164 DAYS OF DEER-STALKING. 



Sweet Willie the page was at hand the bowl 

 He knew, and terror seized his soul ; 

 For he saw the Earl accept the gift, 

 And soon to his lips the cordial lift. 



But ere they touched the goblet's side, 

 Sweet Willie the page, "Hold! hold!" he cried, 

 "And before you drink, to the Virgin pray 

 That her blessing may fall on your sport to-day." 



The Earl then he sank on his bended knee, 

 " Mother of God, now hear," prayed he, 

 But scarce the words his lips could pass, 

 When in fragments flew the mystic glass. 



Startled Lord Atholl in fear and surprise, 



On the woful wight he fixed his eyes, 



But his doubts to clear he may not stay, 



For the monarch was mounted, and called him away. 



" Sweet Willie, run, sweet Willie, speed, 

 And bid them bring my favourite steed." 

 His mouth all foam, his eyes all flame, 

 Snorting and prancing the black steed came. 



But ere on his back Lord Atholl could bound, 

 He heard sweet Willie's bowstring sound ; 

 Whizzing flew the trusty dart, 

 Nor stopped ere it pierced the black steed's heart. 



Lord Atholl, his face was black with rage, 

 He struck to the earth sweet Willie the page ; 

 " Now pardon, dear master," did Willie exclaim, 

 " I shot at an eagle, and erred in my aim." 



Again Lord Atholl smote him sore, 



And bade him see his face no more, 



Till the Queen-mother prayed him his wrath to assuage, 



And forced him to pardon sweet Willie the page. 



Gay was the chase all hearts were light, 



Save Willie's, who dreaded the coming of night ; 



Gay was the feast, and gay each guest, 



Save Willie, whose soul sad thoughts oppress'd. 



When he heard his master laugh with glee, 

 Ah! little his danger he knows, thought he ; 

 When he saw him wine in his goblet pour, 

 He wept lest his lord should never drink more. 



