Page:Marmion - Walter Scott (ed. Bayne, 1889).pdf/191

For nought, he said, was in his halls,
But ancient armour on the walls,
And aged chargers in the stalls,
And women, priests, and grey-hair'd men;
280The rest were all in Twisel glen.
And now I watch my armour here,
By law of arms, till midnight's near;
Then, once again a belted knight,
Seek Surrey's camp with dawn of light.

X.
285'There soon again we meet, my Clare!
This Baron means to guide thee there:
Douglas reveres his King's command,
Else would he take thee from his band.
And there thy kinsman, Surrey, too,
290Will give De Wilton justice due.
Now meeter far for martial broil,
Firmer my limbs, and strung by toil,
Once more'———'O Wilton! must we then
Risk new-found happiness again,
295 Trust fate of arms once more?
And is there not an humble glen,
 Where we, content and poor,
Might build a cottage in the shade,
A shepherd thou, and I to aid
300 Thy task on dale and moor?———
That reddening brow!—too well I know,
Not even thy Clare can peace bestow,
 While falsehood stains thy name:
Go then to fight! Clare bids thee go!
305Clare can a warrior's feelings know,
 And weep a warrior's shame;
Can Red Earl Gilbert's spirit feel,
Buckle the spurs upon thy heel,
And belt thee with thy brand of steel,
310 And send thee forth to fame!'