'Thanks, Brian, for thy zeal and care!

Good is shine augury, and fair.

Clan-Alpine ne'er in battle stood But first our broadswords tasted blood.

A surer victim still I know, Self-offered to the auspicious blow:

A spy has sought my land this morn,--

No eve shall witness his return!

My followers guard each pass's mouth, To east, to westward, and to south;Red Murdoch, bribed to be his guide, Has charge to lead his steps aside, Till in deep path or dingle brown He light on those shall bring him clown.

But see, who comes his news to show!

Malise! what tidings of the foe?'