'So dark, so narrow, and so drear, The windings all about, That scarce the birds that skim the air 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: Then quick the prince lit off his steed, Brave Adam o'Gordon saw the prince, 'Arouse,' he cried, my merry men all, For yonder great prince Edward comes, 'Now, welcome, welcome, Adam Gordon, For many a day I've sought for thee, 'Now here I swear,' brave Adam cried, I would have met thee long ere now, O then began as fierce a fight The prince was stout, the outlaw strong, Full many an hour in valiant fight Full many a warrior stood around That marvellous fight to see, While from their wounds the gushing blood Thrice they agreed, o'erspent with toil, And thrice they stopp'd to quench their thirst, Edward aye lov'd that bravery 'Adam, thy valour charms my soul, I ever love the brave; And though I fear not thy dread sword, 'Here, Gordon, do I plight my hand, My honour and renown, That, if thou to my sword wilt yield, 'But more, if thou wilt be my friend, 'Thou 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, Brave Adam, struck with wonder, gaz'd— Upon the warrior's dark brown cheek The pitying prince the warrior rais'd, A shouting from their followers by The prince then made that brave outlaw And when with shouts to Guildford town 'Fair son, fair son, more dear to me, Full many a day the loss of thee VOL. V. G And whence that stain upon thy shield? Oh! thou hast had some desperate fight, Was it among the rebel host 'Or is't where Kenilworth's proud tow'rs 'Oh! I've not been where Derby's earl 'Nor have I seen proud Kenilworth, But I've o'ercome a braver man Than Kenilworth e'er did know. 'Adam o'Gordon is that man, And there the Gordon was caress'd, And none in all the tournaments, |