Angus, the heir of Duncan's line, Sprung forth and seized the fatal sign.
In haste the stripling to his side His father's dirk and broadsword tied;But when he saw his mother's eye Watch him in speechless agony, Back to her opened arms he flew Pressed on her lips a fond adieu,--'Alas " she sobbed,--' and yet be gone, And speed thee forth, like Duncan's son!'
One look he cast upon the bier, Dashed from his eye the gathering tear, Breathed deep to clear his laboring breast, And tossed aloft his bonnet crest, Then, like the high-bred colt when, freed, First he essays his fire and speed, He vanished, and o'er moor and moss Sped forward with the Fiery Cross.
Suspended was the widow's tear While yet his footsteps she could hear;And when she marked the henchman's eye Wet with unwonted sympathy, 'Kinsman,' she said, 'his race is run That should have sped shine errand on .
The oak teas fallen?--the sapling bough Is all Duncraggan's shelter now Yet trust I well, his duty done, The orphan's God will guard my son.--And you, in many a danger true At Duncan's hest your blades that drew, To arms, and guard that orphan's head!
Let babes and women wail the dead.'
Then weapon- clang and martial call Resounded through the funeral hall, While from the walls the attendant band Snatched sword and targe with hurried hand;And short and flitting energy Glanced from the mourner's sunken eye, As if the sounds to warrior dear Might rouse her Duncan from his bier.
But faded soon that borrowed force;
Grief claimed his right, and tears their course.
