Not spoke in word, nor blazed[230] in scroll,

But borne and branded on my soul;—

Which spills the foremost foeman’s life,

That party conquers in the strife.”—

[VII.]

“Thanks, Brian, for thy zeal and care!

Good is thine augury, and fair.

Clan-Alpine ne’er in battle stood,

But first our broadswords tasted blood.

A surer victim still I know,