MARMION: A TALE OF FLODDEN FIELD. IN SIX CANTOS. Alas! that Scottish maid should sing - LEYDEN. THE present story turns upon the private adventures of a fictitious character; but is called a Tale of Flodden Field, because the hero's fate is connected with that memorable defeat, and the causes which led to it. The design of the Author was, if possible, to apprise his readers, at the outset, of the date of his Story, and to prepare them for the manners of the Age in which it is laid. Any Historical Narrative, far more an attempt at Epic composition, exceeded his plan of a Romantic tale; yet he may be permitted to hope, from the popularity of THE LAY OF THE LAST MINSTREL, that an attempt to paint the manners of the feudal times, upon a broader scale, and in the course of a more interesting story, will not be unacceptable to the Public. The Poem opens about the commencement of August, and concludes with the defeat of Flodden, 9th September, 1513. ASHESTIEL, 1808. CANTO FIRST. THE CASTLE. I. DAY set on Norham's castled steep, The warriors on the turrets high, Seem'd forms of giant height: II. Saint George's banner, broad and gay, Less bright, and less, was flung; The scouts had parted on their search, The Castle gates were barr'd; The Warder kept his guard; III. A distant trampling sound he hears; A horseman, darting from the crowd, The warder hasted from the wall, And joyfully that knight did call IV. "Now broach ye a pipe of Malvoisie, Bring pasties of the doe, And quickly make the entrance free, Lord MARMION waits below!" The iron-studded gates unbarr'd, Raised the portcullis' ponderous guard, The lofty palisade unsparr'd And let the drawbridge fall. V. Along the bridge Lord Marmion rode, |