Page:Murder of King Kenneth.pdf/6

 " And once as he lay on his tapestried couch, He was roused by this dire warning call — ‘ O Kenneth, prepare, for the vengeance of God On thee and thy kinsmen shall fall! ’

“ He hastily sprang from his soft downy bed, And called on the Church for his sake, To pray for his soul—but good Fathers deem’d That Kenneth some penance should make:

“ That to the lov’d relics of saints and of priests, He humbly and quickly should go; There kneel and confess, and crave strength to withstand The power of his deadliest foe.

“ In those pious wand’rings King Kenneth came here, And knelt at Palladius’ shrine ; And crav’d him to plead for his pardon and peace, That he ’mongst the holy might shine.

“But as he repair’d with his suite by yon hill, Greencairn’s proud turrets were seen ; And their high-born Lady perceiving the train, Came forth with the grace of a queen.

“ ‘O mightiest monarch ! ’ she cried, as she knelt, ‘ Pray, honour this dwelling of mine— I am fain that your Highness and courtiers so loyal, Should partake of a goblet of wine! ’

“ They enter’d the hall, and quaff'd off the wine— Such splendour was ne’er before shewn— The walls gleam’d with em’ralds, and under their feet Choice grasses and rushes were strewn.

“ Finella beholding the courtiers’ surprise, As well as the King’s wistful gaze, Said cunning and sweetly—‘ My Sire, take thy choice Of aught, from the casket to vase!

“ ‘ But here, if your Highness will step to this room I’ll show thee an object more rare.’ The King and Finella pass’d out from the hall, And enter’d a grand spiral stair;