Page:Marmion - Walter Scott (ed. Bayne, 1889).pdf/132

410I've fought, Lord-Lion, many a day,
In single fight, and mix'd affray,
And ever, I myself may say,
 Have borne me as a knight;
But when this unexpected foe
415Seem'd starting from the gulf below,—
I care not though the truth I show,—
 I trembled with affright;
And as I placed in rest my spear,
My hand so shook for very fear,
420I scarce could couch it right.

XXI.
'Why need my tongue the issue tell?
We ran our course,—my charger fell;—
What could he 'gainst the shock of hell?
 I roll'd upon the plain.
425High o'er my head, with threatening hand,
The spectre shook his naked brand,—
 Yet did the worst remain:
My dazzled eyes I upward cast,—
Not opening hell itself could blast
430 Their sight, like what I saw!
Full on his face the moonbeam strook!—
A face could never be mistook!
I knew the stern vindictive look,
 And held my breath for awe.
435I saw the face of one who, fled
To foreign climes, has long been dead,—
 I well believe the last;
For ne'er, from vizor raised, did stare
A human warrior, with a glare
440 So grimly and so ghast.
Thrice o'er my head he shook the blade;
But when to good Saint George I pray'd,
(The first time e'er I ask'd his aid),
 He plunged it in the sheath;