Page:Pieces People Ask For.djvu/189

Rh They had made a covenant with the Lord
 * Firm in their faith to bide,

Nor break to him their plighted word,
 * Whatever might betide.

The sun was well-nigh setting,
 * When o'er the heather wild,

And up the narrow mountain path,
 * Alone there walked a child.

He was a bonny, blithesome lad,
 * Sturdy and strong of limb:

A father's pride, a mother's love,
 * Were fast bound up in him.

His bright blue eyes glanced fearless round,
 * His step was firm and light:

What was it underneath' his plaid
 * His little hands grasped tight?

It was bannocks which, that very morn,
 * His mother made with care,

From out her scanty store of meal,
 * And now, with many a prayer,

Had sent by Jamie, her ane boy,
 * A trusty lad and brave,

To good old Pastor Tanxmus Roy,
 * Now hid in yonder cave,

And for whom the bloody Claverhouse
 * Had hunted long in vain,

And swore they would not leave that glen
 * Till old Tam Roy was slain.

So Jamie Douglas went his way
 * With heart that knew no fear:

He turned the great curve in the rock,
 * Nor dreamed that death was near.