Page:Marmion - Walter Scott (ed. Bayne, 1889).pdf/156

So stately his form, and so lovely her face,
That never a hall such a galliard did grace;
345While her mother did fret, and her father did fume,
And the bridegroom stood dangling his bonnet and plume;
And the bride-maidens whisper'd, ''Twere better by far,
To have match'd our fair cousin with young Lochinvar.'

One touch to her hand, and one word in her ear,
350When they reach'd the hall-door, and the charger stood near;
So light to the croupe the fair lady he swung,
So light to the saddle before her he sprung!
'She is won! we are gone, over bank, bush, and scaur;
They'll have fleet steeds that follow,' quoth young Lochinvar.

355There was mounting 'mong Graemes of the Netherby clan;
Forsters, Fenwicks, and Musgraves, they rode and they ran:
There was racing and chasing, on Cannobie Lee,
But the lost bride of Netherby ne'er did they see.
So daring in love, and so dauntless in war,
360Have ye e'er heard of gallant like young Lochinvar?

XIII.
The Monarch o'er the siren hung,
And beat the measure as she sung;
And, pressing closer, and more near,
He whisper'd praises in her ear.
365In loud applause the courtiers vied;
And ladies wink'd, and spoke aside.
 The witching dame to Marmion threw
  A glance, where seem'd to reign
 The pride that claims applauses due,
370 And of her royal conquest too,
  A real or feign'd disdain:
Familiar was the look, and told,
Marmion and she were friends of old.
The King observed their meeting eyes,
375With something like displeased surprise;