To think what woe mischance may bring, Or, with their larum, call The burghers forth to watch and ward, But not for my presaging thought, Dream conquest sure, or cheaply bought! God is the guider of the field, He breaks the champion's spear and shield,— When joins yon host in deadly stowre, That England's dames must weep in bower, And now, down winding to the plain, And there they made a stay.— 73 CANTO V. THE COURT. THE train has left the hills of Braid; That closed the tented ground; i 5 Fast ran the Scottish warriors there, And envy with their wonder rose, 10 To see such well-appointed foes; Such length of shafts, such mighty bows, So huge, that many simply thought, But for a vaunt such weapons wrought; And little deemed their force to feel, 15 Through links of mail, and plates of steel, When, rattling upon Flodden vale, NOR less did Marmion's skilful view Heavily sheathed in mail and plate, ii 5 Young knights and squires, a lighter train, To pass, to wheel, the croupe to gain, For visor they wore none, Nor waving plume, nor crest of knight; Long pikes they had for standing fight. As feudal statutes tell. His forty days' provision bore, 5 His arms were halberd, axe, or spear, A crossbow there, a hagbut here, Than theirs, who, scorning danger's name, In eager mood to battle came, Their valour, like light straw on flame, A fierce but fading fire. NOT so the Borderer :-bred to war, And joyed to hear it swell. 20 iv His peaceful day was slothful ease; Nor harp nor pipe his ear could please 5 On active steed, with lance and blade, The light-armed pricker plied his trade,— Let vassals follow where they lead, 10 Burghers, to guard their townships, bleed, Their gain, their glory, their delight, To sleep the day, maraud the night, O'er mountain, moss, and moor; Joyful to fight they took their way, Scarce caring who might win the day, Their booty was secure. 15 These, as Lord Marmion's train passed by, Looked on at first with careless eye, 20 Nor marvelled aught, well taught to know The form and force of English bow. But when they saw the Lord arrayed 25 Canst guess which road they'll homeward ride?— 30 That fangless Lion, too, their guide, NEXT, Marmion marked the Celtic race, Just then the chiefs their tribes arrayed, Wild through their red or sable hair On Marmion as he past; Their legs above the knee were bare: Of taller race, the chiefs they own Back from their shoulders hung the plaid; 20 A broadsword of unwieldy length, A dagger proved for edge and strength, And quivers, bows, and shafts,-but, oh! The Isles-men carried at their backs They raised a wild and wondering cry, 3390 25 15 10 5 |