to this wild mountain retreat, where he took refuge with his kinsman, Roderick Dhu. It was in this lonely spot that Ellen grew to beautiful womanhood, as simple and pure as the flowers upon her beloved mountains.

Right there, on the left of the picture, is the "silver strand," where the young girl was sitting in her little skiff when she saw the "Knight of Snowdoun, James Fitz-James." She was somewhat startled, you remember, when she first beheld the huntsman standing there, dressed in his suit of Lincoln green; but when she looked again, and saw his stately form and noble face, she knew that he was to be trusted. So when he told her that he had lost his way, she felt that she could do no less than offer him the hospitality of her simple home.

It was fortunate for Ellen that she had already given her heart into the keeping of young Malcolm Græme; for if it had been in her possession, I fear that she would have lost it to the handsome stranger, as they glided over the lake that lovely evening.

Near this spot, must have been the place where Ellen was wont to meet her father on his return from the chase. Do you remember how she used to get

into her little boat as soon as she heard the distant sound of his bugle, and hasten thither that she might have the pleasure of rowing him across the lake? That was a strong, tender love which bound the father to his child.

"Some feelings are to mortals given

With less of earth in them than heaven;

And if there be a human tear

From passion's dross refined and clear,

A tear so limpid and so meek

It would not stain an angel's cheek,

"Tis that which pious fathers shed
Upon a duteous daughter's head!

And as the Douglas to his breast

His darling Ellen closely pressed,

Such holy drops her tresses steeped,

Though 'twas an hero's eye that weeped."

Do you see that craggy hill rising above Loch Katrine? It is called Benvenue, and it was there that Douglas sought shelter for himself and Ellen. You know that Roderick Dhu loved the young maiden, and wished her to be his wife; but the father could not think of giving his fair young

daughter to the bold outlaw, and so he took her to this deserted cave upon the mountain's side.

That last walk over these solitary heights must have been a sad one for Roderick. He knew that Ellen's place of refuge was somewhere among these wilds; and he had come hoping to catch one farewell sound of her beloved voice. How his heart must have throbbed with both joy and grief, as the words of the beautiful hymn came floating to his ears! —

Poor Roderick! he realized that he would never hear that angel voice again; and he was not too proud to wipe away a tear. But his mood soon changed, and he was once more the haughty chieftain on his way to meet the brave followers assembled at Lanrick mead.

It was in this wild glen, also, that a different scene took place a few days later, when the unknown knight again appeared. Ah! it was Ellen's bright eyes which had lured him hither. But I never could feel sorry for the visit; for, although the gallant Fitz-James carried away a disappointed heart, he left behind a token which was to bring a happy fortune to our dear Ellen.

I wish we could point out Coilantogle's Ford, where Roderick Dhu and this same brave knight fought their famous duel; but the picture does not include that region. What a grand scene it was! Do you remember where the Chieftain was guiding James Fitz-James along the mountain-path, and the latter expressed a strong desire to see this bold Roderick Dhu and all his band? I have read the passage many times, yet it still awakens the old thrill of enthusiasm.

"Have then thy wish!' He whistled shrill,

And he was answered from the hill;

Wild as the scream of the curlew,

From crag to crag the signal flew.

Instant, through copse and heath, arose

Bonnets and spears and bended bows;

"Watching their leader's beck and will,

All silent there they stood and still.

Like the loose crags whose threatening mass

Lay tottering o'er the hollow pass,

As if an infant's touch could urge

Their headlong passage down the verge,

With step and weapon forward flung,

Upon the mountain-side they hung.

The Mountaineer cast glance of pride
Along Benledi's living side,

1Shingles: gravel.

2 Brand: sword.

3 Subterranean: lying under the surface of the earth.