The tinkling[174] of the silver bell, or the sisters’ holy hymn.
And there[175] five noble maidens sat beneath the orchard trees,
In that first budding spring of youth, when all its prospects please;
And little recked they, when they sang, or knelt at vesper prayers,
That Scotland knew no prouder[176] names, held none more dear than theirs:
And little even the loveliest thought, before the holy shrine,
Of royal blood and high descent from the ancient Stuart line!
Calmly her happy days flew on,[177] uncounted in their flight,
And as they flew, they left behind a long-continuing light.
The scene was changed. It was the court, the gay court of Bourbon,