 | Poems, by Joseph Cottle |  |
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Sir MALCOLM AND ALLA,
A TALE.
Shewing to all the World,
What Woman's Love can do.
What Woman's Love can do.
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Where Clyde tumultuous bursts his source,
The theme of Scottish song,
And near a mountain's craggy base,
Meandering rolls along;
The theme of Scottish song,
And near a mountain's craggy base,
Meandering rolls along;
A venerable Lord of Ayre,
With every virtue fraught,
To shun the senseless noise of life,
A tranquil refuge sought;
With every virtue fraught,
To shun the senseless noise of life,
A tranquil refuge sought;
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His Castle (landmark from afar,)
In matchless pride appear'd,
And plenty round his wide domain,
Each vassal's bosom cheer'd,
In matchless pride appear'd,
And plenty round his wide domain,
Each vassal's bosom cheer'd,
When wint'ry clouds the sky conceal'd,
And snow descending fast,
Wav'd with the gently curling breeze,
Or hurry'd with the blast;
And snow descending fast,
Wav'd with the gently curling breeze,
Or hurry'd with the blast;
To soothe the soul of penury,
He left his mansion warm;
To cheer the peasant's ice-bound cot,
Withstood the ruthless storm,
He left his mansion warm;
To cheer the peasant's ice-bound cot,
Withstood the ruthless storm,
Heard, when caress'd by guardian ease,
The poor man's cheerless sigh,
And answer'd to the tender call,
Of God-like Charity.
The poor man's cheerless sigh,
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Of God-like Charity.
This goodly Lord a Daughter had,
Fairer than summer's morn;
And joy prevail'd the country round,
When Scotland's Pride was born;
Fairer than summer's morn;
And joy prevail'd the country round,
When Scotland's Pride was born;
Her Mother in the bloom of years,
Relentless death assail'd,
And whilst her sullen death-bell toll'd,
Responsive sighs prevail'd:
Relentless death assail'd,
And whilst her sullen death-bell toll'd,
Responsive sighs prevail'd:
For with each storm-beat child of woe,
Her bosom bore a part:
Each noble passion had prepar'd
The future Angel's heart.
Her bosom bore a part:
Each noble passion had prepar'd
The future Angel's heart.
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And when from earth's inferior soil,
Her ripen'd spirit flew,
From Court to rear his infant charge,
The drooping Sire withdrew;
Her ripen'd spirit flew,
From Court to rear his infant charge,
The drooping Sire withdrew;
Where, when revolving fancy roll'd,
O'er sleeping virtue's shrine,
And earth unheeded shrank to nought,
Before her form divine.
O'er sleeping virtue's shrine,
And earth unheeded shrank to nought,
Before her form divine.
Despair sat rankling at his heart,
Till Alla, peerless maid,
Subdu'd the agonizing Fiend,
And clear'd the mental shade;
Till Alla, peerless maid,
Subdu'd the agonizing Fiend,
And clear'd the mental shade;
For as the bud's unfolding leaf,
The future flower pourtrays,
So Alla rising into youth,
Her Mother's worth displays.
The future flower pourtrays,
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Her Mother's worth displays.
The well-tun'd bagpipe ceas'd to play,
When Alla's song arose,
The breathing zephyr softer blew,
Or melted to repose;
When Alla's song arose,
The breathing zephyr softer blew,
Or melted to repose;
When with her nineteenth natal morn,
She grac'd the village green,
The warmth of each admiring eye,
Proclaim'd her beauty's queen.
She grac'd the village green,
The warmth of each admiring eye,
Proclaim'd her beauty's queen.
Full many a youth of high renown,
Attentive homage paid,
And sought by every art to gain,
This lovely blooming maid;
Attentive homage paid,
And sought by every art to gain,
This lovely blooming maid;
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But one alone of all the throng,
Her envy'd smile obtain'd,
Who vow'd full oft the love he bore,
Nor was his passion feign'd:
Her envy'd smile obtain'd,
Who vow'd full oft the love he bore,
Nor was his passion feign'd:
Each virtue kindred to her own,
Sir Malcolm's heart possess'd,
The fire of heroes fill'd his eye,
The worth of saints his breast:
Sir Malcolm's heart possess'd,
The fire of heroes fill'd his eye,
The worth of saints his breast:
A Chieftain of a veteran band,
Sir Malcolm long had been,
And one whose valor brighter shone,
Had Scotland never seen;
Sir Malcolm long had been,
And one whose valor brighter shone,
Had Scotland never seen;
The southern warriors of the isle,
Beheld his frown with dread,
Rebellion starting at his shade,
Conceal'd her haggard head:
Beheld his frown with dread,
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Conceal'd her haggard head:
Tho' rough where war the task requir'd,
To urge a Chief's controul,
Yet from the clang of arms afar,
He own'd a feeling soul,
To urge a Chief's controul,
Yet from the clang of arms afar,
He own'd a feeling soul,
Where all the softer virtues bloom'd,
Unruffl'd and sedate,
Which swell the triumphs of the brave,
And form the hero great;
Unruffl'd and sedate,
Which swell the triumphs of the brave,
And form the hero great;
His well-earn'd fame fair Alla priz'd,
And he her worth rever'd,
By mutual tenderness improv'd,
In mutual friendship rear'd.
And he her worth rever'd,
By mutual tenderness improv'd,
In mutual friendship rear'd.
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The Sire perceiv'd his Daughter's choice,
Whilst joy inspir'd his breast,
And thus, by sage experience taught,
Sir Malcolm brave address'd:
Whilst joy inspir'd his breast,
And thus, by sage experience taught,
Sir Malcolm brave address'd:
“Your merit at an early age,
“Your generous Country scann'd,
“And not confin'd to rule, but right,
“Bade Malcolm guard the land;
“Your generous Country scann'd,
“And not confin'd to rule, but right,
“Bade Malcolm guard the land;
“But Oh! beware insatiate pride,
“Despise its tinsel glare,
“Behold it taint each heaven-born soul,
“And poison all that's fair;
“Despise its tinsel glare,
“Behold it taint each heaven-born soul,
“And poison all that's fair;
“Whilst meek humility adorns
“The Monarch or the Clown,
“Shines in a soft celestial garb,
“Tho' fortune smile or frown;
“The Monarch or the Clown,
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“Tho' fortune smile or frown;
“Pride is the secret restless source,
“Whence all contentions rise,
“And the fierce Fiend, from whose dread glare,
“Affrighted Virtue flies;
“Whence all contentions rise,
“And the fierce Fiend, from whose dread glare,
“Affrighted Virtue flies;
“Therefore, brave youth, if spotless fame
“Thine ardent bosom warm,
“If zeal to gain a nation's praise,
“Thy ravish'd fancy charm;
“Thine ardent bosom warm,
“If zeal to gain a nation's praise,
“Thy ravish'd fancy charm;
“Let grovelling passions rear'd on pride,
“No refuge find with thee,
“But honor, modesty, and truth,
“Thy lov'd companions be;
“No refuge find with thee,
“But honor, modesty, and truth,
“Thy lov'd companions be;
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“So shall thy soul's best seeds expand,
“Thy latent virtues shine,
“And she who most thy love deserves,
“Be bless'd in being thine;
“Thy latent virtues shine,
“And she who most thy love deserves,
“Be bless'd in being thine;
“To-morrow's dawn shall join their hands,
“Whose hearts have long been tied,
“To-morrow's dawn the Pride of day,
“Become Sir Malcolm's bride:”
“Whose hearts have long been tied,
“To-morrow's dawn the Pride of day,
“Become Sir Malcolm's bride:”
And when the morn serenely fair,
Unveil'd her blushing face,
The raptured youth in Alla's form,
Beheld a chaster grace;
Unveil'd her blushing face,
The raptured youth in Alla's form,
Beheld a chaster grace;
Whilst gentle tumults heav'd her breast,
Or fond emotions fir'd,
Till on the shrine of love divine,
The vestal flame expir'd.
Or fond emotions fir'd,
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The vestal flame expir'd.
The wedding of Sir Malcolm brave,
Had days been only twain,
When adverse fortune call'd him forth,
To wield his spear again;
Had days been only twain,
When adverse fortune call'd him forth,
To wield his spear again;
For as the twilight Queen arose,
And beam'd her placid ray;
Commanding by its torpid charm,
All mortal cares away;
And beam'd her placid ray;
Commanding by its torpid charm,
All mortal cares away;
Swift as a dart by Malcolm hurl'd,
A messenger did bring,
To Scotia's Bulwark of defence,
A mandate from the King,
A messenger did bring,
To Scotia's Bulwark of defence,
A mandate from the King,
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To call his bold Clans to the field;
For England's royal head,
Had scourg'd the confines of the Tweed,
And onward daring sped.
For England's royal head,
Had scourg'd the confines of the Tweed,
And onward daring sped.
When thus the Chief to Alla spake,
Let firmness guard thine heart;
To arms my monarch calls me hence,
I mourn, but must depart!
Let firmness guard thine heart;
To arms my monarch calls me hence,
I mourn, but must depart!
Tho' when with battle I have done,
And gain'd this glorious fray;
No more from happiness and thee
Shall wretched Malcolm stray.
And gain'd this glorious fray;
No more from happiness and thee
Shall wretched Malcolm stray.
“And wilt thou to the battle go,
“To combat, blood, and strife?
“And wilt thou from thine home depart,
“And leave thy loving wife?”
“To combat, blood, and strife?
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“And leave thy loving wife?”
I must, the sighing Knight reply'd,
Or Scotland is undone;
My country calls, and Malcolm's soul
Disdains her call to shun.
Or Scotland is undone;
My country calls, and Malcolm's soul
Disdains her call to shun.
When forth amid the martial ranks,
He urg'd his rapid way,
And bade the war-drum loudly roar,
The hostile clarion bray.
He urg'd his rapid way,
And bade the war-drum loudly roar,
The hostile clarion bray.
“Let each his well-try'd arms prepare;
“For, at the morning break,
“We all must hye to Edinburgh,
“For good King Bruce's sake.
“For, at the morning break,
“We all must hye to Edinburgh,
“For good King Bruce's sake.
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“For, England's haughty Edward comes,
“From London, (mighty town,)
“To waste fair Scotland's fruitful land,
“And pull her Monarch down.”
“From London, (mighty town,)
“To waste fair Scotland's fruitful land,
“And pull her Monarch down.”
When all, their brazen bucklers seiz'd,
And closer grasp'd their spears,
By rage transported, as the tale
Thrill'd on their list'ning ears:
And closer grasp'd their spears,
By rage transported, as the tale
Thrill'd on their list'ning ears:
For, much their country's weal they lov'd,
And much their monarch too,
And felt their breasts with ardour glow,
To face the ruffian crew;
And much their monarch too,
And felt their breasts with ardour glow,
To face the ruffian crew;
Sir Malcolm then fair Alla sought,
And thus forlorn did say,
“Misfortune envious feeds her spleen,
“In tearing us away;
And thus forlorn did say,
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“In tearing us away;
“Yet thou in Malcolm's heart shalt dwell;
“Thou, only thou, shalt reign,
“Till triumph in her blazon'd car
“Conducts him back again.”
“Thou, only thou, shalt reign,
“Till triumph in her blazon'd car
“Conducts him back again.”
Now roar'd the trumpet's warlike note,
When through the sounding hall,
He hurl'd his pond'rous spear, and swore,
“Thus shall proud Edward fall;”
When through the sounding hall,
He hurl'd his pond'rous spear, and swore,
“Thus shall proud Edward fall;”
Quoth Alla, “If presiding heaven,
(“Tho' well I know thy might,)
“Sir Malcolm brave should doom to fall,
“Amid the raging fight;
(“Tho' well I know thy might,)
“Sir Malcolm brave should doom to fall,
“Amid the raging fight;
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“The world with every charm it yields,
“Could not dispel my woe:
“Forgive the frailty of the heart,
“That cannot let thee go.”
“Could not dispel my woe:
“Forgive the frailty of the heart,
“That cannot let thee go.”
“Tho' cheer'd to find,” the Knight reply'd,
“Such love thy bosom warm;
“Tho' hard the conflict in my breast,
“I must outbrave the storm;
“Such love thy bosom warm;
“Tho' hard the conflict in my breast,
“I must outbrave the storm;
“For, when my country danger dreads,
“Should ought engage my heart?
“Tho' much my bleeding soul recoils,
“Sir Malcolm must depart.”
“Should ought engage my heart?
“Tho' much my bleeding soul recoils,
“Sir Malcolm must depart.”
When from the trembling fair he burst,
Impetuous for the fight;
Whilst Alla mark'd his distant shade,
Wane on her aching sight.
Impetuous for the fight;
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Wane on her aching sight.
Sir Malcolm now with hasty step,
His sovereign's will obey'd,
And march'd with twice five thousand men,
In brazen garb array'd;
His sovereign's will obey'd,
And march'd with twice five thousand men,
In brazen garb array'd;
With glittering pomp and dauntless stride,
They hye to meet the foe,
By indignation's spirit fir'd,
To Rosland's castle go.
They hye to meet the foe,
By indignation's spirit fir'd,
To Rosland's castle go.
Where stood King Bruce with sadden'd eye,
By anxious care oppress'd,
But when he saw them marching in,
Hope cheer'd his drooping breast;
By anxious care oppress'd,
But when he saw them marching in,
Hope cheer'd his drooping breast;
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“Approach,” said he, “ye valiant bands,
“Your monarch greets ye true;
“Let tyrant Edward by your might,
“His wild ambition rue.”
“Your monarch greets ye true;
“Let tyrant Edward by your might,
“His wild ambition rue.”
When thus Sir Malcolm brave reply'd,
“Behold these shining spears,
“And us who wield them sworn to-day,
“To chace thy people's fears;
“Behold these shining spears,
“And us who wield them sworn to-day,
“To chace thy people's fears;
“By the fam'd cross, St. Andrew bore,
“To give the deadly blow,
“And what indignant Scots can do,
“To let proud Edward know.”
“To give the deadly blow,
“And what indignant Scots can do,
“To let proud Edward know.”
When Bruce exultingly reply'd,
“I know your hearts full well;
“And that the hero's choicest gifts
“Within thy bosom dwell;
“I know your hearts full well;
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“Within thy bosom dwell;
“March then against my daring foes,
“And let King Edward feel,
“What injur'd Scotland can perform,
“When Justice points the steel:
“And let King Edward feel,
“What injur'd Scotland can perform,
“When Justice points the steel:
“The tardy morrow's earliest dawn
“Shall light thee on the way,
“Prepare thy yet unconquer'd arms,
“And Scotland's scourge dismay;
“Shall light thee on the way,
“Prepare thy yet unconquer'd arms,
“And Scotland's scourge dismay;
“Mean while thy monarch will assert
“The power which fortune gave,
“To call each patriot to his arms,
“When hostile banners wave;
“The power which fortune gave,
“To call each patriot to his arms,
“When hostile banners wave;
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“And when success rewards his toil,
“Sure as the north star's course,
“Shall one o'erwhelming ruin smite,
“The faithless Edward's force.”
“Sure as the north star's course,
“Shall one o'erwhelming ruin smite,
“The faithless Edward's force.”
The morn drew nigh, Sir Malcolm brave,
Arouz'd his sleeping train,
From dreams of slaughter, ranks o'erpower'd,
To tread th'embattled plain;
Arouz'd his sleeping train,
From dreams of slaughter, ranks o'erpower'd,
To tread th'embattled plain;
Each heart with martial zeal inspir'd,
Preferr'd the soldier's prayer,
To fall by glory crown'd, or live,
The conqueror's plume to wear;
Preferr'd the soldier's prayer,
To fall by glory crown'd, or live,
The conqueror's plume to wear;
And when oppos'd the armies came,
Each rent his bosom bare,
Of all the high and lowland lads,
And felt a hero there.
Each rent his bosom bare,
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And felt a hero there.
Grim vengeance now from ev'ry face,
Beam'd forth in dread array,
Vultures of war in shadowing crowds
Invoke their coming prey.
Beam'd forth in dread array,
Vultures of war in shadowing crowds
Invoke their coming prey.
Till piercing cries and dying groans
The cloudless concave rend,
And force the frighted birds of blood,
Their farther course to bend,
The cloudless concave rend,
And force the frighted birds of blood,
Their farther course to bend,
Loud houl'd the storm, as o'er the plain
Its sweeping pinions pass'd;
Whilst broken sounds of harmony
Rode on the deathful blast:
Its sweeping pinions pass'd;
Whilst broken sounds of harmony
Rode on the deathful blast:
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Where ere Sir Malcolm's helmet shone,
Opposing ranks withdrew;
Fir'd by the fury of their Chief,
His men more furious grew;
Opposing ranks withdrew;
Fir'd by the fury of their Chief,
His men more furious grew;
But still King Edward's haughty soul
Disdain'd to quit the field;
And tho' his choicest troops were slain,
The vict'ry scorn'd to yield.
Disdain'd to quit the field;
And tho' his choicest troops were slain,
The vict'ry scorn'd to yield.
When rouz'd to agony of rage,
Sir Malcolm's valiant train,
Disdaining doubtful darts to guide,
And madd'ning ire restrain.
Sir Malcolm's valiant train,
Disdaining doubtful darts to guide,
And madd'ning ire restrain.
Their thirsty blades resentful drew,
The scabbards cast away,
Resolv'd in death their eyes to close,
Or gain the ling'ring fray.
The scabbards cast away,
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Or gain the ling'ring fray.
Now by indignant passions fir'd,
Each sword to slaughter led,
With thirst insatiate, round the plain
Vindictive carnage spread;
Each sword to slaughter led,
With thirst insatiate, round the plain
Vindictive carnage spread;
The deaf'ning clash of arms arose,
Expiring, legions lie,
Whilst o'er their heads contending spears,
For death-bought honors vie;
Expiring, legions lie,
Whilst o'er their heads contending spears,
For death-bought honors vie;
Through nine long hours each angry chief,
Sustain'd the deadly fight,
Impending vict'ry hovering o'er,
Stood dubious where to light;
Sustain'd the deadly fight,
Impending vict'ry hovering o'er,
Stood dubious where to light;
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Till at the tenth a sudden host,
From Edward's yielding side,
Of brass clad spearmen bursting forth,
The hard fought day decide;
From Edward's yielding side,
Of brass clad spearmen bursting forth,
The hard fought day decide;
The Scots encircled unawares,
In wild disorder fly,
The resonance of rallying troops,
Ran thundering through the sky;
In wild disorder fly,
The resonance of rallying troops,
Ran thundering through the sky;
In vain Sir Malcolm brave appear'd,
And strove to quell the storm;
Tho' passing brave, he could not more
Than mortal man perform;
And strove to quell the storm;
Tho' passing brave, he could not more
Than mortal man perform;
And tho' to stem the conqueror's course,
He combat scorn'd to shun,
Full many an hostile champion met,
Full many a laurel won.
He combat scorn'd to shun,
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Full many a laurel won.
Yet left alone, to brave the fight,
For Scotland's hapless state,
To earth he hurl'd his blushing spear,
And greatly bent to fate.
For Scotland's hapless state,
To earth he hurl'd his blushing spear,
And greatly bent to fate.
Sir Malcolm now with shouts was led,
To Edward's presence nigh,
His brow the blood-red path survey'd,
His bosom heav'd a sigh:
To Edward's presence nigh,
His brow the blood-red path survey'd,
His bosom heav'd a sigh:
“And what,” said Edward, as he came,
“Could prompt thy puny might;
“Thy bands the sport of every breeze,
“With England's arms to fight?
“Could prompt thy puny might;
“Thy bands the sport of every breeze,
“With England's arms to fight?
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“Shall I the mightier of the two,
“From Scotland's vengeance fly?
“Or ought that Edward stoops to ask—
“Thy monarch dare deny?
“From Scotland's vengeance fly?
“Or ought that Edward stoops to ask—
“Thy monarch dare deny?
“Thou shalt be told; disturber bold
“Of Scotland's happy land;
“Think not unscourg'd, thy neighbour's right,
“To grasp with barbarous hand;
“Of Scotland's happy land;
“Think not unscourg'd, thy neighbour's right,
“To grasp with barbarous hand;
“Behold around this tent of thine,
“What breathless victims lie,
“Read in the portion of the slain,
“Thy pendent destiny.
“What breathless victims lie,
“Read in the portion of the slain,
“Thy pendent destiny.
“These mangl'd forms for justice call,
“And heaven their call will hear:
Said brave Sir Malcolm as his eye,
Shone through the pitying tear.
“And heaven their call will hear:
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Shone through the pitying tear.
“Repress thy rage,” said Edward's guard,
“Nor thus insult our Lord;
“Thy tongue restrain,” cry'd England's King,
“Or death is thy reward:
“Nor thus insult our Lord;
“Thy tongue restrain,” cry'd England's King,
“Or death is thy reward:
“Shall Malcolm cease the truth to speak,
“Because his power is fled?
“Behold this blood-stain'd plain and see,
“What lust of power hath shed:
“Because his power is fled?
“Behold this blood-stain'd plain and see,
“What lust of power hath shed:
“In wild ambition's baneful strife,
“What slaughter'd thousands die!
“Around proud war's imperious march,
“What boding horrors fly!
“What slaughter'd thousands die!
“Around proud war's imperious march,
“What boding horrors fly!
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“Each parent, brother, kindred, friend,
“Torn by impending fate;
“And what the darkness of that soul,
“Which can such pangs create!
“Torn by impending fate;
“And what the darkness of that soul,
“Which can such pangs create!
“Think not to bribe my peace by threats,
“Of death, or clanking chains;
“Sir Malcolm vanquish'd scorns his life,
“Thy vengeance he disdains;
“Of death, or clanking chains;
“Sir Malcolm vanquish'd scorns his life,
“Thy vengeance he disdains;
“Eternal scourge of every clime,
“Where foster'd virtues rest,
“Oppression stalks around thy tent,
“The furies gore thy breast.
“Where foster'd virtues rest,
“Oppression stalks around thy tent,
“The furies gore thy breast.
“Prepare the block,” King Edward cry'd,
“Shall thus a prisoner say?
Thy neck to-morrow's dawn shall cleave,
The ravens on thee prey.
“Shall thus a prisoner say?
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The ravens on thee prey.
But now the muse attempts to paint
The wars of Alla's mind;
Who when Sir Malcolm brave was gone,
No happiness could find;
The wars of Alla's mind;
Who when Sir Malcolm brave was gone,
No happiness could find;
And thus she moan'd her lonely lot;
“If in the contest, he
“Of all mankind I most approve,
“Should sorely wounded be;
“If in the contest, he
“Of all mankind I most approve,
“Should sorely wounded be;
“No Alla near, his wants to ask,
“And soft endearment blend,
“With every ruthless pang, that needs
“The solace of a friend.
“And soft endearment blend,
“With every ruthless pang, that needs
“The solace of a friend.
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“Perhaps the hand of death may seize,
“Amid the battle sore,
“Nor I with joy unspeakable,
“Behold Sir Malcolm more.
“Amid the battle sore,
“Nor I with joy unspeakable,
“Behold Sir Malcolm more.
“And can my heart its Lord resign,
“To war's untimely death?
“And not affection fervent glow
“To sooth his parting breath?
“To war's untimely death?
“And not affection fervent glow
“To sooth his parting breath?
“I must unto Sir Malcolm fly,
“Nor can I brook delay;
“It is but danger to depart,
“And certain death to stay;
“Nor can I brook delay;
“It is but danger to depart,
“And certain death to stay;
“The torch of love shall light me on,
“To trace the reeking field;
“Affection's zeal endue mine arm,
“The warrior's lance to wield;
“To trace the reeking field;
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“The warrior's lance to wield;
“My strength might not with men's compare,
“Nor o'er a host prevail;
“But yet my feeble aid might help,
“If nothing turn'd the scale.”
“Nor o'er a host prevail;
“But yet my feeble aid might help,
“If nothing turn'd the scale.”
Fair Alla now with sandals lac'd,
And trusty servants four,
Resolv'd with heart and hand right well,
Sir Malcolm to explore;
And trusty servants four,
Resolv'd with heart and hand right well,
Sir Malcolm to explore;
Set out before the rising lark
Proclaim'd the hast'ning day,
And onward press'd, till dying eve
Withdrew her parting ray:
Proclaim'd the hast'ning day,
And onward press'd, till dying eve
Withdrew her parting ray:
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And when through five long toilsome days,
Chill'd with tempestuous fear;
To Scotland's far fam'd sons of war,
Fair Alla journey'd near;
Chill'd with tempestuous fear;
To Scotland's far fam'd sons of war,
Fair Alla journey'd near;
She saw with agony untold,
The nearer banners fly,
Whilst dread suspence and deadly fears
Beam'd from her eager eye.
The nearer banners fly,
Whilst dread suspence and deadly fears
Beam'd from her eager eye.
Said Alla fair, “Oh what the news?”
To him who first rode near,
“Oh sad to say, oh sad to say,
“Ask not the news to hear;”
To him who first rode near,
“Oh sad to say, oh sad to say,
“Ask not the news to hear;”
“But I will know,” the Fair reply'd,
“Nor thus my bosom freeze,
“Heav'n will uphold my feeble heart
“To bear what Heav'n decrees.”
“Nor thus my bosom freeze,
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“To bear what Heav'n decrees.”
“Then oh! my Lady fair, 'tis hard,
“'Tis hard for us and thee;
“Sir Malcolm is a prisoner made,
“His army forc'd to flee:”
“'Tis hard for us and thee;
“Sir Malcolm is a prisoner made,
“His army forc'd to flee:”
“Then I will be a prisoner too;”
(Said Alla fill'd with woe,)
“Nor will I rest another day,
“Until to him I go.
(Said Alla fill'd with woe,)
“Nor will I rest another day,
“Until to him I go.
“But where are all those warriors bold,
“Whom Scotland's Chief did lead?
“Can those be they o'er yonder plain,
“Running with cowards speed?”
“Whom Scotland's Chief did lead?
“Can those be they o'er yonder plain,
“Running with cowards speed?”
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“Those are the men, my lady fair,
“Who running come this way,
“All of Sir Malcolm brave depriv'd,
“They shun the luckless fray:”
“Who running come this way,
“All of Sir Malcolm brave depriv'd,
“They shun the luckless fray:”
“Then from thy milk-white charger spring,
“Resign its aid to me,
“And what a female arm can do,
“Shall Edward wondering see:”
“Resign its aid to me,
“And what a female arm can do,
“Shall Edward wondering see:”
When with a leap she caught the reins,
And flew to meet the train
Of horse and archers, as they forth
Came scouring o'er the plain;
And flew to meet the train
Of horse and archers, as they forth
Came scouring o'er the plain;
And thus to all fair Alla spoke,
“Behold a friend in me;
“Sir Malcolm's loving wife arriv'd,
“Your conqu'ring chief to be:
“Behold a friend in me;
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“Your conqu'ring chief to be:
“Resume your hearts, ye valiant tribes,
“Your sinking country save,
“Dissever from the tyrant's grasp,
“Your chief Sir Malcolm brave;
“Your sinking country save,
“Dissever from the tyrant's grasp,
“Your chief Sir Malcolm brave;
“Whose budding laurels, but for you,
“May now untimely fade;
“And Edward's refuse of mankind,
“Your choicest rights invade.”
“May now untimely fade;
“And Edward's refuse of mankind,
“Your choicest rights invade.”
When quick as lightning's rapid flight,
Confusion pierc'd each eye,
Whilst one and all repentant cry'd,
We further scorn to fly:
Confusion pierc'd each eye,
Whilst one and all repentant cry'd,
We further scorn to fly:
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“Yet curb your wrath,” said Alla fair,
“Until the morning light,
“The rally'd troops of Scotland's King
“Shall then resume the fight.”
“Until the morning light,
“The rally'd troops of Scotland's King
“Shall then resume the fight.”
Now each on future vengeance bent,
Prepar'd his shining blade;
Indignant strung his stubborn bow,
Or mighty javelin made.
Prepar'd his shining blade;
Indignant strung his stubborn bow,
Or mighty javelin made.
And long before the bright-ey'd morn
Enflam'd the orient sky,
Fair Alla and her daring troops
In silent ambush lie;
Enflam'd the orient sky,
Fair Alla and her daring troops
In silent ambush lie;
Prepar'd to deal the fatal blow,
And save from keen disgrace
The name of Bruce, to Scotland dear,
And Malcolm's spotless race.
And save from keen disgrace
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And Malcolm's spotless race.
And now the valiant hosts proceed,
As led by Alla fair,
Till bordering on the English camp,
For battle they prepare.
As led by Alla fair,
Till bordering on the English camp,
For battle they prepare.
The sentence of Sir Malcolm brave,
Which England's Monarch spoke,
Was now about to be perform'd,
As morn her slumber broke.
Which England's Monarch spoke,
Was now about to be perform'd,
As morn her slumber broke.
Sir Malcolm, dignify'd in chains,
The solemn scene survey'd;
The murd'rous axe, and grov'ling sledge,
Undaunted, undismay'd;
The solemn scene survey'd;
The murd'rous axe, and grov'ling sledge,
Undaunted, undismay'd;
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He backward to the fatal block
With steady heart did ride,
King Edward and his army both,
Attending by his side:
With steady heart did ride,
King Edward and his army both,
Attending by his side:
When like the sweeping blast of heaven,
Which lays the forest bare,
The arms of Alla, from the plain
The English standards tear;
Which lays the forest bare,
The arms of Alla, from the plain
The English standards tear;
With sudden vengeance hurl the dart,
Or sling the massy spar;
And with o'erwhelming fury roll
Destruction's crimson car;
Or sling the massy spar;
And with o'erwhelming fury roll
Destruction's crimson car;
Ranks in confusion fall on ranks,
Armies of horrors rise;
King Edward, seiz'd with panic fear,
From conquering Alla flies:
Armies of horrors rise;
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From conquering Alla flies:
Thus England's glory felt a wound,
A mortal wound indeed,
Whilst fame, the genius of her clime,
Seem'd at each pore to bleed.
A mortal wound indeed,
Whilst fame, the genius of her clime,
Seem'd at each pore to bleed.
The wild confusion of the fray
A timely offer gave
For brave Sir Malcolm to escape,
And further carnage save.
A timely offer gave
For brave Sir Malcolm to escape,
And further carnage save.
“Forbear,” said he, “ye more than men,
“A flying foe revere,
“For when compell'd to slay, alone,
“Should Scotsmen prove severe;
“A flying foe revere,
“For when compell'd to slay, alone,
“Should Scotsmen prove severe;
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“The palm is won, the honor firm,
“Proud Edward yields the day:
“His fate may ev'ry conqueror meet,
“Till conquest dies away.
“Proud Edward yields the day:
“His fate may ev'ry conqueror meet,
“Till conquest dies away.
“But whom that Nymph whose might prevail'd,
“When ev'ry hope was gone?
“On milk-white charger form'd your ranks,
“And urg'd your footsteps on?”
“When ev'ry hope was gone?
“On milk-white charger form'd your ranks,
“And urg'd your footsteps on?”
Rejoic'd to tell our wond'ring Lord,
A shouting host reply'd,
The Nymph who led thy conquering bands,
Was brave Sir Malcolm's bride.
A shouting host reply'd,
The Nymph who led thy conquering bands,
Was brave Sir Malcolm's bride.
Scarce had his eye, with fond surprise,
Diffus'd a darting ray,
When Alla at Sir Malcolm's feet.
In speechless transport lay;
Diffus'd a darting ray,
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In speechless transport lay;
“And art thou she,” the Knight exclaim'd,
“To whom I owe my life?
“And art thou, as thou seem'st to be,
“Truly my loving wife?”
“To whom I owe my life?
“And art thou, as thou seem'st to be,
“Truly my loving wife?”
When thus the rising fair one spoke,
“From these thy life receive,
“But that I am thy loving wife,
“Full faithfully believe.”
“From these thy life receive,
“But that I am thy loving wife,
“Full faithfully believe.”
Cry'd brave Sir Malcolm, “can my soul
“Such crouded transports bear?
“Preserv'd by thee, my life shall be
“Devoted to thy care.
“Such crouded transports bear?
“Preserv'd by thee, my life shall be
“Devoted to thy care.
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“Thou monument of wedded worth,
“Thou first of woman kind,
“Thy brow unfading wreaths shall grace,
“Immortal laurels bind.”
“Thou first of woman kind,
“Thy brow unfading wreaths shall grace,
“Immortal laurels bind.”
A bending herald now arriv'd,
From England's vanquish'd King,
And did a letter from his Lord
To brave Sir Malcolm bring,
From England's vanquish'd King,
And did a letter from his Lord
To brave Sir Malcolm bring,
Imploring peace with might and main,
Bought with a proffer'd sum,
Imploring pardon for the past,
And right good-will to come.
Bought with a proffer'd sum,
Imploring pardon for the past,
And right good-will to come.
Sir Malcolm to the breathless man
Thus courteously did say,
“With England's king a peace to make.
“I do not answer nay;
Thus courteously did say,
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“I do not answer nay;
“Tho' foul revenge, with clamour loud,
“Requires thy Monarch's death;
“The life of him, who conquering dar'd
“Demand Sir Malcolm's breath:
“Requires thy Monarch's death;
“The life of him, who conquering dar'd
“Demand Sir Malcolm's breath:
“Yet sway'd by honor's high controul,
“This heart shall ever be;
“A generous victor knows to blend
“Success with modesty;
“This heart shall ever be;
“A generous victor knows to blend
“Success with modesty;
“So take thy gift, Sir Malcolm's soul
“So mean a boon disdains,
“But longs with equal zeal to stop
“Each bleeding country's veins;
“So mean a boon disdains,
“But longs with equal zeal to stop
“Each bleeding country's veins;
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“I only want him to be just,
“To mould his soul anew;
“That soil where proud ambition grows,
“Which would a world subdue.
“To mould his soul anew;
“That soil where proud ambition grows,
“Which would a world subdue.
“When war's ensanguin'd banners wave,
“And thousands fall around,
“What shall avail each victim'd corse,
“Tho' reason late be found?
“And thousands fall around,
“What shall avail each victim'd corse,
“Tho' reason late be found?
“Peace may return as statesmen chuse,
“And commerce rear its head;
“But where the statesman, who the prince,
“Can raise the injur'd dead?
“And commerce rear its head;
“But where the statesman, who the prince,
“Can raise the injur'd dead?
“Yet cease;—if Edward will reform,
“And be in future kind,
“A faithful friend, till time doth end,
“He shall in Scotland find.”
“And be in future kind,
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“He shall in Scotland find.”
The herald now with speed return'd,
And all Sir Malcolm said
Recounted with an accent bold,
Without disguise or dread.
And all Sir Malcolm said
Recounted with an accent bold,
Without disguise or dread.
Quoth Edward, “Princely are his words,
“We will in truth be fair;
“That first of heroes, best of men,
“Shall hence my friendship share;
“We will in truth be fair;
“That first of heroes, best of men,
“Shall hence my friendship share;
“The Foe, who thus can bravely act,
“Can better play the Friend;
“To gain his love, reward his worth,
“My future life shall tend.”
“Can better play the Friend;
“To gain his love, reward his worth,
“My future life shall tend.”
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Then England's king and Scotland's knight,
All on Cromarty's plain,
With faith did there, agree to swear
Right conduct to maintain;
All on Cromarty's plain,
With faith did there, agree to swear
Right conduct to maintain;
From ev'ry hostile act to fly,
Which jealousy might name,
As cause sufficient to provoke
Contention's dying flame.
Which jealousy might name,
As cause sufficient to provoke
Contention's dying flame.
And now they both with one consent,
Full cordially did meet;
It would have done one's heart's-blood good
To see how they did greet;
Full cordially did meet;
It would have done one's heart's-blood good
To see how they did greet;
With promis'd care, good will to bear,
And be for ever true;
And thus 'twas shown to all the world,
What woman's love could do.
And be for ever true;
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What woman's love could do.
Let ev'ry generous youth revere,
His every effort move,
To merit first, and then possess,
The pearl of woman's love.
His every effort move,
To merit first, and then possess,
The pearl of woman's love.
Oh! woman rare, and woman fair,
From whom such blessings flow;
May ev'ry bonny Scottish lad
Thy blooming virtues know.
From whom such blessings flow;
May ev'ry bonny Scottish lad
Thy blooming virtues know.
| Poems, by Joseph Cottle | |