XXV.

“The joyful King turned home again, Headed his host, and quelled the Dane; But yearly, when returned the night Of his strange combat with the sprite, His wound must bleed and smart; Lord Gifford then would gibing say, ‘Bold as ye were, my liege, ye pay The penance of your start.’ Long since, beneath Dunfermline’s nave, King Alexander fills his grave, Our Lady give him rest! Yet still the knightly spear and shield The Elfin Warrior doth wield, Upon the brown hill’s breast; And many a knight hath proved his chance, In the charmed ring to break a lance, But all have foully sped; Save two, as legends tell, and they Were Wallace wight, and Gilbert Hay. Gentles, my tale is said.”