Page:Marmion - Walter Scott (ed. Bayne, 1889).pdf/189

205If e'er my deadliest enemy
Beneath my brand should conquer'd lie,
Even then my mercy should awake,
And spare his life for Austin's sake.

VII.
'Still restless as a second Cain,
210To Scotland next my route was ta'en,
 Full well the paths I knew.
Fame of my fate made various sound,
That death in pilgrimage I found,
That I had perish'd of my wound,—
215 None cared which tale was true:
And living eye could never guess
De Wilton in his Palmer's dress;
For now that sable slough is shed,
And trimm'd my shaggy beard and head,
220I scarcely know me in the glass.
A chance most wondrous did provide,
That I should be that Baron's guide—
 I will not name his name!—
Vengeance to God alone belongs;
225But, when I think on all my wrongs,
 My blood is liquid flame!
And ne'er the time shall I forget,
When in a Scottish hostel set,
 Dark looks we did exchange:
230What were his thoughts I cannot tell;
But in my bosom muster'd Hell
 Its plans of dark revenge.

VIII.
'A word of vulgar augury,
That broke from me, I scarce knew why,
235 Brought on a village tale;
Which wrought upon his moody sprite,
And sent him armed forth by night.
 I borrow'd steed and mail,