Page:Sir James the Rose (4).pdf/2

 Sir James the Rose

Of all the Scottish northern chiefs

of high and warlike name,

The bravest was sir James the Rose

a knight of meikle fame.

His growth was like a youthful oak,

that crowns the mountain's brow

And waving o'er his shoulders broad,

his locks of yellow flew.

Wide were his fields his herds were large

and large his flocks of sheep,

And numerous were his goats

upon the mountain steep.

The chieftain of the good clan Rose,

a firm and warlike band,

Five hundred warriors drew the sword

beneath his high command.

In bloody fight thrice he stood,

against the English keen.

Ere two and twenty op'ning springs

the blooming youth had seen.

The fair Matilda dear he lov'd

a maid of beauty rare;

Even Margaret on the Scottish throne

was never half so fair.

Long had he woo'd long she refused

with seeming scorn and pride;

Yet oft her eyes confess'd the love

her fearful words denied.