They won her thoughts from bigot zeal, and fierce domestic broils;
But hark![199] the tramp of armèd men! the Douglas’ battle cry!
They come, they come![200]—and lo! the scowl of Ruthven’s hollow eye!
And swords are drawn, and daggers gleam, and tears and words are vain[201]—
The ruffian steel is in his heart[202]—the faithful Rizzio’s slain!
Then Mary dashed[203] aside the tears that trickling fell;
“Now for my father’s arm!”[204] she said, “my woman’s heart, farewell!”[205]
The scene was changed. It was a lake, with one small lonely isle,
And there[206] within the prison-walls of its baronial pile,
Stern men stood menacing their Queen, till she should stoop to sign