Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series - 1819.djvu/285

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
A LEGEND OF MONTROSE.
275

of English rhythm, we trust will be found nearly as genuine as the version of Ossian by his celebrated namesake.


1.

"Birds of omen dark and foul,
Night-crow, raven, bat and owl,
Leave the sick man to his dream—
All night long he heard your scream.—
Haste to cave and ruined tower,
Ivy, tod, or dingled-bower,
There to wink and mop, for, hark!
In the mid air sings the lark.

2.

"Hie to moorish gills and rocks,
Prowling wolf and wily fox,—
Hie you fast, nor turn your view,
Though the lamb bleats to the ewe.
Couch your trains, and speed your flight,
Safety parts with parting night;
And on distant echo born,
Comes the hunter's early horn.

3.

"The moon's wan crescent scarcely gleams,
Ghost-like she fades in morning beams;
Hie hence each peevish imp and fay
That scare the pilgrim on his way:—