Page:Marmion - Walter Scott (ed. Bayne, 1889).pdf/60

XXIX.
Lord Marmion then his boon did ask;
The Palmer took on him the task,
500So he would march with morning tide,
To Scottish court to be his guide.
'But I have solemn vows to pay,
And may not linger by the way,
 To fair St. Andrews bound,
505Within the ocean-cave to pray,
Where good Saint Rule his holy lay,
From midnight to the dawn of day,
 Sung to the billows' sound;
Thence to Saint Fillan's blessed well,
510Whose spring can frenzied dreams dispel,
 And the crazed brain restore:
Saint Mary grant, that cave or spring
Could back to peace my bosom bring,
 Or bid it throb no more!'

XXX.
515And now the midnight draught of sleep,
Where wine and spices richly steep,
In massive bowl of silver deep,
 The page presents on knee.
Lord Marmion drank a fair good rest,
520The Captain pledged his noble guest,
The cup went through among the rest,
 Who drain'd it merrily;
Alone the Palmer pass'd it by,
Though Selby press'd him courteously.
525This was a sign the feast was o'er;
It hush'd the merry wassel roar,
 The minstrels ceased to sound.
Soon in the castle nought was heard,
But the slow footstep of the guard,
530 Pacing his sober round.