THE train has left the hills of Braid; That closed the tented ground; Fast ran the Scottish warriors there, om. in (1) Such length of shafts, such mighty bows, II. Nor less did Marmion's skilful view Heavily sheathed in mail and plate, Young knights and squires, a lighter train, Each warlike feat to show, To pass, to wheel, the croupe to gain, He saw the hardy burghers there For vizor they wore none, Nor waving plume, nor crest of knight; Long pikes they had for standing fight, And many wielded mace of weight, III. On foot the yeoman too, but dressed Each at his back a slender store As feudal statutes tell. His arms were halbert, axe, or spear, Yet deem not in his thoughtful eye Did aught of dastard terror lie; More dreadful far his ire, Than theirs, who, scorning danger's name, In eager mood to battle came, Their valor like light straw on flame, A fierce but fading fire. IV. bred to war, Not so the Borderer: He knew the battle's din afar, And joyed to hear it swell. His peaceful day was slothful ease; Like the loud slogan yell. On active steed, with lance and blade, The light-armed pricker plied his trade, Let nobles fight for fame; Let vassals follow where they lead, Burghers, to guard their townships, bleed; Their gain, their glory, their delight, These, as Lord Marmion's train passed by, Canst guess which road they'll homeward ride?— Oh! could we but on Border side, By Eusedale glen, or Liddell's tide, Beset a prize so fair! That fangless Lion, too, their guide, Might chance to lose his glistering hide; Brown Maudlin, of that doublet pied, Could make a kirtle rare." V. Next, Marmion marked the Celtic race, Just then the Chiefs their tribes arrayed, And varying notes the war-pipes brayed, To every varying clan; Wild through their red or sable hair Looked out their eyes with savage stare, On Marmion as he passed; Their legs above the knee were bare; Their frame was sinewy, short, and spare, And hardened to the blast; Of taller race, the chiefs they own Were by the eagle's plumage known. The hunted red-deer's undressed hide Their hairy buskins well supplied; The graceful bonnet decked their head: Back from their shoulders hung the plaid; A broadsword of unwieldy length, A dagger proved for edge and strength, |