They burned the gilded spurs to claim; Could draw the bow, the sword could sway, Nor less with courteous precepts stored, And frame love ditties passing rare, And sing them to a lady fair. VIII. Four men-at-arms came at their backs, They bore Lord Marmion's lance so strong, Where, blazoned sable, as before, The towering falcon seemed to soar. Shewed they had marched a weary way. IX. 'Tis meet that I should tell you now, How fairly armed, and ordered how, The soldiers of the guard, With musquet, pike, and morion, Stood in the Castle-yard; Minstrels and trumpeters were there, Old Norham never heard. X. The guards their morrice pikes advanced, A blythe salute, in martial sort, He scattered angels round. "Welcome to Norham, Marmion, Stout heart, and open hand! Well dost thou brook thy gallant roan, XI. Two pursuivants, whom tabards deck, By which you reach the Donjon gate, Of Tamworth tower and town; And he, their courtesy to requite, All as he lighted down. a "Now largesse, largesse, Lord Marmion, Knight of the crest of gold! A blazon'd shield, in battle won, Ne'er guarded heart so bold.” XII. They marshall'd him to the Castle hall, —“ Room, lordings, room for Lord Marmion, With the crest and helm of gold! Full well we know the trophies won In the lists at Cottiswold : There, vainly Ralph de Wilton strove 'Gainst Marmion's force to stand; To him he lost his ladye-love, a And to the king his land. The cry by which the heralds expressed their thanks for the bounty of the nobles. E |