Page:Marmion - Walter Scott (ed. Bayne, 1889).pdf/201

'Stint in thy prate,' quoth Blount, 'thou'dst best,
And listen to our lord's behest.'—
With kindling brow Lord Marmion said,—
'This instant be our band array'd;
640The river must be quickly cross'd,
That we may join Lord Surrey's host.
If fight King James,—as well I trust,
That fight he will, and fight he must,—
The Lady Clare behind our lines
645Shall tarry, while the battle joins.'

XXII.
Himself he swift on horseback threw,
Scarce to the Abbot bade adieu;
Far less would listen to his prayer,
To leave behind the helpless Clare.
650Down to the Tweed his band he drew,
And mutter'd as the flood they view,
'The pheasant in the falcon's claw,
He scarce will yield to please a daw:
Lord Angus may the Abbot awe,
655 So Clare shall bide with me.'
Then on that dangerous ford, and deep,
Where to the Tweed Leat's eddies creep,
 He ventured desperately:
And not a moment will he bide,
660Till squire, or groom, before him ride;
Headmost of all he stems the tide,
 And stems it gallantly.
Eustace held Clare upon her horse,
 Old Hubert led her rein,
665Stoutly they braved the current's course,
And, though far downward driven per force,
 The southern bank they gain;
Behind them, straggling, came to shore,
 As best they might, the train:
670Each o'er his head his yew-bow bore,
 A caution not in vain;