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] |
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 | The Works of The Ettrick Shepherd |  |
Eiden perceived that they demurr'd,
And, heaving high his mighty sword,
Which token gave of lustihood,
Bestain'd with Eric's royal blood—
“My lords,” said he, “the danger's nigh,
Who's to command—Is't you or I?—
By your award the right is mine;
When you ordain it, I resign.
But my commands are given to-day,
And he that dares to disobey—
I say no more—submission's best—
If more must be, I'll do the rest.”
And, heaving high his mighty sword,
Which token gave of lustihood,
Bestain'd with Eric's royal blood—
“My lords,” said he, “the danger's nigh,
Who's to command—Is't you or I?—
By your award the right is mine;
When you ordain it, I resign.
But my commands are given to-day,
And he that dares to disobey—
I say no more—submission's best—
If more must be, I'll do the rest.”
| The Works of The Ettrick Shepherd | |