Year book of the American clan Gregor Society ... - Electric Scotland

Proceedings op Eighth Annual Gathering 63
XL
And so this day as glasses clinked, and heavy mugs did clang.
As brawny sons of gallant sires, made jests, and danced and sang;
Some over-zealous youth proclaimed, the deeds his Clan had done,
And in a moment dirks were drawn, by each disputing one.
It was the old time mad affair, in which none seemed to know,
Just what the fighting was about, or who was friend or foe;
But first to fall with mortal wound, amidst the revelers there,
Was Roderick Mac Gregor, the Chieftain's son and heir.
XII.
But soon forgotten was the fray, and the glasses clinck again,
For the glass will ever over-flow, while the world produces men;
The same wild youngsters drank and sang the same old Highland airs,
While the lonely Chieftain in his home, grieved o'er the Clan's affairs;
For treacherous foes forever seemed, upon Clan Gregor's track,
And all depended on the way, they rose to beat them back.
XIII.
Then James Grant of Glenmoriston, sued for his daughter's hand,
And now that Roderick was dead, another match he planned;
For Alastair Mac Gregor was zealous of his fame,
And the man his daughter married, must now bear Mac Gregor's
name;
For when the proud old Chieftain, had run his earthly race,
The man his daughter married, would take his and Roderick's place
Unless some bold dissenter, claimed his to be the right;
For in olden times in Scotland, right oft was made by might.
XIV.
Now the Laira cf Grant came wooing, fair Helen of Glenstrae,
Arriving at the village Inn at closing of the day;
And being not in mood to join the revelers with their glass.
He took a quiet place apart, the evening for to pass;
And there he heard between the songs, of the Mac Gregor's plan,
That the maiden that he thought was his, must marry in the Clan;
But the wily keeper of the Inn, Old Duncan of the Braes,
Had trained his guests to only tell, what would be to his praise;
So of Roderick Mac Gregor's death, no hint the Grant received,
But a song a bearded Clansman sang, in part his heart relieved.
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