Fitz-James looked rolmd,--yet scarce believed The witness that his sight received;Such apparition well might seem Delusion of a dreadful dream.
Sir Roderick in suspense he eyed, And to his look the Chief replied:
'Fear naught--nay, that I need not say But--doubt not aught from mine array.
Thou art my guest;--I pledged my word As far as Coilantogle ford:
Nor would I call a clansman's brand For aid against one valiant hand, Though on our strife lay every vale Rent by the Saxon from the Gael.
So move we on;--I only meant To show the reed on which you leant, Deeming this path you might pursue Without a pass from Roderick Dhu.'
They moved;--I said Fitz-James was brave As ever knight that belted glaive, Yet dare not say that now his blood Kept on its wont and tempered flood, As, following Roderick's stride, he drew That seeming lonesome pathway through, Which yet by fearful proof was rife With lances, that, to take his life, Waited but signal from a guide, So late dishonored and defied.
Ever, by stealth, his eye sought round The vanished guardians of the ground, And stir] from copse and heather deep Fancy saw spear and broadsword peep, And in the plover's shrilly strain The signal whistle heard again.
Nor breathed he free till far behind The pass was left; for then they wind Along a wide and level green, Where neither tree nor tuft was seen, Nor rush nor bush of broom was near, To hide a bonnet or a spear.
