III. Now over Border dale and fell, Full wide and far, was terror spread; The frightened flocks and herds were pent And maids and matrons dropped the tear, Shewed southern ravage was begun. IV. Now loud the heedful gate-ward cried— 66 Prepare ye all for blows and blood! Wat Tinlinn, from the Liddle-side, Comes wading through the flood. Full oft the Tynedale snatchers knock They sieged him a whole summer night, V. While thus he spoke, the bold yeoman He led a small and shaggy nag, That through a bog, from hag to hagt, * An inroad commanded by the warden in person. It bore his wife and children twain ; His wife, stout, ruddy, and dark-browed, A leathern jack, as fence enow, His spear, six Scottish ells in length, His shafts and bow, of wonderous strength, His hardy partner bore. VI. Thus to the Ladye did Tinlinn shew The tidings of the English foe— "Belted Will Howard is marching here, And hot Lord Dacre, with many a spear, *Bonds-man. N And all the German hagbut-men * The fiend receive their souls therefor! It had not been burned this year and more. Barn-yard and dwelling, blazing bright, Served to guide me on my flight; But I was chased the live-long night. Black John of Akeshaw, and Fergus Græme, Fast upon my traces came, Until I turned at Priesthaugh-Scrogg, And shot their horses in the bog, Slew Fergus with my lance outright ; I had him long at high despite : He drove my cows last Fastern's night.” VII. Now weary scouts from Liddesdale, * Musketeers. As far as they could judge by ken, Meanwhile, full many a warlike band, From Teviot, Aill, and Ettrick's shade, Came in, their Chief's defence to aid. VIII. From fair St Mary's silver wave, From dreary Gamescleuch's dusky height, His ready lances Thirlestane brave Arrayed beneath a banner bright. The tressured fleur-de-luce he claims What time, save Thirlestane alone, |