Marmion by Bayne, Thomas, Scott, Walter, Sir, 1771-1832

XX.

And why stands Scotland idly now, Dark Flodden! on thy airy brow, Since England gains the pass the while, 600 And struggles through the deep defile? What checks the fiery soul of James? Why sits that champion of the dames Inactive on his steed, And sees, between him and his land, 605 Between him and Tweed's southern strand, His host Lord Surrey lead? What 'vails the vain knight-errant's brand?-- O, Douglas, for thy leading wand! Fierce Randolph, for thy speed! 610 O for one hour of Wallace wight, Or well-skill'd Bruce, to rule the fight, And cry--'Saint Andrew and our right!' Another sight had seen that morn, From Fate's dark book a leaf been torn, 615 And Flodden had been Bannockbourne!-- The precious hour has pass'd in vain, And England's host has gain'd the plain; Wheeling their march, and circling still, Around the base of Flodden hill. 620

XXI.

Ere yet the bands met Marmion's eye, Fitz-Eustace shouted loud and high, 'Hark! hark! my lord, an English drum! And see ascending squadrons come Between Tweed's river and the hill, 625 Foot, horse, and cannon:--hap what hap, My basnet to a prentice cap, Lord Surrey's o'er the Till!-- Yet more! yet more!--how far array'd They file from out the hawthorn shade, 630 And sweep so gallant by! With all their banners bravely spread, And all their armour flashing high, Saint George might waken from the dead, To see fair England's standards fly.'-- 635 '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; The river must be quickly cross'd, 640 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 Shall tarry, while the battle joins.' 645

XXII.