Young Lewis was a generous youth;

But Ellen’s lovely face and mien,

Ill suited to the garb and scene,

Might lightly bear construction strange,

And give loose fancy scope to range.

“Welcome to Stirling towers, fair maid!

Come ye to seek a champion’s aid,

On palfrey white, with harper hoar,

Like errant damosel[341] of yore?

Does thy high quest[342] a knight require,