“’Tis well advised—the Chieftain’s plan

Bespeaks the father of his clan.

But wherefore sleeps Sir Roderick Dhu

Apart from all his followers true?”—

“It is, because last evening-tide

Brian an augury hath tried,

Of that dread kind which must not be

Unless in dread extremity;

The Taghairm[225] call’d; by which, afar,

Our sires foresaw the events of war.