_Lochgarra, O Lochgarra!—_ _The fair town—the Town of the Big House——_
"I wonder if the Americans know the meaning of Baltimore?" he said; and then he went on again—
_Dear to me were my friends, happy the hours._ _We spent together at Lochgarra._
_But to-day there is no more of mourning;_ _To-day my old age is comforted;_ _To-day I lift up my voice, I send a message,_ _Across the sea to the dear one of my heart._
_Well I remember him, the young boy fearless;_ _Fearless on the land, fearless on the sea;_ _Clinging to the crags seeking the ravens’ nests._ _Proud was I of Young Donald——_
"There are some more verses about me," he again interpolated. "I will skip them."
"You shall not," she said. "Not a single word."
"Oh, how can I read all this about myself!" he protested.
"Well, then, give me the paper," said she, and she leant over and took it from him. Nor did she return it. She read right on to the end—though not aloud—
_My eyes have beheld him come to man’s estate._ _Proudly I name him: Donald, son of John, son of Roderick._ _Of the ancient Clan Anrias, high he holds his head._ _Joyful were my eyes when I beheld him._
_Swift and alert, firm-sinewed as a man._ _Laughing and light-hearted: dangerous to his foe._ _Strong as an eagle to choose his mate,_ _Strong likewise to defend her._
_Bold-eyed and resolute; confident at the helm;_ _Long-enduring; scornful of danger._ _Small his possessions, but rich-chambered his mind:_ _Wealth has he other than Eilean Heimra._
_I see the people as they go along the road:_ _Their regard is turned upon Young Donald;_ _There is deep love in their bosom for him;_ _They wish him many days and prosperity._
_I see her whom he has chosen:_ _The lady of the Big House near to the trees:_ _The fair mistress, the beautiful one,_ _The generous daughter of the Saxon._
_Mild of speech, smiling pleasantly:_ _My heart was warm towards her;_ _Much did I hear of the kindness_ _Of the generous, open-handed maiden._
_Tall of stature, graceful in step as a young fawn;_ _Glad was I when I gazed on her;_ _I regarded her many beauties, and I said—_ _Well has young Donald chosen his mate._
_Now I hear the sound of rejoicings;_ _I hear the festivities wide-echoing;_ _Across the ocean I hear the shouts of the wedding:_ _Hail to the young chief of Clan Anrias!_