第133章 XXXI..

He gave him of his Highland cheer, The hardened flesh of mountain deer;Dry fuel on the fire he laid, And bade the Saxon share his plaid.

He tended him like welcome guest, Then thus his further speech addressed:--'Stranger, I am to Roderick Dhu A clansman born, a kinsman true;Each word against his honour spoke Demands of me avenging stroke;Yet more,--upon thy fate, 'tis said, A mighty augury is laid.

It rests with me to wind my horn,--

Thou art with numbers overborne;

It rests with me, here, brand to brand, Worn as thou art, to bid thee stand:

But, not for clan, nor kindred's cause, Will I depart from honour's laws;To assail a wearied man were shame, And stranger is a holy name;Guidance and rest, and food and fire, In vain he never must require.

Then rest thee here till dawn of day;

Myself will guide thee on the way, O'er stock and stone, through watch and ward, Till past Clan- Alpine's outmost guard, As far as Coilantogle's ford;From thence thy warrant is thy sword.'

'I take thy courtesy, by heaven, As freely as 'tis nobly given! '

Well, rest thee; for the bittern's cry Sings us the lake's wild lullaby.'

With that he shook the gathered heath, And spread his plaid upon the wreath;And the brave foemen, side by side, Lay peaceful down like brothers tried, And slept until the dawning beam Purpled the mountain and the stream.

CANTO FIFTH.

The Combat.