Page:Tragedy of Sir James the Ross.pdf/7

 Where sleeps the Ross! began the Graeme

Or has the felon fled?

This hand shall lay the wretch on earth

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, ere the sun shall gild the morn,

Your biood shall reek on mine

Your words are brave the chief return'd;

But deeds approve the man;

Set by your men and hand by hand

We'll try what valour can

With dauntless step he forward strode,

And dar'd him to the fight:

The Graeme gave back and fear'd his arm,

For well he knew his might.

Four of his men the bravest four,

Sunk down beneath his sword;

But still he scorn'd the poor revenge,

And sought their haughty lord:

Behind him basely came the Graeme,

And pierc'd him in the side;

Out sporting came the purple stream,

And all his tartans dy'd.

But yet his hand not dropp'd the sword,

Nor sunk he to the ground,