And Bruce, as soon as he had slain The Gordon, sailed away to Spain; And fought with rage incessant Against the Moorish Crescent. But many days, and many months, And many years ensuing, This wretched Knight did vainly seek The death that he was wooing: And coming back across the wave, His body he extended, And there his sorrow ended. Now ye, who willingly have heard The tale I have been telling, May in Kirkonnel churchyard view By Ellen's side the Bruce is laid; May no rude hand deface it, VII. STRANGE fits of passion I have known: And I will dare to tell, But in the Lover's ear alone, What once to me befel. When she I loved was strong and gay, And like a rose in June, I to her cottage bent my way, Beneath the evening Moon. Upon the Moon I fixed my eye, All over the wide lea: My Horse trudged on-and we drew nigh Those paths so dear to me. And now we reached the orchard plot; And, as we climbed the hill, Towards the roof of Lucy's cot The Moon descended still. In one of those sweet dreams I slept, And, all the while, my eyes I kept My Horse moved on; hoof after hoof When down behind the cottage roof At once the bright Moon dropp'd. What fond and wayward thoughts will slide Into a Lover's head "O mercy!" to myself I cried, "If Lucy should be dead!" VOL 1. K VIII. SHE dwelt among the untrodden ways A Maid whom there were none to praise, A Violet by a mossy stone Half-hidden from the eye! -Fair as a star, when only one Is shining in the sky. She lived unknown, and few could know When Lucy ceased to be; But she is in her Grave, and, ob, The difference to me! IX. I TRAVELL'D among unknown Men, Nor, England! did I know till then 'Tis past, that melancholy dream! Nor will I quit thy shore A second time; for still I seem To love thee more and more. Among thy mountains did I feel The joy of my desire; And She I cherished turned her wheel Beside an English fire. Thy mornings shewed, thy nights concealed The bowers where Lucy played; And thine is too the last green That Lucy's eyes surveyed. field |