Here did they rest.--The princely care Of Douglas, why should I declare, Or say they met reception fair? 995 Or why the tidings say, Which, varying, to Tantallon came, By hurrying posts, or fleeter fame, With every varying day? And, first, they heard King James had won 1000 Etall, and Wark, and Ford; and then, That Norham Castle strong was ta'en. At that sore marvell'd Marmion;-- And Douglas hoped his Monarch's hand Would soon subdue Northumberland: 1005 But whisper'd news there came, That, while his host inactive lay, And melted by degrees away, King James was dallying off the day With Heron's wily dame.-- 1010 Such acts to chronicles I yield; Go seek them there, and see: Mine is a tale of Flodden Field, And not a history.-- At length they heard the Scottish host 1015 On that high ridge had made their post, Which frowns o'er Millfield Plain; And that brave Surrey many a band Had gather'd in the Southern land, And march'd into Northumberland, 1020 And camp at Wooler ta'en. Marmion, like charger in the stall, That hears, without, the trumpet-call, Began to chafe, and swear:-- 'A sorry thing to hide my head 1025 In castle, like a fearful maid, When such a field is near! Needs must I see this battle-day: Death to my fame if such a fray Were fought, and Marmion away! 1030 The Douglas, too, I wot not why, Hath 'bated of his courtesy: No longer in his halls I'll stay.' Then bade his band they should array For march against the dawning day. 1035

INTRODUCTION TO CANTO SIXTH.

TO RICHARD HEBER, ESQ.

Mertoun-House, Christmas.