A kindly heart had brave Fitz-James; Fast poured his eyes at pity's
claims, And now, with mingled grief and ire, He saw the murdered maid
expire. "God, in my need, be my relief, As I wreak this on yonder
Chief!" -from The Lady of the Lake Wildly successful with readers and
critics on both sides of the Atlantic when it was first published in
1810, this is Scott's renowned romantic poem about love and honor amidst
a bitter rivalry between King James V and the powerful Douglas clan of
the Scottish Highlands. This revised edition, published in 1899,
features an extensive introduction that places Scott and his writings in
historical and literary context, as well as explanatory notes, study
guides, and suggested selections for class or book-group readings.
Scottish novelist and poet SIR WALTER SCOTT (1771-1832), a literary hero
of his native land, turned to writing only when his law practice and
printing business foundered. Among his most beloved works are Rob Roy
(1818), and Ivanhoe (1820). American writer WILLIAM VAUGHN MOODY
(1869-1910) served as co-editor of the Harvard Monthly and assistant
professor of English at the University of Chicago. He authored several
verse plays, books of poetry, and histories and criticisms of English
literature.