Such purpose dread could Malcolm spy In Ellen's quivering lip and eye, And eager rose to speak,--but ere His tongue could hurry forth his fear, Had Douglas marked the hectic strife, Where death seemed combating with life;For to her cheek, in feverish flood, One instant rushed the throbbing blood, Then ebbing back, with sudden sway, Left its domain as wan as clay.
'Roderick, enough! enough! ' he cried, 'My daughter cannot be thy bride;Not that the blush to wooer dear, Nor paleness that of maiden fear.
It may not be,--forgive her, Chief, Nor hazard aught for our relief.
Against his sovereign, Douglas ne'er Will level a rebellious spear.
'T was I that taught his youthful hand To rein a steed and wield a brand;I see him yet, the princely boy!
Not Ellen more my pride and joy;
I love him still, despite my wrongs By hasty wrath and slanderous tongues.
O. seek the grace you well may find, Without a cause to mine combined!'
