Now eve, with western shadows long, Floated on Katrine bright and strong, When Roderick with a chosen few Repassed the heights of Benvenue.
Above the Goblin Cave they go, Through the wild pass of Beal-nam-bo;The prompt retainers speed before, To launch the shallop from the shore, For 'cross Loch Katrine lies his way To view the passes of Achray, And place his clansmen in array.
Yet lags the Chief in musing mind, Unwonted sight, his men behind.
A single page, to bear his sword, Alone attended on his lord;The rest their way through thickets break, And soon await him by the lake.
It was a fair and gallant sight To view them from the neighboring height, By the low-levelled sunbeam's light!
For strength and stature, from the clan Each warrior was a chosen man, As even afar might well be seen, By their proud step and martial mien. heir feathers dance, their tartars float, Their targets gleam, as by the boat A wild and warlike group they stand, That well became such mountain-strand.
