Scott's Lady of the Lake

by Walter Scott

II.

SONG.

“Not faster yonder rowers’ might

Flings from their oars the spray,

Not faster yonder rippling bright,

That tracks the shallop’s course in light,

Melts in the lake away,

Than men from memory erase

The benefits of former days;

Then, stranger, go! good speed the while,

Nor think again of the lonely isle.

“High place to thee in royal court,

High place in battled[88] line,

Good hawk and hound for silvan sport,

Where beauty sees the brave resort,

The honor’d meed[89] be thine!

True be thy sword, thy friend sincere,

Thy lady constant, kind, and dear,

And lost in love’s and friendship’s smile

Be memory of the lonely isle.