by Walter Scott, Sir (1771 - 1832)

For leagues along the watery way
Language: English 
For leagues along the watery way,
Through gulph and stream my course has been;
The billows know my Runic lay,
And smooth'd their crests to silent green.

The billows know my Runic lay, -
The gulph grows smooth, the stream is still;
But human hearts, more wild than they,
Know but the rule of wayward will.

One hour is mine, in all the year,
To tell my woes, - and one alone;
When gleams this magic lamp, 'tis here, -
When dies the mystic light, 'tis gone.

Daughters of northern Magnus, hail!
The lamp is lit, the flame is clear, -
To you I come to tell my tale,
Awake, arise, my tale to hear! -

About the headline (FAQ)

Confirmed with The Pirate. By the Author of "Waverley, Kenilworth," &c. In three volumes. Vol. II. Edinburgh: Printed for Archibald Constable and Co. and Hurst, Robinson, and Co., London. 1822, page 126.

Note: The poem appears as Norna's song in the 19th chapter (denominated "Chapter VI.") of Walter Scott's novel.


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Research team for this page: Emily Ezust [Administrator] , Peter Rastl [Guest Editor]

This text was added to the website: 2003-11-07
Line count: 16
Word count: 111