, Most bitterly to Odin cried. One other minute in the strife, And Osnagar had yielded life ; But to that goal when Allan pressed, Two other swords met at his breast. — " Yield !'' cried King Eric, " yield, or fall !"— " I never did, and never shall !'*' The chief replied. — But Eric's arm Waved back his friends from farther harm.— " Most generous king, I will not yield, Nor living quit the combat-field : Come one, come all, this arm to try — Here do I stand, to win or die. BOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. 2S7 Shall it be told on Lochy'^s side, That Allan Bane for rescue cried ?''— King Eric smiled, and made reply : — " Thou bear'st thyself most gallantly ; We're three to one, and doubly strong ; But none shall gallant foeman wrong : Then peld thee to a king this day. Whose sword in battle ne'er gave way." — " For once it shall !" bold Allan cried, And made a blow at Eric's side. — " Hurra !" cried Eric joyfully ; " I'll trust this wight with none but me. Keep all aloof, both friend and foe, TiU we two change a single blow. His wayward will he needs must have. Though he is one I fain would save." — Clash went the swords, the bucklers clash'd, And 'gainst each other soon were dash'd ; But short the strife, ere Allan Bane Lay stunn'd upon the slippery plain, 238 QUEEN HYNDE. hook iv Bereft of buckler and of brand, But without wound from Ericas hand. He was no more in Eric''s clasp, Than leopard in the lion'*s grasp. The king upraised the wondering thane. With soothing words and smiling mien ; .Retum'*d his sword, and, as a charm, Bound golden bracelet round his arm ; Then, in a bold, impatient strain. These words addressed to Allan Bane : — " Thou art as stout and staunch a knight As ever braved our northern might ; But know thou this, (and when thou dost. Thou know'st it to thy nation's cost,) In youth, before this beard was brown, Or only waved a golden down, I, from a child to battle bred, Was forth to single combat led ;— Before my eighteenth year, I say. Had clothed this chin, which now is grey, BOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. 239 Within the lists I had to fight For life, before my father^s sight. I won — and of applause was vain. IVe fought a thousand times since then ; In southern climes have laurels won, Beyond the seasons and the sun ; IVe journey 'd all the world around. Wherever fame was to be found ; Have fought with Frank and Turcoman, With prince, with vizier, and with khan ; And though their painim creed I spurn'd, This sword was ne'er in combat turnM. " The seventh day we fight again, In triple combat, on the plain ; ' But as well may you challenge then Great Odin, prince of gods and men. Or brave that liquid fiery levin. Red streaming from the forge of heaven, Trying its power to countercharm, As brave the force of Eric's arm. 240 W QUEEN HYNDE. book iv " This tell the nohles of your land ; And say, I make sincere demand Of them, ere more deray is done, To yield the queen. I have her won. I flinch not from my royal seal : It is in friendship I appeal. But should they wish again to just, And in the second combat trust, 'Tis well ; then henceforth I must claim The guardship of the royal dame. They have but choice 'twixt bad and worse ; I claim but what I'll take perforce. One hour I wait return discreet — The next I do as I think meet." — By that time Mar had breathed his last, And Donald Gorm approached fast The bourn of all the human race ; Yet, in his stern and rugged face, There seem'd no terror, wrath, or teen. Save at some being all unseen. BOOK IV. QUEEN HYNDE. 241 When Haco raised him to his knee^ He look'd aside most movingly, And to the wind these words address'd — He saw nought but the slaughtered priest ! — " Ay, thou may'st stand, and smile, and beck. With thy half head on half a neck ! M'Ola soon shall be with thee. His sworn and subtile enemy ! Thou basilisk of burning spheres ! Thou, and thy hellish, damn'd compeers, With dreams, and visions of dismay, And terrors of a future day — With dreadful darkness, fire, and storm. At last have vanquished Donald Gorm ! But some shall rue, since so it be. Go to, go to— 111 be with thee."— The hero turn'd his beamless eye Toward the grisly peaks of Skye : Some thought unfathom'd seem'd to hover His dark departing spirit over — d 242 QUEEN HYNDE. book iv. Of roaming on his mountain wind, Swifter than hawk or dappled hind ; Of stag-hound''s bay, and bugles swelling, And answering echoes bravely yelling. But all was one distorted scene. The vision of a. soul in pain. That trembled, neither bound nor free, • 'Twixt time and immortality. With that wild look, it fled for ever, From hollow groan, and rigid shiver — From clenched hand, and writhing brow. — Eternal God ! — What is it now ? END OF BOOK FOURTH. QUEEN HYNDE. BOOK FIFTH. QUEEN HYNDE. BOOK FIFTH. O COME, gentle maiden Of queenly Dunedin, Array'd in thy beauty and gladdening smiles ; Thine the control I list, Lovely mythologist ! Thine the monition that never beguiles. Over the mountain wave ; Over the hero's grave ; Over the darkness of ages gone by ; Be thou my inquirer, And holy inspirer, And keenly 111 follow the glance of thine eye. 246 QUEEN HYNDE. BOOK V But, bowing before thee, Far most I implore tbee, When rapt in the strain that I love beyond measure ; That theme so ecstatic, Sublime, and erratic, The love of a maiden, the magnet of pleasure ! What were the sailor's joy, Roird in his bavaroy, Far in the gloom of the dark Polar sea ; What were the warrior''s deed, Minstrel, or monarch's meed, What, without hope of approval from thee ! Thou gem of creation. The worWs admiration. Thy mind is a mystery I cannot explore ; I'll love and caress thee. Admonish and bless thee. But sound the high tone of thy feelings no more. The grey hairs of sorrow, And dread of to-morrow. BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 247 Have bow'd down thy bard on his cold native lea ; Then list the last lay Of the green braken brae. The song is a medley, and model of thee. — Queen Hynde'^s in her tower. For the storm and the shower Had driven the maidens within ; And shrouded the view Of the anxious few That yearn'*d over the fates of their kin. All trembling and pining, The queen sat reclining. She knew not what was befalling ; But she boded deep dismay. For the shouts were far away, And each sound through the storm was appalling. One after one to the field she sent, Who hasted away incontinent ; »4!8 QUEEN HYNBE. book v. But out of the throng, the mire, and the rain, No one returned with the tidings again ; And the first that arrived was Allan Bane. All sheeted in blood appearM he there, And his looks and his words were all despair. King Eric'^s message in full he told. And of his claim, the queen to hold ; Then vouched the boast of his warrior slight. As far inferior to his might ; For he said, that " enchanter's mighty charm Had given that force into his arm. The combat was lost ; no power to deliver ! And so would the next, and the next for ever.*" — Perplexity reignM in every face. As every rankling pang kept place In various breasts ; one there might see Anger, regret, temerity, Hope, fear, contempt, elation, shame, And every passion tongue can name. All crowded on a darksome scene. With scarce a ray of light between. BOOK r. QUEEN HYNDE. 249 As ever you saw, on winter eve, AVhen the sun takes a joyless leave, Descending on some distant coast, Beyond the waste of waters lost, The Oceana's breast all overspread With shades of green, and murky red. With distant fields of sackcloth hue, With pale, with purple, and with blue, And every shade defined and strong, Without one cheerful ray among ; And knew'st these spectres multiform, The heralds of approaching storm : So was it here. Proud Albyn''s blood Began to boil, the storm to brood ; Some blamed the preference by lot ; Nor were old jealousies forgot. Some blamed the brave and wounded thane Of brangle hurtful and insane ; And said, A thousand might be found Would Eric beat, in Albyn's bound. It was a scene of feud and dare, As feudal councils always were. 250 QUEEN HYNDE. b Old Diarmid rose this feud to check, — His reverend age insured respect, — And thus he spoke : — " My sovereign dame. And noble maids, and chiefs of fame, Hard is our fate, whate"*er the worth Of this bold wooer of the north. This city of our fathers' names In one short hour may be in flames. And with the thousands of our kin That now are crowded it within. Of every age, sex, and degree. How dreadful would the sequel be ! King Eric's claim, confess I must. Can scarcely be pronounced unjust ; 'Tis only that for which he fought. Else he has staked his all for nought — And should he win again, 'tis clear, (And likely too from all we hear,) If we such claim should disallow. He has no more than he has now. Therefore I deem, in such a case. To save our gathered populace, BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. ^1 We must to Eric straight present Some pledge, some great equivalent. If such there be ; but as for more, I said but as I said before. The moment with our queen we part. Our country''s freedom we desert.""— " Forbid it. Heaven !'' Queen Hynde replied, " For me no warrior's hand be tied. When I am gone, as go I must, I in your patriot ardour trust. That by your country's rights you stand. Nor lose one jot for maiden's hand. This hour I go, ere worse arrives, To save my people's sacred lives." — One buzz of disapproval ran Around the hall, from man to man ; And all prepared to take the field.; To sell their lives, but not to yield Their youthful queen ; as, doing so^ They stoop'd unto a foreign foe. 25a QUEEN HYNDE. book v. As wilder still the uproar grew, And nought but havoc was in view ; The city crowded perilously, No room to fight, nor yet to flee ; Confusion, ruin, crowds aghast, Defeat, and conflagration vast. The certain consequence to be Of this their fierce fidelity. In this dilemma came relief; Not from the clan of distant chief. From friendly prince, nor subject isle. But from a maiden's witching wile ! The restless Wene, since she had seen Prince Haco, sore perplex'd had been ; And much she longed for some deray. To throw her in that hero's way. Whose youthful arm, and sprightly form. Had cow'd the might of Donald Gorm ; And hence her mind was wholly bent On being with her mistress sent. An hostage to King Eric's tent. KOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 253 Now, when she saw the proud resolve Of Albyn's chiefs would straight involve The land in trouble, toil, and woe, And aU her measures overthrow, Forthwith she rose with seemly grace. And all her majesty of face, And profFer'd, for her mistress' sake, Her place of royalty to take ; And on the instant to go thence. In such an adverse exigence. — " Send me to Eric straight !" said she, " In all the pomp of royalty ; With maids and pages at my beck. Kneeling, and bowing with respect ; And loads of comfits, and of dress Blazing in eastern sumptuousness. His forward claim he may repent, I'll queen it to his heart's content ! One only claim to make I choose. Which as a king he can't refuse ; It is, that, as a virgin queen. My face by man may not be seen, 254 QUEEN HYNDE. book v Until the seven days are outrun, And Albyn's chiefs have lost or won. This for my country^s sake I crave, Now trembling o'*er her freedom's grave ; And then I yield me to his hand, An hostage for my native land. To plague that king I have a mind ; If he"*s not sick of woman kind. And, ere the seventh day, driven insane, My name no more is Wicked Wene !'** — The courtiers smiled, as well they might. And lauded much the maiden s sleight ; But sore they fear''d the plot would fail. And do more mischief, than avail. Wene's form was slight, her stature small, The queen's majestically tall ; And, worst of aU, the king had seen. And held some converse with, the queen. Wene smiled, and bade them nothing dread, She should be taller by a head BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. ' ^5 Than Eric could of queenship guess ; She'd add one inch of wickedness. And three of beauty, pride, and mind, Should dazzle mighty Eric blind. She'd swathe the braggart in amaze. If not drive mad, in seven days. Queen Hynde embraced the elf, and said, No mistress e'er had such a maid ; And if success this effort crow^n'd, She would for ever be renown'd ; For future bards, in many a strain. Would sing the deeds of beauteous Wene. And when a lover she should choose. Her sovereign would no boon refuse ; While all her interest she might claim To win a lord of noble fame.— " Ohon an Banrigh I**"* sigh'd the elf ; " Preserve your interest for yourself, My generous queen ; for you may need That and some more, in marriage speed. 256 . QUEEN HYNDE. book v For me, henceforth I'll use mankind As I would do the passing wind- To breathe upon, and bid it fly Away from great important I ! Or to supply this ardent breast With cooling laughter and with jest. Interest ! The proffer is sublime ! Come, let us go, we lose but time. When from this presence I depart In all the pomp of female art, 'Mid grandeur and respect to move, V\l queen it mortal queens above." — All present own'd with earnestness, There was no mode so safe as this, Save for the danger of the maid. Of which she nothing seem'^d afraid. The queen assured them that she knew The cunning of the lively shrew Too well from trial, to suspect That what she said she'd not effect. Forthwith a herald went with speed To Eric at his army's head. BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. J^57 Prepared to bathe their weapons' rust, And lay old Beregon in dust. Eric, with generous love inspired, Conceded all the queen desired, And straight made preparation high For this most lovely prodigy — This queen, of frame and soul refined. Surpassing all of human kind ! Eastward the storm its course had traced, To roar amid the Grampian waste. In one dark elemental stole These everlasting hills to roll ; And in that deep impervious cloud Were rolled, as in a hellish shroud. The hail, the thunder, and the flame ; And ghastly shades, without a name. Holding them all in order due, Prepared the outrage to renew — To sport them all in wild excess. And riot in the wilderness. 258 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. Soon as that cloud had pass'^d away, Forth issued Wene, like meteor gay, With music pealing on the wind. And troops before, and troops behind ; Twelve pages, glancing all in green ; Twelve maidens, in their tartans sheen ; Twelve bards, who sung, in strains intense. Their sovereign''s great magnificence, And deeds her ancestors had done. Surpassing all beneath the sun. All were sincere, you may believe't — How oft poor minstrels are deceived ! In all the splendour of the morn. The beauteous dame herself was borne On high, a gilded throne within — A lightsome, yielding palanquin ; Her form begirt with many a gem. Her head with sparkling diadem ; A gauzy veil of snowy white, Befringed with gold and silver bright. BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. Floated around her on the air, Circling a form so passing fair, So pure, so lovely, so benign. It almost seem'd a thing divine. Eric, array 'd in warrior trim, Surrounded by his nobles gi*im. Came forth the royal dame to meet. And with kind* salutations greet. Behind him shone a goodlier view — Prince Haco and his retinue ; And he himself that train before, Robed in the armour which he wore That morn upon the sanguine field, The golden helmet and the shield ; And in his youthful hand displayed The golden hilt and bloody blade, All saying, with full fond regard, " See for your sake what I have dared !" O how his ardent bosom pined For one sweet glance, approving, kind. Of the dear being he had seen, And now his bosom's only queen ! ^59 260 QUEEN HYNDE. hook v. Queen Wene approach''d with colours streaming, Music sounding, lances gleaming, Borne on high by gallant yeomen Slowly forth to Albyu's foemen : There stood Eric, smiling, bowing — What a form for youthful wooing ! Bearded, dark, robust, and vigorous. Stem, gigantic, blunt, and rigorous, All his youthful manner over — Such a man to play the lover ! 'Mid such array, and such a scene. And to such elf as Wicked Wene ! Wene, from her gilded chair on high, Returned King Eric''s courtesy, With grace so courteous, and so kind, It quite deranged the hero's mind. He kiss'd.his brown and brawny fist. And laid it on his ample breast ; Then grinned with most afflicting leer, And from his visage wiped the tear ! His nobles blushed, and fretted sore, And so did Eric, when 'twas o'er. BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. ^61 His face was like a winter day Aping the summers glancing ray, With sunbeam low, and rainbow high, Arching a frigid boreal sky. Shaded with cloud so darkly bleak. Like pall upon creation's cheek. Rather than summer*'s youthful hue. And cloudlets weeping balmy dew. A herald then, with verge and sword, And many a pompous, swelling word, Approach''d King Eric, and, at large. Delivered o'er the sacred charge, — A charge, in value and esteem. Ne'er trusted to a king but him. Eric, with nodding burgonet. Return d an answer most discreet. With sacred promise to neglect No kind of homage or respect. Wene curtsey'd with commanding air And motion'd him behind her chair. k) 2G2 QUEEN HYNDE. book v The king look'd up, the king lookM down, Uncertain if to laugh or frown ; But when he saw the flimsy fair Moving like angel through the air. With such a glittering gaudy show Of flounce, and frill, and furbelow. His eyes descended from the jilt Slowly upon his weapon'*s hilt, And something that he mutterM there Made all his warriors stern to stare. When Haco met the elfin's eye. Her little heart ne'er beat so high : Full well she noted, as she passed. His eager glances upward cast. And, turning by her snowy veil, With such a glance, and such a smile. And such a transport of delight — Prince Haco's heart was ravished quite ! * Straight to King Eric's royal tent Wene and her retinue were sent, BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 26B And strict commands were left therein, To Frotho, the old chamberlain, That Albyn's queen and suite should have Whatever their utmost thoughts could crave : To that the king had bound him fast, And he would keep it to the last. Alas ! in vain the high behest ! He little wist what vixen guest Under his guardship he had ta'en. But found it nothing to his gain. Ere half an hour had overpast, Frotho had applications vast For things so rare and unforeseen. He cursed his chance, the truce, the queen. At first the old man did not miss To bustle round, and answer " yes ;'' But, ere the fall of night, he stood More like a chamberlain of wood. Than living thing of flesh and blood ; His senses utterly confounded, With pages and with maids surrounded. 864 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. Calling for this, for that, for more Than the old man, with all his lore. Had e'er heard specified before. Three times, in uttermost despair, To Eric's presence did he fare. With face that told how hard his lot. And eyes that spoke what tongue could not, Begging his master, on his knee, Of that dire charge his slave to free. But the fourth time he came outright ; And then his straits were at the height ! The king on homelier couch was laid. For sake of this illustrious maid ; And, when aroused from deep repose, Full high his pride and choler rose : — " Frotho, begone I By heaven'*s light, I'll hear no more of queens to-night r — " O king, my message I must tell : IVe served thee long, and served thee well ; BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. • But such a task as I have had For one day more will put me mad. My heathbell beer, and cider good, — And two such browsts were never brew'd,— They've pour'd all forth ; and now^ they whine, And yawn, and weep, and cry for wine. My fish they say is food for hogs ; My hams they cast unto the dogs ; And seem united in one plot, Of calling for what I have not. And now, to crown these insults high, The queen desires respectfully. Her royal ally straight to send Orders their treatment to amend ; And that 'tis meet her maids and she Have night apartments separately. Yet all conjoined, for their repose. What's to be done, great Odin knows ! " She says your tent's not meet for men, Nor better than a lion's den ; And high-born dames can't make them lairs On hides of badgers and of bears : 206 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. # And, therefore, she entreats you, grant Them chambers, which they greatly want. For sake of Heaven, my master kind. Return that pestilence Queen Hynde." — " 'Tis what she wants," King Eric said — " A plot amongst her nobles laid. To win their sacred pledge again : Such stratagems are my disdain ! No crime to me shall one impute — I'll keep her, and my word to boot ; And if I fail, all men shall see From fault of mine it shall not be. I'll keep her till the time be run, And the last combat lost or won ; Else she is more to reason blind Than all the rest of womankind."— " Reason, my liege ! God bless the word ! She'*s free of that as of a sword." — King Eric rose in growling mood, And, hurry'mg on his cloak and hood. BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 267 Went forth at midnight gallantly, Beds for these maidens to supply. " A fair arrangement soon was made ; Queen Wene in Haco's tent was laid — The very spot on earth where she Wis^d that her residence might be : Her sprightly lover and his train Her guards, all rudeness to restrain. O ne'er was maid so blest as Wene ! To tell the wiles of loving pairs, And all the coquetry and airs Of blooming maids, I do not deign — Such theme is no delight of mine ; But Haco was in love sincere, As most of youthful warriors are ; And Wene held hers of higher worth Than e^er did maiden of the north. Sooth, they for one another's sake Were kept for days and nights awake ; And there were fretting, toying, whining, Jealousies, and inward pining, m 268 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. Fears what others might discover,— All the joys that bless the lover ! Nor can I half the projects sing, Which Wene contrived to plague the king ; So much she drove him from his wit, No suit from her he would admit ; He spent his days ''mid thousands round. His nights where he could not be found ; And thus the lovers had their leisure For grief, for strife, for pain, or pleasure. But darker paths are to be trod. For darker doings are abroad ; And secrets strange are on the wing. Which you must list, and I must sing. King Eric sat concealed, and free Of woman's importunity. And to the nobles of his land Passed round the cup with ready hand ; When, lo ! the captain of the ward Brought in a stranger under guard ! — BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. ^69 " My liege, here is a churlish wight, Wha craves admission to your sight ; But neither will his name disclose, Nor whether of our friends or foes ; But so important is his suit. He will no other tongue depute." — '^ Ay, captain ; doubtless one of those. Who, thrusting his officious nose Into the affairs of other men. Presumes their notice to obtain. — Speak out, intruder — say at once Thy name, thy business, and from whence ? If thou'rt a cotquean, by my soul, 111 split thy pruriginious noul !" — " My name, or business, few shall hear ; They're for King Eric's private ear. If thou art he, I deem it fit That these gruff carles, who round thee sit, Should be dismissed ; for I have theme Of which you could not even dream — ■ 270 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. It is so base. Perhaps I'll sue For matters touching maidens too : That's as I choose ; but must request Your pri^vate ear, if so you list.'' — " It is not difficult to guess, From thy presuming sauciness, From whom thou comest ; but perchance Thy errand thou shalt miss for once. Drag forth the knave without the Ime ; This is no business hour of mine." — The captain seized the plaided breast Of this austere and stubborn guest ; But better had his hand withheld — The stranger's hauglity blood rebellVl : He aim'd a blow so fierce and full On that rude captain's burly skull, That down he dropp'd with growlings deep. Mumbling out oaths ay in a sleep. — *^ Curse on thy petulance and thee !'' The stranger cried indignantly. # BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. * 271 " I stand unarm'd, as knight should do, Who comes before a king to bow, Else I had given thee, for thy meed, That which should have laid low thy head, In peace from insult or affray, Until the final judgment-day. Here do I stand in Eric'^s sight, A messenger in my own right, Who tidings bring you to your cost ; Refuse them, and your army's lost ; While you shall stand as stocks or poles, A horde of brainless jobbernoles, A byword ever to remain. — Dismiss me at your peril and pain." — King Eric stood, amazed to see The stranger's bold effrontery, And to a chamber led the way. To listen what such guest would say. The stranger doff'd his deep disguise, And shewed to Eric's wondering eyes A chief he formerly had known, A traitor to the Scottish throne. 272 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. With whom he secret league had framed. That chief in song must not be named ! Such sliame it is to move a hand, Or utter word, or lift a brand, Against our sacred native land. Such cursed laurels, and such fame, Shall blur the face of Heaven with shame. — *^ I come to thee, my sovereign lord. According to my pledged word,'' The traitor said. " In enmity I fought against thy sway and thee ; My life by thee was saved, and all My people from Norwegian thrall : I will requite it, if I may. Eric, with all thy proud array. With all thy might, and valour wild, Thou art as simple as a child. Thou think'st thou hast within thy tent A pledge the most magnificent ; The jewel of all earthly things. The daughter of an hundred kings ! 6 - . -: ■■ - - - BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 273 Eric, (to Albyn's shame be't said,) Thou nothing hast but waiting-maid ; And some few giglets of the court, Sent forth of thee to make their sport. " The queen is fled, with her the crown, And aU the riches of the town ; Each thing of value is defaced. Or safely in DunstafFnage placed ; The guards are set at ford and pier. And now at thee they laugh and jeer. . The queen by night was borne away — I bore a hand across the bay. And view''d the works — the huge fascines. The fosse, the bridge, the martial lines ; And must confess, ere them you win, You'll buy all dear that is within." — King Eric's rage was too severe His indignation to declare In human speech. He look'd around. And smiled, with eyes cast on the ground ; 274 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. But when again those eyes were raised, A flame unearthly in them blazed, Which, from a face of generous light, Had something dreadful to the sight. It was as if the lightning's gleam Had mingled with the noonday beam — As ray of heaven and flash of hell Together upon mortals fell. No word the king had yet expressed, When other message on him press'd : Odin's high priest it was who came, With bloody hands and bloated frame — A man who Eric more enchained Than he the serfs o'er whom he reign'd. And thus he spoke : — " O mighty king, Some dire events are gathering Around our heads. The heavenly host Is wroth, and Norway's army's lost. Unless these tyrants of the skies Are straight appeased by sacrifice. BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 275 " I've sacrificed on Odin s shrine, And Thor's, and Freya's, nine times nine Of living creatures, one and all. On which they feast in Odin's hall ; But all my omens are of death. And all my answers given in wrath. Now, mighty king, there's but one meed ; A human sacrifice must bleed. A solemn offering there must be Of stainless virgins three times three ; Though all the bounds of Caledon In search of them should be outgone, They must be had, whate'er the cost — Else thou, and I, and all, are lost. If these are found, in beauty's prime. And to Valhalla sent in time. To join the galliardise and noise. And reap Valhalla's boisterous joys — I pledge my word, and faith in Heaven, Ample success shall yet be given Unto your arms. But, sure as thou And I are living creatures now, % 276 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. That rite neglected, all is done, And mighty Eric'^s race is run.^ — " Sire, I attend thy hest sublime — Thou ne'er could'st come in better time : I now have under my control Twelve virgins, pure of frame and soul ; And thou as freely them shalt have As e'er thou hadst a worthless slave. Without the light of Odin's eye, We're less than nought and vanity ; Then take them all, without debate. And on thy altars immolate. — Captain, attend my strict behest : Go forth with Odin's ancient priest. And guard the altar of the Sun, Until this great oblation's done ; And whosoever dares control This high command, or fret, or growl, Straight cut him off, whate'er he be. Regardless of his high degree." — BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 277 The priest let fall his ghastful jaw, When Eric's ireful looks he saw. He deem'd the order given in jest, If not in mockery of a priest. To immolate a sovereign dame. And hostage maidens without blame. Was act so ruthless and severe, As Scanta's annals did not bear. But when he heard the closing threat. His bloodshot eye became elate ; And through his soul of dark alloy There darted stern and bloody joy. As when, in ages long agone. The sons of God before the throne Of their Almighty Father came, To pay their vows, and name his name ; And there came one, the rest among. In hopes that, in the glorious throng, A skulking vagabond and spy Might 'scape his lord's omniscient eye ; — Think how that felon would appear When these dread words fell on his ear. ^8 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. " Whexce comest thou ?"" — Sure then that eye, That once had beam''d in heaven high, Would be upraised, in terror, fierce, Towards the Lord of the universe ! If that great God had added then, " Go, seize that righteous, best of men. My servant Job, with all his kin. And close them up thy den within For evermore,'' — think of the air. The savage joy, the dark despair, That would have mingled in the mien Of face that once had angel's been ! And think, too, of this look below — This look from type of mankind's foe ! I love to draw a scene to thee Where misconstruction cannot be. And spread it to thy spirit's view. In hopes the mental glass is true. Eric went forth without delay ; The war-note rang from brake and brae, And Norway's warriors rush'd with joy To reave, to ravish, and destroy. BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 279 The priest of Odin likewise went Up to Prince Haco's gaudy tent, And laid the splendid Wene in thrall. With her attendant maidens all. Their feet with silken bands they tied, Their lily hands down by each side ; Then bathed their bodies in the milk, And robed them in the damask silk ; While every flower of lovely bloom, And all that shed the sweet perfume, In wreaths and fillets richly bound, Bedeck'd their heads and bodies round. The red rose of Damascus shed ^ Down from the brow the tints of red, O'er faces late in beauty's glow. But now as pale as winter snow. They were, in sooth, a lovely sight, Stretch'd side by side in bridal white ; Their lips praying to be forgiven ; Their streaming eyes turn'd towards heaven ; While Odin's priest and suffragan The consecration-wark began. *80 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. The bloated heathen cast his eyes On that benignant sacrifice, And, lifting up his hands on high, The briny tear droppM from his eye : It was not for the grievous doom Of beauty blasted in the bloom, But at the triumph and delight Would be in Odin's halls that night. He thought how his great god would laugh, And how his warrior ghosts would quaff Their skull-cups, filFd unto the brim. In long and generous healths to him Who sent them such a lovely store As warrior ghosts ne'er saw before ; And then he thought, how welcome he In high Valhalla's dome would be. Great God ! 'tis thou alone can'st scan Thy lingering, longing creature — man ; Who, from the time that reason's ray Beams from his eye on nature's sway. Still onward must insatiate press To unknown state of blissfulness. BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 281 One summit gainM, how many more ! Before ! before ! 'tis still before, But must be reached ; till, grasping far Beyond the range of sun and star. He rears himself a heavenly home, In glory's everlasting dome. Still must that state, to be believed, Be something dark and unconceived ; And, distant far, involved must be In shadows of futurity : — Our Caledonian sires of yore Looked upward to their mountains hoar. As to the place they loved the best For home of everlasting rest ; And there, within his shroud of mist. The rude, romantic sciolist. Hoped with the souls of friends to meet, And roam in conversation sweet ; Or on his downy bark to sail. High o''er the billows of the gale. The Scandinavian looked before For wine and wassail, ramp and roar ; 38^ QUEEN HYNDE. book v. For virgins radiant as the sun, And triumphs ever, ever won ; For revels on the fields above, And maddening joys which warriors love. But now, where rests the morbid eye Of sceptical philosophy ? On the cold grave ; and only this — Worms, dust, and final nothingness ! Great God ! within this world of thine. Is there a human soul divine That hopes no farther bliss to scan ! How dark the question, " What is man ?" — What he hath been, the world can see ; Thou only know''st what he shall be ! While this ecstatic rite went on, The battle raged in Beregon. With Eric's host the day went hard, Which caused the holy altar's guard To be withdrawn.' A virgin's prayer No passing gale can wafl in air BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. From its high aim. The gods are kind, And lovers' eyes are ill to blind. Prince Haco, from the battle-field, The stir within the camp beheld, — For still his eyes unconscious moved Toward the treasure which he loved, — And sore he fear'd mischance might fall To Albyn's queen and maidens all. He sent a friend, whose truth he knew, That scene of bustle to review, And bring him word. Short then the space Ere Haco vanished from his place, And more with him, for there was need Of ardent lover's utmost speed. Wene in life's bustle took delight. Whether in frolic or despite ; And even this splendid sacrifice Held some enchantment to her eyes ; The robes, the flowers, the proud display. The pallid forms that round her lay, 284) QUEEN HYNDE. ' book v. Whom Wene from year to year had known To frolic prone, and that alone ; Though sore beset, she felt dehght. Some sly enjoyment, at their plight ; For still she deem''d that honour's law So dire a warrant would withdraw. But when the priests their hymns had sung, And their white robes aside had flung ; When from long words they came to deeds, Had laid their hands on victims' heads, And sacred fire deposed the while, To set on flame that lofty pile. Good sooth, but Wene thought it was time For her best wits to be in prime ; And straight she brought them to the test — They ne'er could be in more request. Soon as the rapt and ruthless priest Had strew'd the death-dew on her breast, (An ointment rich in heavenly worth. And fragrance of the flowery north !) BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 285 And said the words that they were all To say on entering Odin's hall ; Wene thus, with sharp and cutting speech, Presumed the pedagogues to teach : — " List me, thou priest of Scania's land. And dolts that drudge at his command ; If you dare Christian maidens send To Odin's hall, 'tis at an end^ Valhalla falls ! And, take my word. His godship of the shield and sword From heaven descends with all his crew. Driven headlong from yon vales of blue ; A banish'd, branded, broken corps, Doom'd to disturb the heavens no more. " A sacred sovereign, you'll allow. Should better know these things than you ; For God's vicegerent must have wit What the Supreme approves as fit ; And this is truth. If you would please Great Odin, and his wrath appease. 286 QUEEN HYNDE. Preserve us lovely, living things, An offering to your King of Kings. For, should you dare suppose that he A god so brutalized could be, As in dead virgin to delight More than in living beauty bright. You shall stand beacons of his scorn, And rue the time that you were born ! " But what is more ; though Eric now, In anger, hath consign'd to you Me and my maidens, to disgrace The faith of Odin's kingly race ; On this rely ; his ire and hate Will turn on you when 'tis too late ; For on his name you fix a stain That ne^er can be wash'd out again. Think of a sovereign's sacred blood ; And for a word in churlish mood Dare not to break through law divine. And bring a curse on all your line ; That curse that rends from Heaven's grace, Pronounced by all the human race." — BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 5^87 At the first part of Wene's address The priesthood smiled in scornfulness, But the last part appeared too true. Even to their own distorted view. They paused, and whispered round the pile, Keeping the flame subdued the while. The virgins cried aloud to God To look down from his blest abode, And for his sake, who took the scorn Of earthly virgin to be born, Regard their peril and their grief. And in his mercy send relief. The priest of Odin was distressed. But to proceed he judged it best ; Though reason shew'd the thing unjust, These Christian prayers were ne'er to trust. The flame unto the pile was set. But seem''d to mount in slow regret ; Reluctantly, from spray to spray, It crackled, hiss'd, and crept away. The smoke arose in writhing pain. Then bent its course to earth again, « 288 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. As if affirighten'd to bedim The snowy robe and tender limb ; A throe of hesitation dumb Seem'd struggling not to be o'ercome. Bless'd be the power of maiden'^s tongue ! Aye, in the lovely and the young, Supreme ; and blest the shrewd surmise That marr'd this odious sacrifice ! Before the prayer of rueful Wene Had half-way reached the last Amen ; Before the blaze had half-way won Around the altar of the Sun, The gods, or men, contrived so well (For which the priests could never tell) To send relief, that at one bound It seem'*d to spring out of the ground. A rapid rush of clansmen true. In tartans dark, and bonnets blue. Sprung on the pile as on a prey. And bore the sacrifice away. The priests were hurtled to a side, And with the fetters firmly tied ; BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 289 Then up the flame rose to the sky, Without a human groan or cry ; While Odin's servants lay amazed, And on the bloodless offering gazed. Within the tents, or them behind, Swift as an image of the mind. The clansmen vanished from the scene, As quickly as their rise had been ; Each bearing virgin on his arm, Panting with joy and wild alarm. Their forms bedeck'd with many a wreath. And all the bridal robes of death. The men were arm'd with sword and shield ; And, as the priests lay on the field. Full sore they wonderd how they fared So well ; and why their lives were spared ; And how it happ'd their enemies Had not made them the sacrifice. But there they lay, safe and alone, And the mysterious troop was gone 290 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. Without a word of threat or dare ; They could not tell from whence they were ! If t)y the sea or air they went, Or if by man or angel sent ! But this most shrewd conjecture rose, On priest^'s conception comatose, That these gods of the Christian crew Somewhat of earthly matters knew. But* all this while, from side to side, The battle roU'd like swelling tide ; Now southward, bearing all before. Now north, with eddy and with roar. It raged in every lane and street. And space where foemen chanced to meet. There was no foot of hallow'd ground. The regal Beregonium round, That, ere the setting of the sun, Was, inch by inch, not lost and won. The men of Moray, cautious still, Kept by the rampart of the hill. BOOK V, - QUEEN HYNDE. 291 And hurFd their javelins afar. Sore galling the Norwegian war ; But the fierce clansmen of the north, And western tribes, of equal worth, Rush'd to the fight withouten awe Whene'er a foeman's face they saw, And grievous was the slaughter then. Among the bravest Scottish men. • O what a waste of mortal life ! And what a stem and stormy strife Prevailed around, as far it spread. Reeling, as warriors fought or fled ! Not then, as now, met mortal foes In phalanx firm, to wheel, and close. Trying to win by warrior sleight. Manoeuvring by the left or right — In those rude days they closed amain. Fought shield to shield upon the plain ; And the more hot the battle glowM, The farther was it shed abroad ; Till every warrior, as might be, Fought one with one, with two, or three ; 292 QUEEN HYNDE. hook v. ^ And one resistless hero's hand Oft bore the honours from a land. So was it there ; the battle's roar Spread all along the level shore ; The city lanes were too confined, Men had not scope unto their mind ; And forth they issued, west around The citadel, on level ground ; And there, in motley mortal coil. Went on the battle's bloody toil. Gods, how King Eric's sovereign wrath Peopled the ghostly vales of death ! Where'er his rapid course he tum'd, With deadlier heat the combat bum'd ; Forward, around, where Eric came, There roar'd the vortex of the flame. 'Twas like the whirlwind's rolling ire Careering through a field of fire. Rending and tossing, as in play. The thundering element away. BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 293 There was a chief of Albyn's land, Of proud renown, hight Coulan Brande, Who held his sway by forest stern. And many a mountain dark and dern. From where the Lwin meets the tide. To proud Ben- Airley's shaggy side ; That land of red-deer and of roe, Possessed by the great Gordon now. That chief had borne his honours far. Amid the waning southern war ; And his red balachs * of the hill The foremost in the broil were still. Ill brook'd he the degrading sight Of that deray, by Eric's might ; The vortex came like rolling tide ; Brande calFd his followers to his side. And bade them open and give ground Till Eric pass'd, then wheel around. And close upon his giant train. Their ruthless ravage to restrain.— * Balachs — Rude peasantry, boors. ♦ 294 QUEEN HYNDE. " Press on them hard ; retreat be none ; Be work like that of warriors done. Let me behold no broad claymore That is not stainM with foeman'^s gore ; Let me behold no buckler^s face That is not clour'd with sword or mace ; And could you sever from his train That Hector of the northern main, Then, by my Ciothar's lofty crest. That props the heaven's own holy breast, And by that heaven''s uplifted dome, The warrior's everlasting home, This sword shall make that hero's brow Stoop lowlier than his footstep now !" — Alongst the field King Eric flew. The boldest from his brand withdrew ; Red desolation mark'd his track ; For his fierce veterans, at his back. On either side were hard bestead. Where gallant foemen fought and bled. Along the midst of Coulan's train. O dreadful grew the conflict then ! HOOK V BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. ^95 For the red balachs of the fell, With shout, with clangour, and with yell, Rush'd on the Norse from either hill, And sore, with broadsword and with bill, Gaird the array of that fierce train, Who, back to back, could scarce sustain. Upon their long outlengthen'd Hne, The claymore and the brigantine ; For every man that Coulan led. Had his broad breast with bulPs-hide clad. But Eric, reckless oft of life, Press''d forward in the bloody strife. Till so it happ'd, his train outgone. There was he left to fight alone. Coulan perceived, with throbbing breast. The chance had come for which he wish'd ; Longer the strife he could not shun, Something illustrious must be done ; Either his life he must lay down. Or raise his name to great renown ; Then, rousing all his energies To this momentous enterprize, • 296 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. Shaking his javelin and claymore, He took his stand the king before. — " Oppressor of a guiltfess land ! Presumptuous spoiler ! stay thy hand," He cried, " and hear the truth severe, That shall not quail for monarch'^s ear. Say, is thy soul not darker now Than e^er was Ethiop's sable brow, Distain^d with every human crime. That blotted has the rolls of time ? Detested persecutor ! who But thee would manhood's claim forego By raising war and breaking sooth With beauty, innocence, and youth ? And, if no lies are on the wind. With sacrifice of dreadful kind ? Thou monster ! loathed be thy name By all that bear the human frame ! Thy race is run, thy hour at hand, God speed the shaft of Coulan Brande !"' — BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. ^&7 With that his brazen javelin true, With all his mountain might he threw, And steady aim that might to tell, But short the winged weapon fell ; For to his left wrist it was tied With plaited thong of badger's hide ; And swifter than a mind can frame, Unpractised in that warlike game, He haul'd it back, and threw, and threw With force increased, as nigh he drew. Eric was gall'd, his ire arose. For faster, fiercer, came the blows. Without impediment or let. From that aerial dragonet. It pierced his gorget and his gear, . Stunning his brow and sovereign ear ; Yet farther durst he not advance. But check'd his own precipitance ; For all his valour and his rage Were tempered by reflection sage. He foam'd with ire, and plunged amain. Like restiff^ steed that scorns the rein. 298 QUEEN HYNDE. book v But saw, if once his men he left, An hundred balachs, stem and deft, Watching, with keen and eager eye, Unto their leader's aid to fly ; And with a smile of fierce disdain, He drew back to his lines again. Loud shouted Brando's obstreperous horde, Lauding their brave and matchless lord. Who, in the splendour of his might. In single combat had outright Put the great northern king to flight ! What vengeance Eric pour'd around, Where'er a combatant he found That dared the strife ! and many a brave And gallant knight found timeless grave. Oft did his glance embrace the strand In search of haughty Coulan Brande ; Who on his name had cast a stain That would not well wash out again ; — Alas ! he knew not, nor could see How much more deep that stain would be ! BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 299 Brande of his fortune was so proud, The very ground on which he stood He seem'd to spurn, as o'er the war His eye rolFd loftily afar. This Donald Bane, his neighbour sly. Beheld, and strode up hastily. And said these words, for clansmen near Each other's pride could never bear : — " O, gallant Brande, make haste, advance ; For none, save thee, with sword or lance Can check yon scourge of Scotia's host^; Advance, or Albyn's banner's lost ! Gillespick's down ; Clan-Gillan's broke ; Lochourn leans o'er his tarnish'd oak ; My brother Allan keeps aloof, Trustless of arm, and armours proof; The field's laid waste ! — O, Brande, there's none Can turn that tide but thou alone." — " Reptiles !" cried Brande, and forth he flew, CuTling his lip, and eke his brow. SOO QUEEN HYNDE. book v. Straight onward, Eric to amate ; Yet there was something in his gait That shew'd reluctance to the way ; A hurry, mingled with delay, Perhaps an omen ill defined, A darksome boding of the mind. As ever you saw a fiery steed Eying the path with wistful dread. And eyes with gleams of fury glancing, Wheeling, snorting, rearing, prancing ; Till, lash'd amain, away he breaks, The steep ascent with fury takes. And, panting, foaming, flounders on, Until, his strength and spirits gone. Straining to do more than he can, Down rush the chariot, horse, and man. So was it now with Coulan Brande, The Lord of Lwin's forest land, The hunter proud of Gamachoy, Of Laggan, Lurich, and Glen- Roy ; BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 301 Goaded along, he crossed the field, UprearM his sword, advanced his shield, And straight in front of Eric ran, And thus address''d the godlike man : — " Traitor, methought that I had once Given thee to know thy puissance Not matchless was. Why wilt thou then Come fuming 'mid ignoble men, Staining thy brand with boorish blood ? Tyrant, this braggart lustihood Becomes thee not. Desist, for shame ! Here stands thy conqueror, thee to tame." — Eric laugh'd loud ; both cliff* and shaw Made answer to his keen ha, ha ! No more he said, but sword in hand He ruthless rushed on Coulan Brande ; Furious upon the chief he came, Trowing his mountain might to tame At the first blow ; but tale he lost. And reckoned once without his host. 302 QUEEN HYNDE. book t. # Brande his broad buckler managed so, That Ericas Airious rush and blow Were borne aside with science yare. And Eric spent his force in air, So freely spent, that, on the strand. Forward he stumbled o''er his brand ; And, since his restless life began, Such perilous risk it never ran. Brande was too brave of soul and mind To strike a prostrate foe behind ; Else doubt is none, that, in that strife, Low at his steps lay Eric's life ; And kinsmen ever blamed the hand That nail'd him not to Scotia's strand. Eric arose, his cheek was flushed. With shame the mighty monarch blush'd, In such an onset thus to be Outdone, and more in courtesy. The pangs he felt were so severe, They were too much for him to bear ; BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 303 And wish from these his heart to free, Had nearly brought him to his knee ; But pride of rank, and pride of name, His brilliant and untarnished fame ; Muster'd around without control. And whispered vengeance to his soul. He rose and turn'd upon his foe ; Brande all undaunted met the blow ; And in the combat that ensued, Shew'd equal might and fortitude. The king rush'd in, with guard and clasp, And, trusting to his powerful grasp, From which no single force could free, He closed with Brande impetuously ; And seizing on his gorget fast. With wrench that giant force surpassed. He snapp'd the clasps of burnished steel, And casque and cuirass, to his heel. Came off with jangle and with clang. And on the level rolPd and rang. 304 QUEEN HYNDE. Brandc turnM to fly, for, in a word, His buckler, too, if not his sword. Had in that struggle falPn or broke ; He turn'd to fly ; but, at a stroke, Eric, while at his utmost speed. Sheer from his body hew'd his head. Far roird the bloody pate away ; The body ran, without a stay, A furlong in that guise uncouth ; So said the Norse, and swore it truth ! The shouts of subjects from each side, Aroused the hero's warrior pride — A moment roused it ; but anon On his brown cheek the tear-drop shone, And throbs, that in his bosom's cell Heaved like an earthquake, told too well How sore he rued the ruthless blow Inflicted on so brave a foe. To whose high generous soul he owed A life most haplessly bestow'd ; 3 MOOK V BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 305 And, as if from a dream awoke. These words he rather groaned than spoke : " Ah ! how this laurel galls my brow ! Eric ne'er vanquished was till now." — The battle now had spread away Round all the friths of Keila bay — Parties with adverse parties meeting. And both sides losing and defeating. Where chief 'gainst adverse chief prevail d, There partial success never faiPd ; And braver feats were never done Than were that day round Beregon ; Nor more illustrious were the slain— No, not on Ilium's classic plain. The chiefs that most distinguished shone In that dire day's confusion. Were AJlan Bane, who, 'mid the war, O'erthrew the giant Osnagar, Despite the monster's might in weir. And execrations dread to hear : u m 806 QUEEN HYNDE. Hoaring, and cursing his decay. He foam'*d his savage soul away. And the brave Lord of Sutherland, Of dauntless heart, and steady hand, Never, in all that bloody coil, Engaged with foe he did not foil : A Finnish prince, and Danish lord, Both sunk beneath his heavy sword ; And all their buskin'^d followers fierce, DismayM at such a stem reverse. Before the men of Navem dale. Fled like the chaff before the gale. Intrepid Gaul, the Lord of Tain, And Ross"'s wild and wide domain. Bore on with unresisted sway. He seem'*d some demon of dismay. That through the ranks of Scania*'s war Bore desolation fierce and far ; His hideous face was grisly grim. His form distorted every limb ; BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 307 Yet his robust and nervous arm Laid warriors low as by a charm — For that rude form contained a mind Above the rest of human kind. Distressed by Brande^'s unworthy fate, Eric drew off ere it was late, Scowling and sobbing by the way. Like warrior that had lost the day ; And oft repeating, as before, These words, that grieved his captains sore : " Eric is conquered at the last ! His day of victory is o'erpast ! A conquest ne''er to be believed. Reversed, remitted, nor retrieved !" — • The gathering trumpets' lordly sound Gathered his scattered bands around, And from a fiercer, bloodier fray, That note ne'er call'd his troops away ; For, though the Vantage they had won, Never was Eric so outdone. 808 QUEEN HYNDE. The pride of Albyn's mountain strand. The great emporium of the land, The royal city now was lost, And occupied by Eric''s host. The seven towers of Selma too, Alas ! were all abandon''d now ! That for a thousand years had stood, Circled by mountain, cliff, and flood, And ne'^er had oped at foe's behest, Except to captive or to guest. For why, this landing unawares Placed Hynde amid a thousand snares ; Her throne, her city, and her state, Beleaguered by a force so great. That the least turn of fortune might Place all at Eric's steps outright. Her nobles, this to countervail. Bore her away by oar and sail In dead of night, and not alone ; Her court, her treasures, and her throne. Safe in Dunstaffnage did they place, Where they had vantage-ground and space )0K V. QUEEN HYNDE. 309 To place their guards by ford and mere, That none should come their treasure near. Their queen thus safe, it was not strange That they, with coolness and revenge, Fought out the field, from early noon Until the rising of the moon ; And then drew off, from pursuit free. In still and sullen enmity. Though conscious that a fraud full low They practised had upon the foe. They knew not yet on what pretence Eric had dared this bold offence. Breaking his faith without regard. And rushing on them unprepared. Their loss was great, without defeat ; Yet still their queen and coronet. And sacred choir, they, all the three, Had placed in full security ; Hence they resolved to suffer dumb The good, or ill, as each should come. SIO QUEEN HYNDE. book v. Outposts and watchers not a few They placed around in order due, And straight prepared, with rueful speed. To pay due honours to the dead. At dawn a messenger was sent, With all dispatch, to Ericas tent ; To ask of him one peaceful day, Due honours to their slain to pay. The king at first declined discourse ; 0^erwhelm''d with sorrow and remorse. He sat alone, and neither foe '^■ Nor friend durst nigh his presence go. His ruthless and ungenerous deed Gnawed his great soul without remede ; And the brave youth he loved the most, Prince Haco, was in battle lost. With all the chief men of his train, And were not found among the slain. If these were captives, what avail Had falFn into his enemy''s scale ! If they deserted had the land. The sceptre wriggled in his hand. OK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 311 But, worst of all, the sacrifice By which he trusted from the skies Support to win, the gods'* command Seemed to have reft from his right hand. And now his priests, in deep despair, Foreboded nought but dole and care. . Eric sat wondering all alone Into what land these maids had gone — If some intrepid chief's array Had come and stolen his pledge away. Or Odin had upborne them all Alive into Valhalla's hall. At all events, that hope was crossM, The mighty sacrifice was lost, And Eric was assured too well Of more mishap than tongue could tell ; In such a toilsome mood he flounced When Albyn's herald was announced. And this was all the answer brief He deigned unto the Scottish chief: — 312 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. •* Go, tell him to speed home apace : With son of that deceitful race No speech I hold — no, not a word, Save o''er the gauntlet or the sword.'*' — " Sire, he is sent express, to say The Scots request one peaceful day. To bury those in battle slain. Which, if refused, they come again Over their carcasses to fight, And God in Heaven support the right ! For that dear privilege they'll stand, While living man is in the land.'' — " The Scots' request is bold and high," King Eric said with kindling eye ; ** And straight I grant it, with demand That, at the bier of Coulan Brande, I as chief mourner may appear ; Then all the obsequies, so dear To kindred souls, shall mingled be. Without offence or frown from me. BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. ^l^ In feast, and sport, we all combine ; No answer— let the charge be mine/'— Next morn, by mutual consent, The arms of either host were pent In heaps within each camp, and all Flock'd to the mingled festival. At Coulan-s bier King Eric took Chief place, with attitude and look That struck both friend and foeman's eye As fraught with dread solemnity. High on the hill of Kiel were laid The ashes of the mighty dead. Hence call'd, with all its cairns so grey, '' Hill of the Slain," until this day. There, over Coulan's lowly urn, The mighty Eric deign'd to mourn ; Bow'd his imperial head full low, Wiped his red eye and burning brow. And thus addressed the gaping crowd, That motley, moving multitude : — 314 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. *' Soldiers and denizens, give ear ; I say the words that all may hear : Here, o'er the dust of chief, I bow, That conquerM him who speaks to you ; He owns it. Eric of the north. Who ne''er before acknowledged worth Superior to his own, avows That Coulan Brande has shorn his brows Of all the honours there that grew. So lone, untarnishM, bright, and new. " This chief, in battle's deadliest hour, A forfeit life held in his power ; That life was mine ; it lay full low Beneath his lifted, threatened blow : But, scorning vantage and reward, High honour only his regard. His hand withheld the blow intended. Would to the gods it had descended ! And cleft this heart, whose festering core Feels pangs it never felt before ! uooK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 315 " Fortune gave me such chance again. Where was thine honour, Eric, then ? In heat of ire I struck the blow That laid this injured hero low ; But that this stroke I did not stay 111 rue until my dying day, And to the world this truth proclaim — Eric, with all his martial fame. For once acknowledges compeer ; Vanquished in that he held most dear. He shrouds the palm can ne'*er return Within this low and sacred urn. " Warriors from shores of either main, In honour of this hero slain. Contend in every manly game. To be memorial of his name. And theirs, upon that fatal field. Who rather chose to die than yield. Prizes, I grant, of warrior store, Such as were never given before. 316 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. ** As is the wont, in Albyn^s land. For the chief hero's shield and brand, The trial first, of skill, must be, Who throws the dart as well as he ; For in that art he could outdo All men that ever javelin threw. Hie to the contest ; every throw Be steady as at breast of foe."*' — Each chief, each prince, and petty king. Prepared the javelin to fling ; But, of them all, the steadiest hand And eye, were those of Olaf Brande, Who bore in triumph from the field His honoured brother's sword and shield. Though it was ween'd, superior skill Could well have won, but had not will. The prize that next was heaved in sight Was golden bracelet burnished bright. To him that in the race should won, And chief, and hind, and all outrun. ooK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 317 For there no preference was to be Conferred on lineage or degree ; Nor was it needful, in that age, The low estate of vassalage Withheld the peasant from the bound Of high exploit, or deed renownM. A being mean of mind and frame, The creature of a chief supreme ; No heart had he, no towering hope, With proud Milesian might to cope ; And of these casts, as legends say, ' The traits remain until this day. Eager the golden prize to win. The light of heart came pouring in — All noble youths, of agile make, Who loved the race for running'*s sake. And hoped, at least, to mar the way Of the superiors in the play ; But chiefly, if they saw the Norse, Would Albyn's youths put to the worse. S18 QUEEN HYNDE. book y. No fewer wights than twenty-two. All ranked in one continuous row. Stood stripped and belted for the fun, >' And panting for the word to run. The bugle sounded short and low — A paleness glitter''d on each brow ! The bugle sounded loud and long, And every chest, with heavings strong. And mouth, seemed gasping, breath to gain More than their circuits could contain. The bugler's third note was a yell, A piercing, momentary knell ; O what relief to every heart ! It was the warning note to start. Then, like a flock of sheep new shorn, Or startled roes at break of mom. Away they spring mid whoop and hollo, And light of foot were those could follow. For three good furlongs of the space All was confusion in the race ; For there was jostling, jumping, fretting, And breasts with elbows rudely meeting. BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. ^ 819 One luckless youth, who took the van, Had overstrained him as he ran ; His ardent breast had borne him so Much faster than his wont to go, That his untoward limbs declined To strike as fast as he'd a mind, Refused the effort with disdain. And down he stumbled on the plain. Before one could have uttered cry. Or sworn an oath, or closed an eye, A dozen flagrant youths and more Were heap'*d and tumbling on the shore, Each muttering terms uncouth to tell, And cursing aye the last that fell. Some rose and ran, though far behind ; Some join'd the laugh, and lay reclined ; But now the interest grew extreme ; Feldborg the Dane, like lightning's gleam. Shot far ahead, and still askance Backward he threw his comely glance. Which said full plainly, " I opine. Most worthy sirs, the prize is mine." — 820 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. And still, as straining in the race, A smile played on his courteous face ; For who in courtly form and air, With Danish Feldborg could compare ? The farthest goal is won and past, And Feldborg still is gaining fast ; Aloud the joyous clamour grew From Eric'*s grim and boisterous crew. While one small voice alone could cry From Albyn's host, " Fie, kinsmen, fie !" Eon of Elry heard that word Caird by a loved and honoured lord. And straight the bold athletic bard Was after Feldborg straining hard, Skimming the sandy level plain With swiftness man could not sustain. Feldborg of Denmark, now the time To weave thy name in lofty rhyme ! To rank thee with the seraphim Depends but on thy strength of limb I BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 321 But well thou knew'st, that chief, or king, Or living creature without wing, To scale the heaven might try as well, As run with thee and thee excel ; All this thou knew'st ; it was thy boast, And so did many to their cost. Eon M'Eon, do not flinch. For thou art gaining inch by inch ; Strain thy whole frame and soul to boot ; Nay, thou art gaining foot by foot ; The crowd perceives it with acclaim, And every accent breathes thy name. Eon of Elry, God thee speed ! One other stretch, and thou rt ahead. Feldborg, what's that which thee doth gall ? What does thy look equivocal Note by thy side glittering so bright .'' A bracelet clasp ! by Odin's might ! And that proud slieve in verity. Eon of Elry, forces by. 3«i QUEEN HYNDE. book v. Strain, Feldborg, strain, or thou shalt lose ; His elbow kythes, and eke his nose ! — Where are they now ? In moment gone ! And Feldborg gains the goal alone ! Elry lies prostrate on the plain, Laughing aloud, in breathless pain, Spuming the land with fitful scream ; While his bright eye^s unearthly gleam. Bespoke full well how ill content His heart was with the incident. With curling lip, and brow of flame, And cheek that rankled half for shame, He laughing rose, and wiped his brow, " By Heaven, sir, I no more could do !''— The golden gem of potent charm Glitters on Feldborg's swarthy arm. While he surveyed the trophy grand. With countenance as proudly bland. As every bard in Albyn green An eulogist to him had been. And given to him a fulsome lay, The dearest pledge e'er came his way. BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 3^3 Feldborg, thou hast effected feat, ' That stamps thee consummately great ; For thou hast vanquish'd one whose name Stands highest on the list of fame. Although an enemy and a Dane, I hold thy victory immane ; Laud to thy noble visage swart ! Illustrious man of tale and chart ! Professor of the running art ! The game that followed next the race Was pitching of an iron mace, From buskin'd foot, which made it wheel. With whirling motion like a reel Aloft in air — I not pretend This ancient game to comprehend ; But yet th' expert could pitch it straight, Like arrow at convenient height, And lodge it at the farthest goal, Fix'd in the earth like upright pole. A Danish game it was ; therefore The Danish chiefs the mastery bore ; 324 QUEEN HYNDE. m As for the Scots, they toil'd in vain ; Like coursers without curb or rein, They spent their spirits and their might In efforts without rule or sleight. King Eric, grimly smiling, came As if in sport to share the game ; He heaved the mace like stager's poy, And twirFd it like a lady's toy ; Then from his buskin's brazen toe. Like arching meteor made it go ; Till far beyond the utmost cast, Deep in the soil it lodged fast. No clamour rose, as one might trow, From such a monarch's master-throw ; But through the host, from man to man, A buzz of admiration ran, And no one judged it for his thrift, The mighty mace again to lift. — *' Come, princes 1 captains !" Eric cried, With voice as though he meant to chide ; BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 325 " Come ! To the sport ! It is confest You're playing with it for a jest. Pitch all agam. I gave that throw As earnest of what more 111 do.*" — Each chief disclaimed the fruitless deed. Or hemmed, and smiled, and shook the head, And all prepared the prize to yield. And rush into some other field. When lo ! a burly peasant proud Came dashing through the heartless crowd, Shouldering both chief and vassal by. As things of no utility ; Straight to th' avoided mace he broke. And aye he stuttered as he spoke ; Fast from his tongue the threat'nings fell, Though what they were no man could tell ; Up from its hold he tore the«mace. And ran unto the footing place ; But, lo ! his sinewy foot was bare. Nor sandal, hoe, nor brog was there ! To pitch the iron club from thence. Surpassed even savage truculence. 3^ QUEEN HYNDE. hook v. The laugh was loud, while, in his need. The kerae look'^d round for some remede, And for a bonnet grasp'*d his hair. But a red snood alone was there. With grasp of power he seized the bent, A sod from the earth's surface rent ; Which, placing on his foot with care, The massive club he rested there ; Then his strong limb behind him drew, And grinn'd and goggled as he threw ; But with such force he made it fly. It switherM through the air on high, Soughing with harsh and heavy ring. Like sound of angry condor'^s wing, "Till far beyond King Eric'*s throw It delved the earth with awkward blow.— " Beshrew the knave !" King Eric cried ; His nobles with a curse replied. And crowded to the spot outright. To wonder at the peasant's might. " Who, or what is the savage young ?" Was ask'd by every flippant tongue ; BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 327 But to make answer there was none, Nor one could tell where he was gone ; The golden prize on high was rear''d, But claimant there was none appear^. — " It is the giant Lok, t know, Sent by the gods from hell below, Against my growing power to plot, - And vanquish might which man could not,"" With look demure, King Eric cried. — " 'Tis Lok !"" each Scanian tongue replied. The victor was not found, nor came His prize of lofty worth to claim ; And all the Norse believed, and said. Their king by Lok was vanquished. The leaping, wrenching, fencing, all Were won by youths of Diarmid'*s hall ; While Eric's soldiers took their loss With manners quarrelsome and cross. But of the boat-race these made sure ; The gilded barge was theirs secure ; • QUEEN HYNDE. On that they reckon^'d, and prepared To row with skill, and strength unspared. Fourteen fair barges in a row. Started at once, with heaving prow ; With colours, flags, and plumes bedight ; It was forsooth a comely sight ! King Eric's seven rowers swarth, Chosen from all the sinewy north, Were men of such gigantic parts, And science in the naval arts. And with such force their flashes hurPd, They fear''d no rowers of this world. King Eric, crown'd with many a gem, Took station on his barge's stem ; Secure of victory, and proud To shoot before the toiling crowd. And spring the first upon the shore ; Full oft he'd done the same before. Seven boats of either nation bore, In proud array from Keila's shore, »00K V. BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 3^9 With equal confidence endowed ; To each seven rowers were allowed ; But by the way they spied, with glee, That one Scots barge had only three. And she was bobbing far behind. As toiling with the tide and wind ; The rowers laugh'd till all the firth Resounded with the boisterous mirth. Around an isle the race was set, A nameless isle, and nameless yet ; And when they turn'd its southern mull. The wind and tide were fair and full ; Then 'twas a cheering sight to view How swift they skimm'd the ocean blue, How lightly o'er the wave they scoop'd, Then down into the hollow swoop'd ; Like flock of sea-birds gliding home. They scarcely touched the floating foam, But like dim shadows through the rain. They swept across the heaving main ; While in the spray, that flurr'd and gleam'd, A thousand Httle rainbows beam'd. 330 QUEEN HYNDE. book v. King Ericas bark, like pilot swan. Aright before the centre ran, Stemming the current and the wind For all his cygnet fleet behind. And proudly look'd he back the while, With lofty and imperial smile. O mariners ! why all that strife ? Why plash and plunge 'twixt death and life ? When 'tis as plain as plain can be. That barge is mistress of the sea. Pray, not so fast, Sir Minstrel rath ! Look back upon that foamy path. As Eric does with doubtful eye. On little boat, that gallantly Escapes from out the flashing coil. And presses on with eager toil. Full briskly stemming tide and wind. And following Eric hard behind ; • And, worst of all for kingly lot, Three rowers only man the boat ! — . BOOK V. QUEEN HYNDE. 331 " Ply, rowers, ply ! We're still ahead. Lean from your oars — shall it be said That the seven champions of the sea Were beat outright by random three ? Ply, rowers, ply ! She gains so fast, I hear their flouts upon us cast. 'Tis the small boat, as I'm on earth ! That gave so much untimely mirth." — " Curse on her speed ! Strain, rowers, strain !" Impatient Eric cried again ; " See how she cleaves the billow proud, Like eagle through a wreathy cloud : Strain, vassals, strain ! If we're outrun By moving thing below the sun, I swear by Odin's mighty hand, I'll sink the boat and swim to land !" — Hard toil'd King Eric's giant crew ; Their faces grim to purple grew. At last their cheering loud ye-ho Was changed into a grunt of woe. ^ BOOK VI. QUEEN HYNDE. 417 And thuSi with reverend lifted eye, Addressed his bright divinity : — ^ " Thou glorious Sun, my father's god,. Look down from thy sublime abode On thy old servant's sacred joy, And bless this brave and blooming boy : Not with the common light of day Be thou director of his way. But on his inward spirit shine With light empyreal and divine ; For thousands on his reign's success » Depend for mortal happiness. "And when thou leavest thy heavenly path, To sojourn in the realms beneath, Be charges of him nightly given Unto thy lovely Queen of Heaven ; Who, with serene and modest face, Watches above the human race, And sways by visions of dismay The spirits prone to go astray ; 2d 418 QUEEN HYNDE. book vi. For 'tis not hidden from thy sight, That dangers of the silent night, Dangers of women's witching smile. Of wassail, waik, and courtier's wile. Far deadlier are to virtuous sway Than all the perils of the day. " And now, thou source of light and love, Great Spirit of all thing* that move ! If thou wilt hearken to my prayer, I'll such a sacrifice prepare, As ne'er on beal-day morn did smoke Beneath thy own vicegerent oak. " O blessed Sun, I here avow Thee for my only god, and bow Before thy bright and holy face. Sublime protector of my race ! Whilst thy omnipotence shall burn, Creation's father'd eyes must turn To thee for life in donative, • And every comfort life can give BOOK VI. QUEEN HYNDE. 419 I ask but life for me and mine, Whilst thy transcendent glories shine ; If farther world of bliss there be, To Christian souls I yield it free." — Columba, hearing all reveal'd. Before the ancient monarch kneePd, And cried, " O king ! did I not say, That this thy son should Albyn sway ? That he was destined — he alone, To save his father^s ancient throne ? Thou didst oppose the high decree As far as influence lay with thee ; Now it hath happ''d in way so odd That man could not the event forbode : But who can thwart the arm divine ? Thanks to another God than thine !" — Colmar look'd with averted stare On the good father kneeling there ; But deeming him below reply, He only hemm'd, and strode him by ; 420 QUEEN HYNDE. book vi Then, taking Eiden by the hand, He led him forth along the strand. Heaving his ample shield in air. And wildly shaking his white hair ; And with deep sobs and laughter blent, He wept, and shouted as he went, " Who buckles brand on brigantine. To follow Houston^s son and mine ? The top of Albyn's royal tree ! Who's for King Eiden and for me ?'' — The Scottish nobles, mad with joy At finding there was no alloy Yet mingled with the metal good Of FingaFs and the Fergus' blood, — With shouts, and songs, and one assent. To battle rush'd incontinent. The Norse came on — As well they might Have tried to stay the morning light. The torrent turn by sword or spear, Or stop the storm in its career. BOOK VI. QUEEN HYNDE. The Danish men came in the van On Sutherland's and Ross's clan,— And dreadful was their onset shock, On the small plain beneath the rock ; Thousands were slain ; and, woe to tell ! There Colmar, King of Erin, fell ; — And Gaul of Ross, as brave a lord As ever wielded warrior's sword : But clan on clan, like billows toiling. Came panting on, for battle boiling, ' And swept the Danish host before. Like wreck upon the ocean shore. Which every wave drives on and on : — So roll'd the strife tow'rds Beregon. To tell of all the deeds of might That there were done from morn to night. Would steep my virgin patroness To the fair bosom in distress : And to relate the deeds of doom Wrought by the royal young bridegroom, Would class my song 'mid fabulous lore, A folly I indulge no more. 421 ^1^ QUEEN HYNDE. Whene'er a breach was made in flank Or rear of Albyn's battle rank, There was M*Houston to supply The breach, and quell the enemy : Alas ! he struck a foe too late When brave old Colmar met his fate ; But yet the sire upraised his head, And feebly laugh'd, and bless'd the deed ; Then, bending back his rigid form, Like shrivell'd pine beneath the storm, He fix''d his latest visive ray Upon the glorious God of Day ; And some weak piping sounds were heard. As if a joy with terror jarr'd ; The parting spirit's last recess From dust and dreary nothingness ! The battle spread from cliff to shore, Along the fields, where late before The Danes and Norse the battle won That drove the Scots from Beregon : This day that order was reversed, The invader's closest files were pierced, BOOK vi; QUEEN HYNDE. 428 And foot by foot forced to give way ; Till, at the to-fall of the day, Their speed of foot they "gan to try Within the city gates to fly : They wanted Eric in their .van. Which brave M 'Houston overran. Cold, stretched upon his ample shield, King Eric''s corse lay on the field ; Deserted in the flame of fight, When Norway'^s files wheePd to the right. That and old Colmar's, side by side, Were borne in barge across the tide, That funeral honours might be paid, When to lona's isle conveyed. The tidings of the battle won. And mighty deeds the king had done. And who he was, on wings of wind, Flew o^er the ferry to Queen Hynde : Then of her joy supreme I wot A bride may judge, but man can not. 424 QUEEN HYNDE. book vi. Meantime, as deep the darkness grew, Eiden marcVd over Drimna-huah, And down upon Boraean Moor Descending at the midnight hour, He found the enemy ""s camp at rest, Without a guard to east or west ; Nought there remained in shape of foe, But wounded men and menials low ; For all within the city gate Had fled, on learning the defeat ; ^^^ •• • And many, less intent on prey. Unto the fleet had stolen away. Spoil was there none, save armour good. And hides, and furs, and beastly food ; And ere the dawn of morning came, That mighty camp was all on flame ; A sight that cheered each Scottish glen, But woful one to Norwaymen ! On the return of morning light, Full grievous was that army^s plight ! Without a general of respect, Or prince, or leader, to direct, BOOK VI. QUEEN HYNDE. 425 Save one was qualified the least, Odin s most high and potent priest ! At board, at muster, or in field, No warrior council Eric held ; Through life he suffered no cabal ; King, general, he was all and all. But this bluff priest, in wondrous way. Held over him perpetual sway ; While his last best, " the gods to appease," Made this old fox's powers increase ; Save him, the host would Hst to none ; They ran to him, and him alone. Until that time. King Eric's word Had saved the city from the sword. From pillage, and the thousand woes That conquered city undergoes ; And he had saved the innocent From the last throes of ravishment. But now this foul and bloated priest Issued forthwith the loved behest, To take the city for a prey. The loss and charges to defray ; 4^6 QUEEN HYNDE. book vi. To ravish matrons, great and small, Whether in city, field, or hall, By way of fair and just reprise : But keep the maids for sacrifice ! And once that great oblation made Unto the gods, as Eric bade, The priest would answer with his head. For Odin's high and heavenly aid. The soldiers lauded with acclaim The priest of Odin's blessed name ; And darted on the spoil away, Like hungry tigers on their prey ; Then was a ravishment begun. Such as in warfare hath been done, But suits not ear of virgin young. Nor aged minstrel's weary tongue. One hundred virgins, richly dress'd. Were brought before this goodly priest ; And out of these selected he His god's own number — three times three ; OK VI. QUEEN HYNDE. 427 Those that remain''d by lot were shared Amongst the soldiers of the guard. O, grievous chance ! sure death was bliss To such a hideous doom as this ! Well might they say, on such a lot, Is there a God in heaven or not ? Unto the top of Selma's tower, Beyond the reach of human power, The nine were borne for sacrifice. With songs and shouts that rent the skies ; And the poor victims of despair Were stretched upon an altar there. By this time many a weeping dame Had fled that hive of sin and shame. And fled to Eiden^s camp on high, Still placed upon Doon-Valon-Righ. All other comforts he disdained, Compared with the advantage gain'd ; And there above his foes he hung. Like osprey o'er the gannefs young. 428 QUEEN HYNDE. iook vi. But ah ! the rueful news that came, Distracted every warlike scheme : There lay the victims in their view, Surrounded by the hideous crew ; And Selma^s seven towers could then Have guarded been by twenty men Against a thousand. Such a scene May Christian ne'*er behold again ! The hymns of Odin that ascended, Mid screams of death and horror blended, Formed such a dire discordant yell, As sinner scarce shall hear from hell. When through the far domains of night He takes his drear reluctant flight. By power unseen impelFd behind, That sails him swifter than the wind, To some unfathomM gulf below, Which minstrel fears, but does not know. Of utter darkness and of dread. The very spring and fountain head ! — " O Christian sire ! if thee ^tis given To influence the powers of Heaven, BOOK VI. QUEEN HYNDE. 429 For woman's sake, though shunnM by thee, For hers who nursed thee on her knee, Now use it ; for no earthly power Can save in this distressing hour ! Pray Him, in whom my soul believes, Trembles before, but not conceives. To send relief— O, father, cry !" King Eiden said, with streaming eye. Columba stood amidst the men. And sung a hymn from David's pen ; Then kneel'd upon the flinty rock. The Almighty's succour to invoke ; But ere his' God he had addressed. Or suppliant word to him expressed. The shouts from Selma's turrets sounding. And tens of thousands these surrounding ; . And smoke ascending to the sun, Told that th' unholy deed was done. The king, the saint, and warrior bands. Upon their faces laid their hands. 430 QUEEN HYNDE. That on such scene they might not look, Nor the abhorrM remembrance brook ; But good Columba bent his eyes On heaven, and, with most vehement cries, Implored his Saviour and his God, To smite with his avenging rod Those rude and violating beasts, Those vile polluted idolists. Who dared to stain the murderous knife In Christian virgins'* sacred life. And, as "'tis told in ancient rhyme. Some words like these, in tone sublime, He mutter''d to the EtemaVs ear, Which made the kneelers quake to hear :— " Father of angels and of men ! Thou, whose omniscient heedful ken Takes in the ample bounds of space, Wherever smiles the human face. Or seraphs sing, or angels dwell. Or demons that in torment yell : Turn here in mercy from above One glance of justice and of love ; VI. BOOK VI. QUEEN HYNDE. 431 Of love to those who look to thee, And justice on their enemy, And view a deed that stamps disgrace On thy beloved human race. O God ! can such a deed beseem Creatures thou died'st to redeem ? — "If thou Jehovah art alone, And Odin but a god of stone, Pour down thy vengeance from the skies On these polluted obsequies. View but the deed, and ere 'tis done In darkness thou wilt veil the sun ; His flaming orb shall cease to burn ; The moon and stars to blood shall turn, While the broad sky aside shall fold. And like a garment up be rolFd. — " O, if thou comest — as come thou wilt, Vengeance to take on human guilt ; Then be thy wrath in terror shown. By thunders from thy awful throne ; QUEEN HYNDE. book v Descend in majesty supreme ; Thy chariot be devouring flame ; That all the elements may die Beneath the lightning of thine eye. The vales shall yawn, in terror rending, The mountains quake at thy descending, Nay, bow their hoary heads, and heave Like skiff upon the yielding wave. — " Stretch but thy finger from the spheres Towards these bloody worshippers. And lo, the sinners and the spot Shall quickly be as they were not ! As things of terror no more seen, Nay, be as they had never been. " Our eyes are fix'*d on thee above, — Our hope in thy redeeming love : Then, O, in mercy to our race. Hear — in the heavens thy dwelling-place !^' — While yet the Christian army kneel'd, Ere brow was raised from rock or shield, 7 BOOK VI. QUEEN HYNDE. 433 Heaven's golden portals were unbarred, And the Almighty's voice was heard ! It came not forth like thunders loud, When lightnings through the liquid cloud Break up the dense and dismal gloom, With chafe, with chatter, and with boom ; It came with such a mighty sound, As if the heavens, the depths profound. And tempests at their utmost noise, Cried all together in one voice. Deep caU'd to deep, and wave to wave ; Stone unto stone, and grave to grave ; The yawning cliiFs and caverns groan'd ; The mountains totter'd as they moan'd ; All nature roar'd in one dire Steven ; Heaven cried to earth, and earth to heaven,. Till both the offenders and offended Knew that the Eternal God descended. After the voice a whirlwind blew,. Before it every fragment flew 2e 484 (iUEEN HYNDE. book vi. Of movent, nature, all in cumber, And living creatures without number Were borne aloft with whirling motion : It lifted ships out of the ocean ; And all, without one falling shiver. Were borne away, and lost for ever ; * But there were cries of death and dread Heard in the darkness overhead ! After the wind, with rending roll A crash was heard from pole to pole, As if the Almighty's hand had rent The ample yielding firmament ; Or split with jangle and with knell The adamantine arch of hell ; And, lo ! from out the heavens there came A sea of rolling smouldering flame. Which o'er the sinners' heads impended. And slowly, dreadfully descended ; While with their shouts the welkin broke, " Great Odin comes ! our god, our rock !'' — BOOK yi. QUEEN HYNDE. 435 Just while their horrid sacrifice Still flamed with incense to the skies ; Just when their hearts were at the, proudest, And their orisons at the loudest, The liquid sounding flame inclosed them. And roird them in its furnace bosom ! That city fill'd with loathsome crime, With all its piles of ancient time. After the fiery column broke. Scarce gave a crackle or a smoke. More than a heap of chaff or tinder. But melted to a trivial cynder ! — Scarce had the eye of trembling hind Regained its sight — with terror blind, His heart began to beat in time. Or shudderd at the heinous crime. Ere the appalling scene was o'er ! One single moment, and no more. All glitter'd with a glowing gleen. Then passed as they had never been. Walls, towers, and sinners, in one sweep, Were solder'd to a formless heap, 486 QUEEN HYNDE. book yi. To stand, until that final day When this fair world shall melt away, As beacons sacred and sublime Of judgment sent for human crime. Adieu, dear maids of Scotia wide, Your minstrePs solace and his pride — The theme that all his feelings move — Of grief, of pity, and of love ; To you he bows with lowly bend ;— His ancient tale is at an end. More would he teU, but deems it best That history'^s page should say the rest. There thou may''st read, and read with gain, Of Eiden's long and holy reign ; How Haco and his winsome Wene Were Scandinavia's king and queen ; How much he owed her in his sway, And loved her to his latest day. BOOK VI. QUEEN HYNDE. 437 He and his inmates to a man, Dress'd in the garb of Highland clan, (Of Skye-men, whom they slew in fight. When Donald Gorm was beat by night,) The maids had rescued from the pile. And borne them to some western isle : Thence they returned to Albyn's coast In wedded love, when all their host, Save those within the ships that lay. Had melted from the world away. And were received with greetings kind By Eiden and his lovely Hynde. 'Twas there that ancient league was framed. For wisdom, peace, and justice famed For many ages — Blest is he, Thus hallow'd by posterity ! END OF BOOK SIXTH. NOTICES RESPECTING NAMES, PLACES, &c. jBeregonium — A celebrated ancient city ; the first ca- pital and emporium of the Scots in Albion. Its castle,, according to Boethius and Harrison's Chronologic, was founded by King Fergus, so early as 327 years before the birth of our Saviour, and 420 years after the building of Rome. Around that castle (the Selma of Ossian) the city had continued to extend for the space of several cen- turies, until at length the marble chair and the seat of government were removed to Dunstaffnage, on the south- ern side of the bay. The site of Beregonium is in that district of ancient Lorn now called Ardchattan, although Boethius includes it in the bounds of Loch-Quhaber. The castle, situated on the top of a huge insular rock, near to the head of a fine bay, and in the midst of a level plain, must, at that period, have been rendered impreg- nable, without any great eflbrt in fortification. It is al- together a singular and romantic scene ; and, being situa- ted on the new road from Dalmallie to Fort- William, by Connel Ferry and Appin, it is well worthy the attention 440 NOTICES, &c. of the curious, and, indeed, of every tourist interested in the phenomena of nature. That this city, with its towers and palaces, was destroyed by fire from heaven, tradi- tion, song, and history, all agree ; and if ever oral testi- mony from an age so distant was borne out by positive and undeniable proofs, it is in this case, so much out of the course of nature and providence. All that remains of this mighty citadel, with its seven towers, is one solid mass of pumice, burnt and soldered together in an impervious heap, wholly distinct from the rock on which it is situa- ted. The outer wall, as well as the forms of the towers, may still be traced, but all are melted down to trivial and irregular circles of this incrusted lava. And as there can be little doubt respecting the existence of this re- nowned castle and city, so it is manifest, to me at least, that no human operation could ever have effected so mighty and universal a transmutation as is there to be witnessed. — See Macculloch's Letters, Edinburgh En- cyclopcedia, Sfc, In the place where the city stood, two streets, well paved, are still easy to be traced by a little digging; the one of these is called in Gaelic, Market Street, and the other. Meal Street. In making the new road, a vault- ed gangway was here discovered under ground; and about twenty-five years ago, a man, in digging fuel, found one of the large wooden pipes that had conveyed the wa- ter across the plain to the citadel. These few remains of the famous Beregonium have been preserved in the bowels of the earth ; but nothing remains above ground, either of city or walls, but a few irregular lines of trivial cyn- der. NOTICES, &c. 441 M'Hmislon — This hero's name is, it seems, wrong spelled throughout — a natural error of a Lowlander. It ought, I am told, to have been M'Uiston ; signifying the son of Eugene. He was the son of King Eugenius, the third of that name, long the ally, but at last the con- queror, of the far-famed Arthur. This Eiden More, (Aiden the Great,) on his father's death, was, with his mother and infant brother, removed into Ireland by St Columba, and afterwards restored to his throne by the diligence and influence of that holy man. In most things regarding him, the Poem accords with history. He suc- ceeded his uncle ; married his uncle's daughter ; em- braced Christianity ; and reigned over the Scots thirty- seven years in great prosperity. Columba lived to an ex- ceeding old age ; and after his death King Eiden seem- ed to have no more spirit or pleasure in this life, but quickly followed his great friend and patron to the grave in A. D. 579- Eric — The following short translation from an ancient Runic Ode, was handed me by a correspondent, as pro- bably relating to the death of this northern hero : — " Before Berigholmi did we fight with swords. We held bloody shields, and well-stained spears. Thick around the shores lay the scattered dead. There saw I thousands lie dead by the ships. We sailed seven days to the battle in which our army fell. " We fought again ; and then the bow uttered a twang- ing sound, sending forth tempests of gHttering steel. It was at the time of the evening the foe was compelled to fly. The King of Erin did not act the part of the eagle — he fell by the bay. He was given for a feast-to the ra- 2r 448 NOTirKs, &c. Tens. — A great storm desctMuletl — O ye sons of the fallen warriors ! who atnong you shall tell of the issue of that dreadful day ? The Gods were angry, and before their vengeance who shall stand I — There Eric fell^ than whom there was no greater king. The sword dropped from his hand — the lofty helmet was laid low. — The birds of prey bewailed him who prepared their banquets. Human Sacri/ices — That this picture of Scandina- vian worship may not be viewed as an exaggeration, I shall quote the words of the learned M. Mallet. " The appointed time for their sacrifices was always determined by another opinion, which made the northern nations re- gard the number three as sacred, and particularly dear to the gods. Thus, in every ninth month they renewed the bloody ceremony, which was to last nine days ; and every day they offered up nine living victims, whether animals or human creatures. Then they chose among the captives in time of war, and the slaves in time of peace^ nine persons to be sacrificed. The choice was part- ly regulated by the choice of the bystanders, and partly by lot. The wretches upon whom the lot fell, were treat- ed with such honours by all the assembly ; — ^they were so overwhelmed with caresses, and with promises for the fu- ture, that they sometimes congratulated themselves on their destiny. The priests afterwards opened the bodies, to read in the entrails, and especially the hearts, the will of the Gods, and the good or evil fortune that was im- pending. The bodies were then burned, or suspended in some sacred grove near the temple. Part of the blood was sprinkled upon the people, part of it upon the grave ; with the same they also bedewed the images, the altars. NOTICES, &c. 443 the benches, and walls of the temple, both within and without." — See Intro. Hist. Den. Scotticisms — There are perhaps numbers of these scattered throughout the poem, but as I never guard against their introduction, so I neither can recollect, nor point them out ; as instances, Gallow— 'To gallow, in old English is, to cow, terrify ; but in Scotch, it is to make a loud, broken, or discordant noise ; and in this sense it is always used here. Gallow and GoUow are synonymous, and peculiar to various dis- tricts. Gleen — To shine, to glitter, v. — A bright dazzling gleam, s. Torfel — To toss, to overpower ; also, to roll over, to struggle with an overpowering force. Collied — Darkened, overshadowed. To-fall of day — The close of day, eventide. Steven — Uproar. THE END. Edinburgh : Printed by James Ballantyne & Co. THE FOLLOWING RECENTLY PUBLISHED, Nov. 1824. S, )NGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, BROWN, S^ GREEN, PATERNOSTER-ROW, LONDON. THE PUPIL'S PHARMACOPCEIA; BEING A OF THE ^EW EDITION OF THE LONDON PHARMACOPCEIA, e English following the Original in Italics, word for word, andthe Latin Text being marked, to facilitate a pvper Pronunciation : IN ADDITION TO WHICH, HE CHEMICAL DECOMPOSITIONS ARE EXPLAINED IN A NOTE AT THE FOOT OF EACH PREPARATION. To the whole is annexed, a Table, liibiting at one View, the Names of Medicines, with their Properties, Doses, nd Antidotes, in Cases of Poison, &c. &c. designed expressly for the Use of tudents. By W. MAUGHAM, Sltrgeon. UARY, REEN. \. including a By J. BOADBN. the Countries yels in Palestine, 8 Right Hon. iginal Correspon- ;on of Wilts, &apel LoflPt, Esq.^ ch, I^sq., Major By Amelia 'e, I^iteratare, containing an ^iait to Terra del led, much useful inds, with Charts A COMPENDIUM OF MEDICAL THEORY «f PRACTICE, FOUNDED O.N DBL. 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