And strive the same course to pursue,
Has thus far made them bear us through."
More gladly would they all have heard
Such tale as Orchay's prudence 'barred.
Yet, satisfied with what he'd told,
Which seemed such balance due to hold
The common and the marvellous 'tween,
They marked, with pleased and wondering mien,
His story's close,-declaring straight,
That all his thoughts had force and weight,-
Especially the last, which fell
With their own notions in so well,
They'd henceforth make it point of faith,
That Spirits warded off the scaith
Threatened of late, and still would be
Their guard through this emergency.
Then followed conversation long,
Of all had passed the Clan among
Since Orchay's absence,-how the dead
In fight, had to them honours paid;
How Dochart should his Castle win
Back from the foe now hemmed therein;
How Orchay should meanwhile return,
To watch all movements in Kilchurn;
And how, with Dochart and the Clan,
He'd act on steady, secret plan,
Each foe to thwart, each friend to aid,
As counsel or occasion bade;
That so, the common interest well
Might be sustained, whate'er befell.
These high concerns at length arranged,
And for the couch the board exchanged,
Orchay soon lost, in sweetest sleep,
All sense of that day's interest deep.
BRIGHT smiles the morn above the dell,
Where Dochart's Tribe in quiet dwell ;
Waking them all to gentle grief,
At thought of parting with their Chief,
Who now must leave them, to return
With his left followers, to Kilchurn!
But, while without he 'mongst them stands,
And round they press to kiss his hands,
Bidding adieu with tears and sighs,
Lo! o'er the heights burst joyous cries,
From eastward speeding!-instant all
Turn round, and to each other call
For explanation what they mean ?-
Ere answer can be framed, are seen
Two armed Clansmen on them rushing,
And through the throng to Dochart pushing, Shouting, with swords waved over head,
"Dochart is ours!-the foe is fled !"
Soon as these words are understood,
All echo in tumultuous mood,
"Dochart is ours !—then, honoured Chief,
To joy be turned our parting grief;
For this forebodes, we plainly see,
Conclusion blessed to us and thee,
Of the long struggle with our foes,
Was opened with such guile by those !-
Most truly said'st thou, yesternight,
Good Powers would guard us in the right !"
With rapture Orchay heard, and knew
The Urisk's words thus proven true!
Yet, than his friends, not less surprise
Causing to shine in air and eyes,
Their sudden burst of joy he shared,
Their boding inference just declared,
And seemed as if the news, then first
Had all unlooked-for on him burst.
A while with Dochart now he paused,
To adjust what this emergence caused,
In plans, agreed on over night,
Of difference and unfitness slight;
Then, joyful bidding all adieu,
Off homeward with his train he drew.
As on they passed, to cheer their way,
Was sung by Allan many a lay,
Of heroes' deeds in days of old;
While by the rest in turn were told
Stories of love, revenge, and war,
Since days when Ossian, like a star
In Poesy's high firmament,
Heaven's harmony and radiance lent ;
To those in which their sires o'erthrew
The Pictish race, and eastward drew
To palace of imperial Scone,
Of Destiny the regal Stone,
That in Dunstaffnage long had seen
Their kingdom flourish fresh and green ;30
And, wheresoe'er it yet may be,
Them regnant on it still shall see.
Nor were forgot those later times, When Scandinavia's snowy climes, Myriads of bark-borne warriors strong, Poured all our coasts and bays along,
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