And think what next he must have felt, At buckling of the faulchion belt! And judge how Clara changed her hue, While fastening to her lover's side A friend, which, though in danger tried, He once had found untrue! Then Douglas struck him with his blade: "Saint Michael and Saint Andrew aid, I dub thee knight. Arise Sir Ralph, De Wilton's heir! For king, for church, for lady fair, See that thou fight.”— And Bishop Gawain, as he rose, Said,—“ "Wilton! grieve not for thy woes, Disgrace, and trouble; For He, who honour best bestows, May give thee double.”. "Nay, nay," old Angus said, "not so; To Surrey's camp thou now must go, I have two sons in yonder field; And, if thou meet'st them under shield, Upon them bravely-do thy worst ; And foul fall him that blenches first !"— XIII. Not far advanced was morning day, When Marmion did his troop array To Surrey's camp to ride; He had safe conduct for his band, And Douglas gave a guide: The ancient Earl, with stately grace, And whispered, in an under tone, "Let the hawk stoop, his prey is flown." The train from out the castle drew ; But Marmion stopped to bid adieu :— "Though something I might plain," he said, "Of cold respect to stranger guest, Sent hither by your king's behest, But Douglas round him drew his cloak, "My manors, halls, and bowers, shall still Be open, at my sovereign's will, To each one whom he lists, howe'er Unmeet to be the owner's peer. The hand of Douglas is his own; And never shall in friendly grasp The hand of such as Marmion clasp.”— XIV. Burned Marmion's swarthy cheek like fire, And shook his very frame for ire, And-" This to me !" he said,— "An 'twere not for thy hoary beard, Such hand as Marmion's had not spared To cleave the Douglas' head! And first, I tell thee, haughty Peer, He, who does England's message here, Although the meanest in her state, May well, proud Angus, be thy mate: And, Douglas, more I tell thee here, Even in thy pitch of pride, Here in thy hold, thy vassals near, (Nay, never look upon your lord, And lay your hands upon your sword,) I tell thee, thou'rt defied! And if thou said'st, I am not peer Το any lord in Scotland here, Lowland or Highland, far or near, Lord Angus, thou hast lied!". On the Earl's cheek the flush of rage O'ercame the ashen hue of age: 15 Fierce he broke forth :-" And dar'st thou then To beard the lion in his den, The Douglas in his hall? And hop'st thou hence unscathed to go?→→ No, by Saint Bryde of Bothwell, no !— Up drawbridge, grooms-what, Warder, ho! Lord Marmion turned,-well was his need! And dashed the rowels in his steed, Like arrow through the arch-way sprung; The ponderous grate behind him rung: Not lighter does the swallow skim Along the smooth lake's level brim : And when Lord Marmion reached his band, |