XXVI.
Now back they wend their watery way,
And, “O my sire!” did Ellen say,
"Why urge thy chase so far astray?
And why so late return’d? And why"—
The rest was in her speaking eye.
“My child, the chase I follow far,
’Tis mimicry of noble war;
And with that gallant pastime reft
Were all of Douglas I have left.
I met young Malcolm as I stray’d
Far eastward, in Glenfinlas’ shade.
Nor stray’d I safe; for, all around,
Hunters and horsemen scour’d the ground.
This youth, though still a royal ward,[139]
Risk’d life and land to be my guard,
And through the passes of the wood
Guided my steps, not unpursued;
And Roderick shall his welcome make,
Despite old spleen,[140] for Douglas’ sake.
Then must he seek Strath-Endrick glen,
Nor peril aught for me agen.”