On prancing steeds they forward press’d, With scarlet mantle, azure vest;Each at his trump a banner wore, Which Scotland’s royal scutcheon bore: Heralds and pursuivants, by name Bute, Islay, Marchmount, Rothsay, came, In painted tabards, proudly showing Gules, Argent, Or, and Azure glowing, Attendant on a King-at-arms, Whose hand the armorial truncheon held, That feudal strife had often quell’d, When wildest its alarms.
VII.
He was a man of middle age; In aspect manly, grave, and sage, As on King’s errand come; But in the glances of his eye, A penetrating, keen, and sly Expression found its home; The flash of that satiric rage, Which, bursting on the early stage, Branded the vices of the age, And broke the keys of Rome. On milk-white palfrey forth he paced; His cap of maintenance was graced With the proud heron-plume. From his steed’s shoulder, loin, and breast, Silk housings swept the ground, With Scotland’s arms, device, and crest, Embroider’d round and round. The double tressure might you see, First by Achaius borne, The thistle and the fleur-de-lis, And gallant unicorn.So bright the King’s armorial coat, That scarce the dazzled eye could note, In living colours, blazon’d brave, The Lion, which his title gave;A train, which well beseem’d his state, But all unarm’d, around him wait. Still is thy name in high account, And still thy verse has charms, Sir David Lindesay of the Mount, Lord Lion King-at-arms!
VIII.
Down from his horse did Marmion spring, Soon as he saw the Lion-King;For well the stately Baron knew To him such courtesy was due, Whom Royal James himself had crown’d, And on his temples placed the round Of Scotland’s ancient diadem: And wet his brow with hallow’d wine, And on his finger given to shine The emblematic gem.Their mutual greetings duly made, The Lion thus his message said:-‘Though Scotland’s King hath deeply swore Ne’er to knit faith with Henry more, And strictly hath forbid resort From England to his royal court;
