the "alarming drum", and the
panic of the citizens.

Stanza VI

The gathering of the Highlanders. Does the poet
address the ear or the eye in this description?
Only the sound of the bagpipes is described,
though it may suggest a picture of the Highland
regiments. What words describe the music? "Wild
and high", "war-note", "thrills savage and
shrill". Why does the poet mention proper
names--"Lochiel", "Evan", "Donald"? The
bagpipes recall stirring memories of these men,
which inspire the clansmen to prove worthy of
their ancestors. What is the "Cameron's
gathering"? The war-song of the Cameron clan.
Were there only Camerons in the Highland
regiments? No, the Camerons were only one
famous clan, but are taken here as
representative of the heroism of all the
Highlanders. Again, the use of individual
specific cases produces a greater impression
than a more general term. What was the
"pibroch"? A wild, irregular species of music
played on the bagpipes, adapted particularly to
rouse a martial spirit among troops going to
battle.

Stanza VII

What is described in this stanza? The march to
the battle-field. What words show that? "As
they pass". They were going through the forest
of "Ardennes". What is the mood of this stanza?
Sadness. The trees are represented as shedding
tears when "Nature" thinks of the sad fate
awaiting so many brave men. What were those
tears? The expression refers to the dew of the
early morning on the leaves of the trees, but
the poet has called it "Nature's tear-drops".
It is only a fanciful presentation of a natural
phenomenon. Explain, "if aught inanimate e'er
grieves". If inanimate nature, such as trees or
grass, can express sorrow. Nature cannot
grieve, but we appreciate the beauty of the
imagery. Point out a contrast in this stanza.
"This fiery mass of living valour", and "shall
moulder cold and low".

Stanza VIII

What is the purpose of this stanza? It gives a
summary of the preceding ones. Which stanza
corresponds to line 2? Stanza I. Which
corresponds to line 3? Stanzas II, III, and IV.
Which stanzas picture t