Summer at the Lake of Monteith

106 The Lake of Montcith.
Rob soon did reach the river Forth,
Which bounds the south lands from the north;
He reached it, and, with a stride,
He landed on the distant side.
They, too, did reach the Forth, I ween;
But man and horse plunged in the stream.
Down they sank beneath the surge;
But soon again were on the verge —
Some weaponless, and some half-drowned, —
Exhausted horse lay on the ground.
They were all safe, but thanks to Heaven
That none to death, or worse, were driven!
Their leader cried, " Why will ye halt?
Ho! horsemen, in your saddles vault !
The robber's gone across the heath,
And to the hills of wild Monteith!"
Fast as thought they were astride,
And onward dashed the madd'ning ride.*
Cardross fields they had swept through,
When Glenny hill burst on their view;
But deeming that he could not pass
Yon rugged hill which guards the pass.
Still on he goes at lightning speed :
No slacking seeks the noble steed :
Dykes and ditches, too, he meets —
O'er all the gallant courser sweeps.
He soon did reach the mountain base,
And for a moment stopped to gaze ;
Around he for a second glanced,
And viewed them as they onward pranced.
Rob now began, for safety's sake,
To think what's best the course to take.
He fain would go to Aberfoyle,
But the panting steed can't face such toil ;
Her trembling limbs full well he feels,
And death comes thundering at his heels.
* Information from the late Alexander Dun of Kepdowrie, who had it from his
uncle, John Dun of Kepdowrie, who was present on the road leading to the Port,
and saw Rob ride past, pursued by the dragoons. The animal on which Rob rode,
said to be a "grey mare," was without saddle or bridle, while the Dragoons were
full mounted.