SWEET WILLIE THE PAGE. 203 



And there to welcome guests so great, 

 Lord Atholl had built a palace of state, 

 And all without it was cover'd with green, 

 And all within with silken sheen. 



And there were all fashions of exquisite fare, 

 And tanks full of delicate fish were there ; 

 And the King and his nobles had all as good 

 As had they been still at proud Holyrood. 



Each day that King Jamie had pass'd on his grounds 

 Had cost Lord Atholl a thousand pounds ; 

 Yet order'd Lord Atholl (his splendour was such), 

 That the third should cost full thrice as much. 



The Earl he rose with the morning light, 

 And soon he met with the woful wight, 

 Who proffcr'd a draught of cordial power, 

 To cheer his heart ere he left his bower. 



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 touch'd 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." 



