Ossian Collection > Aspects of poetry

358 'THE WHITE DOE OF RYLSTONE! [xit.
When these two are left alone, Francis tells his
sister of his last interview with their father, and of
seeing him and his eight brothers march forth. For
himself, though he cannot be one with them, he is
determined to follow them, and be at hand to render
what service he may, when misfortune comes, as come
it must. For he does not try to hide or extenuate the
certainty of the doom that was overtaking their house.
He himself was going to share it, and his sister must
brace her heart to bear what was impending. Possessed,
as by a spirit of mournful divination, he tells her —
' Farewell all wishes, all debate,
All prayers for this cause, or for that !
Weep, if that aid thee ; but depend
Upon no help of outward friend.
Espouse thy doom at once, and cleave
To Fortitude without reprieve.
For we must fall, both we and ours, —
This mansion, and these pleasant bowers.
The blast will sweep us all away,
One desolation, one decay ! '
Then, pointing to the White Doe which was feeding by,
he continued —
' Even she will to her peaceful woods
Return, and to her murmuring floods,
And be in heart and soul the same
She was, before she hither came.
Ere she had learned to love us all,
Herself beloved in Rylstone Hall.'
He bids his sister prepare for the doom that awaits