III. On foot the yeoman too, but dressed In his steel jack, a swarthy vest, With iron quilted well; Each at his back, a slender store, As feudal statutes tell. His arms were halbard, axe, or spear, Or musing, who would guide his steer, Yet deem not in his thoughtful eye Did aught of dastard terror lie,— More dreadful far his ire, Than theirs, who, scorning danger's name, In eager mood to battle came, Their valour like light straw on flame, IV. Not so the Borderer :-bred to war, And joyed to hear it swell. His peaceful day was slothful ease; Like the loud slogan yell. On active steed, with lance and blade, The light-armed pricker plied his trade,— Let nobles fight for fame; Let vassals follow where they lead, Their gain, their glory, their delight, O'er mountain, moss, and moor; Joyful to fight they took their way, Scarce caring who might win the day, These, as Lord Marmion's train passed by, 66 Hist, Ringan! seest thou there! Canst guess which road they'll homeward ride? O! could we but, on Border side, By Eusedale glen, or Liddell's tide, Beset a prize so fair! That fangless Lion, too, their guide, Could make a kirtle rare." V. Next Marmion marked the Celtic race, Just then the chiefs their tribes arrayed, Wild through their red or sable hair On Marmion as he past; Their legs, above the knee, were bare; Of taller race the chiefs they own A broad-sword of unwieldy length ; A dagger, proved for edge and strength ; And quivers, bows, and shafts,-but, O! To that which England bore. The Isles-men carried at their backs, They raised a wild and wondering cry, And, with their cries discordant mixed, VI. Thus through the Scottish camp they passed, And reached the City gate at last, Where all around, a wakeful guard, Armed burghers kept their watch and ward. |