Lufra

The Monarch saw the gambols flag,

And bade let loose a gallant stag,

Whose pride, the holiday to crown,

Two favorite greyhounds should pull down,

That venison free, and Bordeaux wine,

Might serve the archery to dine.

But Lufra,--whom from Douglas' side

Nor bribe nor threat could e'er divide,

The fleetest hound in all the North,--

Brave Lufra saw and darted forth. br />
She left the royal hounds mid way,

And dashing on the antlered prey,

Sunk her sharp muzzle in his flank,

And deep the flowing life-blood drank.

The King's stout huntsman saw the sport

By strange intruder broken short,

Came up, and with his leash unbound,

In anger struck the noble hound.

--The Douglas had endured, that morn,

The King's cold look, the nobles' scorn,

And last, and worst to spirit proud,

Had borne the pity of the crowd;

But Lufra had been fondly bred,

To share his board, to watch his bed,

And oft would Ellen, Lufra's neck,

In maiden glee with garlands deck;

They were such playmates, that with name

Of Lufra, Ellen's image came.

His stifled wrath is brimming high,

In darkened brow and flashing eye;

As waves before the bark divide,

The crowd gave way before his stride;

Needs but a buffet and no more,

The groom lies senseless in his gore.

Such blow no other hand could deal

Though gauntleted in glove of steel.