The Lady of the Lake

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 family.

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.