Page:Sir James the Rose (4).pdf/7

7 by whom my brother bled.

And now the valiant knight awoke,

the virgin shrieking heard;

Straight up he rose and drew his sword,

when the fierce band appeared

Your sword last night my brother slew,

his blood yet dims its shine:

And e'er the sun shall gild the morn,

your blood shall reek on mine.

Your words are brave the chief returned,

but deeds approve the man;

Set by your men and hand to hand,

we’ll try what valour can.

With dauntless step he forward strode,

and dared him to the fight;

The Graeme gave back: he feared his arm,

for well he knew his might.

Four of his men the bravest four,

sunk down beneath his sword:

but still he scorned the poor revenge

and sought their haughty lord.

Behind him basely came the Graeme

and pierced him in the side;

Out spouting came the purple stream.

and all his tartans dyed

But yet his hand dropped not the sword

nor sunk he to the ground—

Till through his enemy's heart the steel

had forced a mortal wound.

Graeme like a tree by wind o’erthrown,

fell breathless on the clay!