Page:Poems by William Wordsworth (1815) Volume 1.djvu/186

126 If Bruce hath loved sincerely,

That Gordon loves as dearly.

But what is Gordon's beauteous face?

And what are Gordon's crosses

To them who sit by Kirtle's Braes

Upon the verdant mosses?

Alas that ever he was born!

The Gordon, couched behind a thorn,

Sees them and their caressing,

Beholds them blest and blessing.

Proud Gordon cannot bear the thoughts

That through his brain are travelling,—

And, starting up, to Bruce's heart

He launched a deadly javelin!

Fair Ellen saw it when it came,

And, stepping forth to meet the same,

Did with her body cover

The Youth, her chosen lover.

And, falling into Bruce's arms,

Thus died the beauteous Ellen,

Thus from the heart of her True-love

The mortal spear repelling.