Old age and poverty hold no temptations to the enemies of Scotland." As he spoke the venerable man, who had heard voices beneath, appeared on the rock; and while his tall and majestic figure, clad in gray, moved forward, and his silver beard flowed from his saintly countenance upon the air, he seemed the bard of Morven, issuing from his cave of shells to bid a hero's welcome to the young and warlike Oscar.
"Bless thee, my son," cried he, as he descended; "what good or evil accident hath returned thee so soon to these solitudes ?" The knight briefly related the circumstances of Helen's rescue, and that he had brought her to share his asylum.
The hermit took her by the hand, and graciously promised her every service in his power.

He then preceded the knight, whose firmer arm supported her up the rock, to the outer apartment of the cell.
A sacred awe struck her as she entered this place, dedicated wholly to God.

She bowed, and crossed herself.

The hermit, observing her devotion, blessed her, and bade her welcome to the abode of peace.
"Here, daughter," said he, "has one son of persecuted Scotland found a refuge.

There is naught alluring in these wilds to attract the spoiler.