5
Returning swift, his sword he rear'd
Fierce Donald's head above;
And through the brain, and crashing bone,
The furious weapon, drove.
Life issued at the wound—he fell
A lump of lifeless clay;
So fall my foes, quoth valiant Rose,
And stately strode away.
Through the green wood in haste he pass'd
Unto Lord Buchan's hall—
Beneath Matilda's window stood,
And thus on her did call;
Art thou asleep, Matilda dear,
Awake, my love! awake;
Behold thy lover waits without,
A long farewell to take.
For I have slain fierce Donald Græme
His blood is on my sword;
And far, far distant are my men,
Nor can defend their lord.
To Skye I will direct my flight,
Where my brave brothers bide;
And raise the mighty of the Isles
To combat on my side
O do not so, the maid replied,
With me till morning stay;
For dark and dreary is the night,
And dang'rous is the way.
All night I'll watch you in the park,
My faithful page I'll send,
