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

 though sworn to be my bride?

His sword shall sooner pierce my heart,

than ’reave me of thy charms

And clasp’d her to his throbbing breast,

fast lock'd in within his arms.

I spoke to try thy love she said,

I'll ne’er wed man but thee;

The grave shall be my bridal bed

if Graeme my husband be.

Take then dear youth this faithful kiss

in witness of my troth;

And every plague become my lot,

that day I break my oath.

They parted thus—the sun was set—

up hasty Donald flies;

And turn thee turn thee beardless youth,

he loud insulting cries.

Soon turned about the fearless Chief

and soon his sword he drew;

For Donald’s blade before his breast,

had pierced his tartans through

This for my brother’s slighted love,

his wrongs sit on my arm—

Three paces back the youth retir'd ,

and sav’d himself from harm.

Returning swift his sword he rear’d

fierce Donald's head above ;

and through the brain and crashing bone

the furious weapon drove.

Life issued at the wound—he fell

a lump of lifeless clay;