The chieftain high was now subdu’d,
And lower’d was his crest;
With deep humility imbued
The maid he thus address’d:
“My lady fair, your beauteous mien
My heart has deep impress’d;
Altho’ I hear the chase so keen,
My thoughts with you do rest.
I did essay to pass your charms,
And spurr’d my steed to flight,
But your dazzling beauty numb’d my arms,
And chain’d me to your sight.
If I may humbly crave your love,
I’ll tell you my degree:
I am the Lord of yonder grove
And of this mountain free.
These broad lands will your dowry be,
If you my suit receive,
And ye shall urge the chase with me
From morn to winter eve.”
The maid’s reply was firm, yet bland,
And in a calmer mood:
“I thank you, sir, for your offer’d hand,
With dowry large and good.
I thank you for all your praises fair,
And for your gallant grace;
Had we but met an earlier year
I might be Lady Clâs.
Behold this ring on my finger worn—
A token of plighted love;
Lo, he who plac’d it there this morn
Sits on yon cairn above.”
The chieftain look’d to the lonely cairn
And saw the Knight of Lleyn!
Like mountain deer he flew o’er the sarn,
And there no more was seen!