Foot, horse, and cannon :-hap what hap, My basnet to a prentice cap, Lord Surrey's o'er the Till! Yet more! yet more!-how fair arrayed They file from out the hawthorn shade, And sweep so gallant by! With all their banners bravely spread, And all their armour flashing high, Saint George might waken from the dead, To see fair England's standards fly."— "Stint in thy prate," quoth Blount; "thou'dst best, And listen to our lord's behest." With kindling brow Lord Marmion said,— "This instant be our band arrayed; The river must be quickly crossed, XXII. Himself he swift on horseback threw, Scarce to the Abbot bade adieu; Far less would listen to his prayer, So Clare shall bide with me." Then on that dangerous ford, and deep, Where to the Tweed Leat's eddies creep, He ventured desperately: And not a moment will he bide, Till squire, or groom, before him ride; Headmost of all he stems the tide, And stems it gallantly. Eustace held Clare upon her horse, Old Hubert led her rein, Stoutly they braved the current's course, And though far downward driven per force, The southern bank they gain; Behind them, straggling, came to shore, As best they might, the train: Each o'er his head his yew-bow bore, A caution not in vain ; Deep need that day that every string, Then forward moved his band, Until, Lord Surrey's rear-guard won, He halted by a cross of stone, That, on a hillock standing lone, Did all the field command. ХХІІІ. Hence might they see the full array Of either host, for deadly fray; Their marshalled lines stretched east and west, And fronted north and south, And distant salutation past From the loud cannon mouth; Not in the close successive rattle, That breathes the voice of modern battle, But slow and far between.— The hillock gained, Lord Marmion stayed: Here shalt thou tarry, lovely Clare: With ten picked archers of my train; With England if the day go hard, To Berwick speed amain.— But, if we conquer, cruel maid! My spoils shall at your feet be laid, When here we meet again.". He waited not for answer there, And would not mark the maid's despair, Nor heed the discontented look From either squire; but spurred amain, His way to Surrey took. XXIV. -The good Lord Marmion, by my life! Welcome to danger's hour! Short greeting serves in time of strife :— Thus have I ranged my power: Myself will rule this central host, Stout Stanley fronts their right, My sons command the vaward post, With Brian Tunstall, stainless knight; And succour those that need it most. Now, gallant Marmion, well I know, Would gladly to the vanguard go; |