daughter has repugnances which she cannot overcome, declares that
he will retire to a cave in the neighboring mountains until the
issue of the King's threat is seen. The heart of Roderick is wrung
with agony at this rejection; and when Malcolm advances to Ellen,
he pushes him violently back--and a scuffle ensues, which is with
difficulty appeased by the giant arm of Douglas. Malcolm then
withdraws in proud resentment, plunges into the water, and swims
over by moonlight to the mainland.

"The third canto opens with an account of the ceremonies employed
in summoning the clan. This is accomplished by the consecration of
a small wooden cross, which, with its points scorched and dipped in
blood, is carried with incredible celerity through the whole
territory of the chieftain. The eager fidelity with which this
fatal signal is carried on, is represented with great spirit. A
youth starts from the side of his father's coffin, to bear it
forward, and, having run his stage, delivers it to a young
bridegroom returning from church, who instantly binds his plaid
around him, and rushes onward. In the meantime Douglas and his
daughter have taken refuge in the mountain cave; and Sir Roderick,
passing near their retreat on his way to the muster, hears Ellen's
voice singing her evening hymn to the Virgin. He does not obtrude
on her devotions, but hurries to the place of rendezvous.

"The fourth canto begins with some ceremonies by a wild hermit of
the clan, to ascertain the issue of the impending war; and this
oracle is obtained--that the party shall prevail which first sheds
the blood of its adversary. The scene then shifts to the retreat of
the Douglas, where the minstrel is trying to soothe Ellen in her
alarm at the disappearance of her father by singing a fairy ballad
to her. As the song ends, the knight of Snowdoun suddenly appears
before her, declares his love, and urges her to put herself under
his protection. Ellen throws herself on his generosity, confesses
her attachment to Graeme, and prevails on him to seek his own
safety by a speedy retreat from the territory of Roderick Dhu.
Before he goes, the stranger presents her with a ring, which he
says he has received from King James, with a promise to grant any
boon asked by the person producing it. As he ret