University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
The Works of The Ettrick Shepherd

Centenary Edition. With a Memoir of the Author, by the Rev. Thomas Thomson ... Poems and Life. With Many Illustrative Engravings [by James Hogg]

expand section 

“So be the offence and the reward!
Thou speak'st to one that ne'er was dared,”
Said Donald, as he rose amain,
Trembling with anger and disdain;
And ere his bard a word could say
His master's vengeance to allay,
Cursing and foaming in his rage,
Sheer to the belt he clove the sage:
To either side one half did bow;
His head and breast were cleft in two;
An eye was left on either cheek,
And half a tongue, to see, and speak.
Oh, never was so vile a blow,
Or such a bloody wreck of woe!