Page:Murder of King Kenneth.pdf/5

 "But here is the relic; ” he softly observ'd, As he touched a rudely carv’d stone. “ To what,” I enquir’d ‘‘do those horsemen refer— For they seem as of ages bygone ? ”

“ So truly they do, my young friend,” he said, “ And none their real meaning doth know; Some say they relate to a treacherous deed Which threw the whole nation in woe ! ”

“ And what was the nature of that woeful deed ? For in tales of the past I delight.” “I’ll tell it,” he said, “ tho’ the story be long If thou’st got the patience to wait.”

I gladly consented, and thus he began— “ When Kenneth the bold ruled our isle. When his wars with the Danes were almost forgot, And the pleasures of peace ’gan to smile.

" ’Twas then that young Malcolm, a good holy prince, And Kenneth’s successor in sway, Fell dang’rously ill, and suddenly died, To Scotia’s great grief and dismay.

“ ’T was certain he died from a poisonous draught. But given by whom was unknown, Till suspicion arose from Kenneth’s great zeal For his son to succeed to the throne.

“ And the more to disguise his great sin and shame. Sly Kenneth assumed meikle grief; And so craftily played he the wolf and the lamb, That his falsity gained belief.

“ But with all the cunning and skill he possess’d. Wild visions he could not allay ; And the form of Malcolm, the young and the good. It met him by night and by day.

Did he sit on his throne, or mix in the dance. Or join in the sports of the chase, The sweet guileless form of Malcolm aye rose And constantly harrow’d his peace.