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THE WHITE MAID OF THE ROCK.
Behold the retreat where brave Avenel is laid,
Uncoffined, except by his own Scottish plaid!
Long since has my girdle diminished to naught,
And the great house of Avenel low has been brought;
The star now burns dimly which once brightly shone,
And proud Avenel's glory forever has flown.
As I sailed and my white garments caught in the brake,
'Neath the oak, whose huge branches extend o'er the lake,
'Woe to thee! woe to thee! Maid of the Rock,
Cried the night-raven who builds in the oak;
'Woe to thee! guardian spirit of Avenel!
Where are thy holly-bush, streamlet, and dell?
No longer thou sittest to watch and to weep,
Near the abbey's lone walls, and its turrets so steep!
Woe to thee! woe to thee! Maid of the Rock,'
Cried the night-raven who builds in the oak!
Then farewell, great Avenel, thy proud race is run!
The girdle has vanished—my task is now done."
Then her long flowing tresses around her she drew,
And her form 'neath the wave of the dark streamlet threw.
Uncoffined, except by his own Scottish plaid!
Long since has my girdle diminished to naught,
And the great house of Avenel low has been brought;
The star now burns dimly which once brightly shone,
And proud Avenel's glory forever has flown.
As I sailed and my white garments caught in the brake,
'Neath the oak, whose huge branches extend o'er the lake,
'Woe to thee! woe to thee! Maid of the Rock,
Cried the night-raven who builds in the oak;
'Woe to thee! guardian spirit of Avenel!
Where are thy holly-bush, streamlet, and dell?
No longer thou sittest to watch and to weep,
Near the abbey's lone walls, and its turrets so steep!
Woe to thee! woe to thee! Maid of the Rock,'
Cried the night-raven who builds in the oak!
Then farewell, great Avenel, thy proud race is run!
The girdle has vanished—my task is now done."
Then her long flowing tresses around her she drew,
And her form 'neath the wave of the dark streamlet threw.
