And why so late return’d? And why"—
The rest was in her speaking eye.
“My child, the chase I follow far,
’Tis mimicry of noble war;
And with that gallant pastime reft
Were all of Douglas I have left.
I met young Malcolm as I stray’d
Far eastward, in Glenfinlas’ shade.
Nor stray’d I safe; for, all around,
Hunters and horsemen scour’d the ground.