He comes, the proud chieftain, to Cornwall's steep coast, Sir Trystan the valiant, high chivalry's boast; The friend of Prince Arthur descended in line From heroes whose glory 'tis his to enshrine:
Still nobly look up to their banner so proud, The forfeit, dishonour, disgrace, and the shroud! 'Aye, ever his honour Sir Trystan shall cherish, When it shall be lost his wish is to perish! And shrink mid the ignoble, worthless, and dead, When the halo of glory shall wane on his head!'
[Footnote 3: Innisfail is one of the ancient names of Ireland;--it means the isle of fate or destiny. It was so called from possessing an ancient stone chair, on which was sculptured in Gaelic,
Or fate is false, or where this stone shall be The Scots shall reign a powerful monarchy.
It was afterwards removed to Scotland, and subsequently to England. It is now placed under the coronation chair in Westminster Abbey.]
[Footnote 4: Mala-pioba--the bagpipes. The late Mr. Cooper Walker in his "Historical Memoirs of the Irish Bards," in a note at foot of page 81, speaking on the subject of the Irish bagpipes, (which, by the way, are played upon by the finger, and not like the Scotch pipes, which are played by the lips,) he makes the following remark:--"I have been informed that George II. was so much delighted with the performance of an Irish gentleman on the bagpipes, that he ordered a medal to be struck for him."]
[Footnote 5: Sir Trystrem was entitled to the lily, being a royal son of France; he was designated Sir Trystrem of Lyons. He was nephew to Mark, king of Cornwall. His name really was _Tristrem_, but we suppose, for sake of euphony, old Cormac thought he was privileged to change it.]
Just at the conclusion of the above, to the horror, confusion, and surprise of old Cormac, the German clock in the baronial hall chimed musically forth the ninth hour. But it was no music to the ear of Cormac, who in dumb despair somewhat sullenly laid down his harp, knowing that remonstrance would not be heard, and that solicitation was all in vain. But the duke was loud in his commendations, in which he was duly echoed by his guests, and Cormac was assured that the company should certainly be gratified upon the succeeding night, and at an earlier hour, with the remainder of the Romaunt of Trystan and Isoud.