Page:The Family Legend.pdf/112

ARGYLL.

How far Maclean

Hath to this horrible attempt consented,
Or privy been, we may be certified,
By waiting silently to learn the tale
That he will tell us of his lady's loss,
When he shall send to give us notice of it,
As doubtless soon he will.

DE GREY.

If he, beset and threatened, to those fiends.

Unknowing of their purpose, hath unwillingly
Committed her, he will himself, belike,
If pride prevent him not, your aid solicit
To set him free from his disgraceful thraldom.

LORNE.

And if he should, shrunk be this sinew'd arm,

If it unsheath a weapon in his cause!
Let ev'ry ragged stripling on his lands
In wanton mock'ry mouth him with contempt!
Benlora head his vassals; and Lochtarish—
That serpent, full of ev'ry devilish wile,
His prison-keeper and his master be!