Page:Marmion - Walter Scott (ed. Bayne, 1889).pdf/159

Across the Monarch's brow there came
A cloud of ire, remorse, and shame.

XVI.
In answer nought could Angus speak;
His proud heart swell'd wellnigh to break:
450He turn'd 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,
455Angus, 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,
460In speech more free, in war more bold,
 More tender and more true:
Forgive me, Douglas, once again.'—
And, while the King his hand did strain,
The old man's tears fell down like rain.
465To seize the moment Marmion tried,
And whisper'd to the King aside:
'Oh! let such tears unwonted plead
For respite short from dubious deed!
A child will weep a bramble's smart,
470A maid to see her sparrow part,
A stripling for a woman's heart:
But woe awaits a country, when
She sees the tears of bearded men.
Then, oh! what omen, dark and high,
475When Douglas wets his manly eye!'

XVII.
Displeased was James, that stranger view'd
And tamper'd with his changing mood.
'Laugh those that can, weep those that may,'
Thus did the fiery Monarch say,
480'Southward I march by break of day;