Scott does not tell us why the dripping youth selected the bridegroom out of all the crowd to carry on the brand, but doubtless there were reasons: it was possibly his right as a senior in the clan. Still, it is little wonder that the unfortunate man, who dared not refuse, yet hesitated.
Yet slow he laid his plaid aside
And, lingering, eyed his lovely bride
Until he saw the starting tear
Speak woe he might not stop to cheer;
Then trusting not a second look,
In haste he sped him up the brook.
* * * * *
Mingled with love’s impatience came
The manly thirst for martial fame.