And shepherd boys repair To seek the water-flag and rush, And plait their garlands fair; That holds the bones of Marmion brave.- When thou shalt find the little hill, With thy heart commune, and be still. If ever, in temptation strong, Thou left'st the right path for the wrong ; Still led thee farther from the road; Dread thou to speak presumptuous doom, But say, “ He died a gallant knight, With sword in hand, for England's right." XXXIX. I do not rhyme to that dull elf, Who cannot image to himself, That all through Flodden's dismal night, Wilton was foremost in the fight; That, when brave Surrey's steed was slain, That, after fight, his faith made plain, Paint to her mind the bridal's state, That bluff King Hal the curtain drew, And Catherine's hand the stocking threw; And afterwards, for many a day, That it was held enough to say, In blessing to a wedded pair, "Love they like Wilton and like Clare!"— L'Envoy. TO THE READER. Why then a final note prolong, a Who long have listed to my rede?" A garland for the hero's crest, And twined by her he loves the best ; * Used generally for tale, or discourse. To every lovely lady bright, What can I wish but faithful knight? What can I wish but lady true? And knowledge to the studious sage; To thee, dear schoolboy, whom my lay And pleasing dreams, and slumbers light! END OF MARMION. |