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, 10 15 Dream conquest sure, or cheaply bought! God is the guider of the field, He breaks the champion's spear and shield,— 20 When joins yon host in deadly stowre, That England's dames must weep in bower, For never saw'st thou such a power 25 Led on by such a King."— And now, down winding to the plain, And there they made a stay.— And fit his harp the pomp to sing, 30 73 CANTO V. THE COURT. THE train has left the hills of Braid; That closed the tented ground; Into its ample bound. Fast ran the Scottish warriors there, i 5 Through links of mail, and plates of steel, When, rattling upon Flodden vale, NOR less did Marmion's skilful view ii 5 Young knights and squires, a lighter train, To pass, to wheel, the croupe to gain, He saw the hardy burghers there 10 15 March armed, on foot, with faces bare, For visor they wore none, 20 Nor waving plume, nor crest of knight; Their brigandines, and gorgets light, But burnished were their corslets bright, Like very silver shone. Long pikes they had for standing fight. And bucklers bright they bore. With iron quilted well; Each at his back (a slender store), As feudal statutes tell. His arms were halberd, axe, or spear, A dagger-knife, and brand.— 25 iii 5 A crossbow there, a hagbut here, Sober he seemed, and sad of cheer, 10 As loth to leave his cottage dear, And march to foreign strand; Or musing, who would guide his steer, To till the fallow land. Yet deem not in his thoughtful eye Did aught of dastard terror lie; More dreadful far his ire, 15 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, Burghers, to guard their townships, bleed, 10 Their gain, their glory, their delight, To sleep the day, maraud the night, 15 O'er mountain, moss, and moor; Joyful to fight they took their way, Scarce caring who might win the day, Their booty was secure. These, as Lord Marmion's train passed by, 20 Nor marvelled aught, well taught to know The form and force of English bow. But when they saw the Lord arrayed In splendid arms and rich brocade, Each Borderer to his kinsman said,"Hist, Ringan! seest thou there! 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 5 Looked out their eyes, with savage stare, 10 On Marmion as he past; Their legs above the knee were bare: Their frame was sinewy, short, and spare, 15 Of taller race, the chiefs they own And quivers, bows, and shafts,-but, oh ! Short was the shaft, and weak the bow, 25 To that which England bore. The Isles-men carried at their backs They raised a wild and wondering cry, As with his guide rode Marmion by. 30 Loud were their clamouring tongues, as when |