XXX. The livelong night in Branksome rang The ceaseless sound of steel; The castle-bell, with backward clang, Sent forth the larum peal; Was frequent heard the heavy jar, Blood-hound and ban-dog yelled within. XXXI. The noble Dame, amid the broil, Shared the gray Seneschal's high toil, And spoke of danger with a smile; Cheered the young knights, and council sage Held with the chiefs of riper age. 5 No tidings of the foe were brought, Nor of his numbers knew they aught, Some said, that there were thousands ten; And others weened that it was naught But Leven Clans, or Tynedale men, Who came to gather in black-mail ; * Might drive them lightly back agen. And welcome was the peep of day. CEASED the high sound-the listening throng And marvel much, in helpless age, * Protection-money exacted by free-booters, G Had he no friend-no daughter dear, His wandering toil to share and cheer; No son, to be his father's stay, And guide him on the rugged way? "Ay, once he had-but he was dead !"Upon the harp he stooped his head, And busied himself the strings withal, To hide the tear, that fain would fall. In solemn measure, soft and slow, Arose a father's notes of woe. |