V. Next Marmion marked the Celtic race, Of different language, form, and face, Just then the chiefs their tribes arrayed, To every varying clan ; Wild through their red or sable hair Looked out their eyes, with savage stare, On Marmion as he past; 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 The graceful bonnet decked their head; Back from their shoulders hung the plaid, A broad-sword 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. The clanging sea-fowl leave the fen, And, with their cries discordant mixed, Grumbled and yelled the pipes betwixt. VI. Thus through the Scottish camp they passed, And reached the City gate at last, Where all around, a wakeful guard, Armed burghers kept their watch and ward. Well had they cause of jealous fear, As through the bustling streets they go, Of jarring grind-stone 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,.. Discussed his lineage, told his name, His following, and his warlike fame. The Lion led to lodging meet, Which high o'erlooked the crowded street; Following-Feudal Retainers. There must the Baron rest, Till past the hour of vesper tide, And then to Holy-Rood must ride,- Meanwhile the Lion's care assigns A banquet rich, and costly wines, To Marmion and his train. And when the appointed hour succeeds, The palace-halls they gain. VII. Old Holy-Rood rung merrily, That night, with wassal, mirth, and glee: King James within her princely bower For he had charged, that his array Well loved that splendid monarch aye The banquet and the song, By day the tourney, and by night The merry dance, traced fast and light, The masquers quaint, the pageant bright, The revel loud and long. This feast outshone his banquets past; It was his blithest, and his last. The dazzling lamps, from gallery gay, Cast on the court a dancing ray ; Here to the harp did minstrels sing; At dice and draughts the gallants vied; While some, in close recess apart, Courted the ladies of their heart, Nor courted them in vain ; For often, in the parting hour, Victorious love asserts his power |