"So dark, so parrow, and so drear,

The windings all about,
That scarce the birds that skim the air

Can find their way throughout.'

Prince Edward drew his dark brown sword,

And shook his shining lance:
And rather I'd fight this bold outlaw,
Than all the peers of France.'

Prince Edward grasp'd his buckler strong,

And proudly marched forth : * And rather I'd conquer this bold outlaw,

Than all the knights of the North.'

And then bespake a valiant knight:

• Now, prince, thy words make good ; For yonder I see that proud outlaw,

A coming forth the wood;'

Then quick the prince lit off his steed,

And onward wound his way: "Now stand ye by, my merry men all,

And ye shall see brave play.'

Brave Adam o'Gordon saw the prince,

As he came forth the wold:
And soon he knew hiin by his shield,

And his banners all of gold.

• Arouse,' he cried, 'my merry men all,

And stand ye well your ground;
For yonder great prince Edward comes,

For valour so renown'd."

Now, welcome, welcome, Adam Gordon,

I'm glad I have thee found;
For many a day I've sought for thee,

Through all the country round.'

• Now here I swear,' brave Adam cried,

* Had I but so been told, I would have met thee long ere now,

Io city or in wold.'

O then began as fierce a fight

As e'er was fought in field;
The prince was stout, the outlaw strong,

Their hearts with courage steel'd.

Full many an hour in valiant fight

These chieftains bold did close; Full many an hour the hills and woods

Re-echoed with their blows;

Full many a warrior stood around

That marvellous fight to see,
While from their wounds the gushing blood

Ran like the fountain free.

Thrice they agreed, o'erspent with toil,

To cease their sturdy blows; And thrice they stopp'd to quench their thirst,

And wipe their bloody brows.

Edward aye lov'd that bravery

Which Adam prov'd in fight, And, with congenial virtue fir'd,

Resolv'd to do him right.

* Adam, thy valour charms my soul,

I ever love the brave;
And though I fear not thy dread sword,

Thy honour I would save.

• Here, Gordon, do I plight my hand,

My honour and renown,
That, if thou to my sword wilt yield,

And my allegiance own—

But more,—if thou wilt be my friend,

And faithful share my heart, I'll ever prove gentle unto thee

We never more will part.

“Thon in the raging battle's hour,

Shall aye fight by my side, And at my table and my court,

In time of peace preside.

• When prosperous fate shall gild my throne,

Thou shalt partake my joy;
When troubles low'r, to sooth thy prince

Shall be thy sole employ.

And I to thee the same will prove,

A gentle bosom friend;
In joy to share thy happiness,

In woe thy care to end.

“Now, Adam, take thy lasting choice,

Thy prince awaits thy word :
Accept, brave man! my smile or frown-

My friendship or my sword.'

Brave Adam, struck with wonder, gaz'd—

He sigh'd at every word :
Then, falling quick upon his knee,

He gave the prince his sword.

Upon the warrior's dark brown cheek

A tear was seen to shine
He laid his hand upon his heart-

• Brave Edward, I am thine.'

The pitying prince the warrior rais'd,

And press'd him to his heart;
Adam, thy prince will be thy friend,
We never more will part.'

A shouting from their followers by

Proclaim'd the joyful sound;
The hills and woodlands, echoing loud,

Dispers’d the tidings round.

The prince then made that brave outlaw

On his own steed to ride,
With banners rich and trappings gay,

And he rode by his side.

And when with shouts to Guildford town

This noble train came on,
O'erjoy'd, our royal queen came forth,

To meet hier warlike son.

- Fair

son,

fair son, more dear to me, Than all that life can give, Full many a day the loss of thee

Hath caus'd my heart to grieve. VOL. V.

G

« And whence that stain upon tby shield?

That blood upon thy brow?
Oh! thou hast had some desperate fight,

And didst not let me know.

"Was it among the rebel host

Thy sword hath got this stain? And are their banners overthrown,

And proud earl Derby slain?

Or is't where Kenilworth’s proud tow'rs

O’erlook the neighbour plain, That thou hast rear'd thy conquering arms,

And fix'd thy father's reign?

Oh! I've not been where Derby's earl

The rebel cause upholds ;
But I've o'ercome a braver man,

'Mong forests, boys, and wolds.

Nor have I seen proud Kenilworth,

With towers all a-row;
But I've o'ercome a braver man

Than Kenilworth e'er did know.

* Adam o'Gordon is that man,

A braver pe'er was seen '-
Then took the warrior by the hand,

And led him to the queen.

And there the Gordon was caress'd,

With tilts and revelry;
And none in all the tournaments,

Was found with him to vie,