Seemed o'er the gaudy scene to lower : His locks and beard in silver grew ; His eye-brows kept their sable hue. Near Douglas when the monarch stood, Until my herald come again.— Then rest you in Tantallon Hold; A chief unlike his sires of old. He wears their motto on his blade, Their blazon o'er his towers displayed; Yet loves his sovereign to oppose, More than to face his country's foes. And, I bethink me, by Saint Stephen, But e'en this morn to me was given A prize, the first fruits of the war, Ta'en by a galley from Dunbar, A bevy of the maids of heaven. Under your guard, these holy maids Shall safe return to cloister shades, And, while they at Tantallon stay, Requiem for Cochran's soul may say." And, with the slaughtered favourite's name, Across the monarch's brow there came A cloud of ire, remorse, and shame. XVI. 1 In answer nought could Angus speak; His proud heart swelled well nigh to break : He turned aside, and down his cheek A burning tear there stole. His hand the monarch sudden took, That sight his kind heart could not brook : 66 Now, by the Bruce's soul, Angus, my hasty speech forgive! For sure as doth his spirit live, As he said of the Douglas old, I well may say of you, That never king did subject hold, In speech more free, in war more bold, More tender, and more true: a Forgive me, Douglas, once again." And, while the King his hand did strain, She sees the tears of bearded men. Then, oh! what omen, dark and high, XVII. Displeased was James, that stranger viewed fall The good Lord Marmion tarries long, The haughty Marmion felt the taunt, On Derby Hills the paths are steep ; And many a knight to earth be borne, Ere Scotland's King shall cross the Trent: Yet pause, brave prince, while yet you may.”The Monarch lightly turned away, And to his nobles loud did call, Lords, to the dance,-a hall! a hall!" Himself his cloak and sword flung by, And led Dame Heron gallantly; And minstrels, at the royal order, Rung out" Blue Bonnets o'er the Border." XVIII. Leave we these revels now, to tell a The ancient cry to make room for a dance, or pageant. |