Soon from the lofty tower there hied
A knight across the vale;
"I greet your master well," he cried,
"From Soulis of Liddesdale.
"He heard your bugle's echoing call,
"In his green garden bower;
"And bids you to his festive hall,
"Within his ancient tower."
Young Keeldar called his hunter train;
"For doubtful cheer prepare!
"And, as you open force disdain,
"Of secret guile beware.
"'Twas here for Mangerton's brave lord
"A bloody feast was set;
"Who, weetless, at the festal board,
"The bull's broad frontlet met.
"Then ever, at uncourteous feast,
"Keep every man his brand;
"And, as you mid his friends are placed,
"Range on the better hand.
"And, if the bull's ill-omened head
"Appear to grace the feast,
"Your whingers, with unerring speed,
"Plunge in each neighbour's breast."
In Hermitage they sat at dine,
In pomp and proud array;
And oft they filled the blood-red wine,
While merry minstrels play.
And many a hunting song they sung,
And song of game and glee;
Then tuned to plaintive strains their tongue,
"Of Scotland's luve and lee."
To wilder measures next they turn:
"The Black Black Bull of Noroway!"
Sudden the tapers cease to burn,
The minstrels cease to play.
Each hunter bold, of Keeldar's train,
Sat an enchanted man;
For cold as ice, through every vein,
The freezing life-blood ran.