Page:The Family Legend.pdf/107

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No, by this honest blade! if wrong thou'st done, Thou hast no shelter here. In open day, Before th' assembled vassals shalt thou tell it; And he whom thou hast injured, be redress'd, While I have power to bid my Campbells fight I' the fair and honour'd cause.

I pray, my lord— Will you vouchsafe to hear me?

Thoughtless boy! How far unlike the noble Lorne I thought thee!— Proud as I am, far rather would I see thee Join'd to the daughter of my meanest vassal, Than see thy manly, noble worth engaged In such foul raid as this.

Nay, nay! be pacified! I'd rather take, in faith, the tawny hand Of homeliest maid, that doth, o' holidays. Her sun-burnt locks with worsted ribbon bind,