Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume XXIV. by Revised by Alexander Leighton
page 180 of 406 (44%)
page 180 of 406 (44%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
side!
_Sir Alex_.--Fear not, good provost; I through life have learned To live with honour, or with honour fall. _Richard_.--And as the father dies, so shall his sons. What sayest thou, Henry? _Henry_.--I would say but this-- (If one with a smooth chin may have a voice)-- When thou dost nobly fall, I'll but survive To strike revenge--then follow thy example. _Provost Ramsay_.--Bravely said, callants! As sure as death, I wish ye were my sons! Do ye ken, Sir Alexander, the only thing that grieves me in a day like this, is, that I hae naebody to die for the glory an' honour o' auld Scotland but mysel? But, save us, neebor Elliot! ye look as douf an' as dowie-like as if ye had been forced to mak yer breakfast o' yer coat-sleeve. _Hugh Elliot_.---In truth, methinks, this is no time for smiles-- In every street, each corner of the town, Struck by some unseen hand, the dead are strewed; From every house the children's wail is heard, Screaming in vain for food; and the poor mother, Worn to a skeleton, sits groaning by! My house, 'tis known, o'erlooks the battlements; 'Tis not an hour gone that I left my couch, Hastening to speed me hither, when a sound, |
|