Page:Marmion - Walter Scott (ed. Bayne, 1889).pdf/122

Here stay'd their talk,—for Marmion
65Gave now the signal to set on.
The Palmer showing forth the way,
They journey'd all the morning day.

IV.
The green-sward way was smooth and good,
Through Humbie's and through Saltoun's wood;
70A forest-glade, which, varying still,
Here gave a view of dale and hill,
There narrower closed, till over head
A vaulted screen the branches made.
'A pleasant path,' Fitz-Eustace said;
75'Such as where errant-knights might see
Adventures of high chivalry;
Might meet some damsel flying fast,
With hair unbound, and looks aghast;
And smooth and level course were here,
80In her defence to break a spear.
Here, too, are twilight nooks and dells;
And oft, in such, the story tells,
The damsel kind, from danger freed,
Did grateful pay her champion's meed.'
85He spoke to cheer Lord Marmion's mind;
Perchance to show his lore design'd;
 For Eustace much had pored
Upon a huge romantic tome,
In the hall-window of his home,
90Imprinted at the antique dome
 Of Caxton, or de Worde.
Therefore he spoke,—but spoke in vain,
For Marmion answer'd nought again.

V.
Now sudden, distant trumpets shrill,
95In notes prolong'd by wood and hill,
 Were heard to echo far;