That he was under the influence of enchantment was a solution which superstition had suggested, and he now anxiously, but in a whisper, demanded of Hector: "Does the spell now darken thy spirit, Eachin ?" "Yes, wretch that I am," answered the unhappy youth; "and yonder stands the fell enchanter!" "What!" exclaimed Torquil, "and you wear harness of his making?
Norman, miserable boy, why brought you that accursed mail ?" "If my arrow has flown astray, I can but shoot my life after it," answered Norman nan Ord.

"Stand firm, you shall see me break the spell." "Yes, stand firm," said Torquil.

"He may be a fell enchanter; but my own ear has heard, and my own tongue has told, that Eachin shall leave the battle whole, free, and unwounded; let us see the Saxon wizard who can gainsay that.

He may be a strong man, but the fair forest of the oak shall fall, stock and bough, ere he lay a finger on my dault.

Ring around him, my sons; bas air son Eachin!" The sons of Torquil shouted back the words, which signify, "Death for Hector." Encouraged by their devotion, Eachin renewed his spirit, and called boldly to the minstrels of his clan, "Seid suas" that is, "Strike up." The wild pibroch again sounded the onset; but the two parties approached each other more slowly than at first, as men who knew and respected each other's valour.