Scott's Lady of the Lake

by Walter Scott

But stern the baron’s warning—“Back!

Back, on[313] your lives, ye menial pack!

Beware the Douglas.—Yes! behold,

King James! The Douglas, doom’d of old,

And vainly sought for near and far,

A victim to atone the war,

A willing victim, now attends,

Nor craves thy grace but for his friends.”—

“Thus is my clemency repaid?

Presumptuous Lord!" the Monarch said;