Marmion

Back from their shoulders hung the plaid; 

A broadsword of unwieldy length, 
A dagger proved for edge and strength, 
  A studded targe they wore, 
And quivers, bows, and shafts,-but, O! 
Short was the shaft, and weak the bow, 
  To that which England bore.

The Isles-men carried at their backs 
The ancient Danish battle-axe. 
They raised a wild and wondering cry, 
As with his guide rode Marmion by.

Loud were their clamouring tongues, as when 
The clanging sea-fowl leave the fen, 
And, with their cries discordant mix’d, 
Grumbled and yell’d the pipes betwixt. 

VI.

Thus through the Scottish camp they pass’d, 
And reach’d the City gate at last, 
Where all around, a wakeful guard, 
Arm’d burghers kept their watch and ward.

Well had they cause of jealous fear, 
When lay encamp’d, in field so near, 
The Borderer and the Mountaineer.

As through the bustling streets they go, 
All was alive with martial show: 
At every turn, with dinning clang, 
The armourer’s anvil clash’d and rang;

Or toil’d the swarthy smith, to wheel 
The bar that arms the charger’s heel; 
Or axe, or falchion, to the side 
Of jarring grindstone was applied.

Page, groom, and squire, with hurrying pace 
Through street, and lane, and market-place, 
  Bore lance, or casque, or sword; 
While burghers, with important face, 
  Described each new-come lord,     

Discuss’d his lineage, told his name, 
His following, and his warlike fame. 

The Lion led to lodging meet, 
Which high o’erlook’d the crowded street; 
  There must the Baron rest,   
Till past the hour of vesper tide, 
And then to Holy-Rood must ride,- 
  Such was the King’s behest.

Meanwhile the Lion’s care assigns 
A banquet rich, and costly wines, 
  To Marmion and his train; 
And when the appointed hour succeeds, 
The Baron dons his peaceful weeds, 
And following Lindesay as he leads, 
The palace-halls they gain.             

VIL

Old Holy-Rood rung merrily, 
That night, with wassell, mirth, and glee: 
King James within her princely bower 
Feasted the Chiefs of Scotland’s power, 
Summon’d to spend the parting hour;      

For he had charged, that his array 
Should southward march by break of day. 
Well loved that splendid monarch aye 
  The banquet and the song,