Page:Excellent popular ballad.pdf/4

 4 " And will Matilda wed the Graeme, Tho' sworn to be my bride? " His sword shall sooner pierce my heart, Than 'reave me of thy charms And clasp'd her to his throbbing breast, Fast lock'd within her arms. "I spoke to try thy love," she said: "I'll ne'er wed man but thee: "The grave shall be my bridle bed, If Græme my husband be. Take then, dear youth! this faithful kiss, In witness of my troth: And ev'ry plague become my lot That day I break my oath." They parted thus the sun was set: Up hasty Donald flies; And, " Turn thee, turn thee, beardless youth! He loud insulting crier. Soon turn'd about the fearless chief, And soon his sword be drew: For Donald's blade before his breast, Had pierced his tartans thro. " This for my brother's slighted love, " His wrongs sit on my arm."- Three paces back the youth retir'd, And sav'd himself from harm. Returning swift, his hand he rear'd Frae Donald's head above; And thro' the brain and crashing bone, His furious weapon drove.