For monarchs ill can rivals brook, Even in a word, or smile, or look. Strait took he forth the parchment broad, Which Marmion's high commission showed : "Our Borders sacked by many a raid, Our peaceful liege-men robbed," he said; "On day of truce our Warden slain, Stout Barton killed, his vessels taʼen- Should these for vengeance cry in vain ; Our full defiance, hate, and scorn, Our herald has to Henry borne." XIV. He paused, and led where Douglas stood, And with stern eye the pageant viewed: I mean that Douglas, sixth of yore, Who coronet of Angus bore, And, when his blood and heart were high, Did the third James in camp defy, And all his minions led to die On Lauder's dreary flat: Princes and favourites long grew tame, And trembled at the homely name Of Archibald Bell-the-Cat. The same who left the dusky vale Of Hermitage in Liddisdale, Its dungeons, and its towers, Where Bothwell's turrets brave the air, And Bothwell bank is blooming fair, To fix his princely bowers. Though now, in age, he had laid down His armour for the peaceful gown, And for a staff his brand, Yet often would flash forth the fire, That could, in youth, a monarch's ire And minion's pride withstand; And even that day, at council board, Unapt to sooth his sovereign's mood, Against the war had Angus stood, And chafed his royal Lord. XV. His giant-form, like ruined tower, Though fallen its muscles' brawny vaunt, Huge-boned, and tall, and grim, and gaunt, Seemed o'er the gaudy scene to lower : His locks and beard in silver grew; While slightest hopes of peace remain, Until my herald come again. Then rest you in Tantallon Hold, Your host shall be the Douglas bold, A chief unlike his sires of old. He wears their motto on his blade, Their blazon o'er his towers displayed; Yet loves his sovereign to oppose, More than to face his country's foes. And, I bethink me, by Saint Stephen, A bevy of the maids of heaven. A cloud of ire, remorse, and shame. XVI. In answer nought could Angus speak; His proud heart swelled well nigh to break : He turned aside, and down his cheek A burning tear there stole. His hand the Monarch sudden took, That sight his kind heart could not brook : "Now, by the Bruce's soul, Angus, my hasty speech forgive! For sure as doth his spirit live, As he said of the Douglas old, I well may say of you,— That never king did subject hold, In speech more free, in war more bold, Forgive me, Douglas, once again.' The old man's tears fell down like rain. O, Dowglas! Dowglas! The Houlate. |