When, from beneath the greenwood tree, So rode they forth in fair array, Till full their lengthened lines display; Then called a halt, and made a stand, And cried, "St George, for merry England!" XX. Now every English eye, intent, On Branksome's armed towers was bent; So near they were, that they might know Gleamed axe, and spear, and partizan; Falcon and culver,* on each tower, Stood prompt their deadly hail to shower; And flashing armour frequent broke From eddying whirls of sable smoke, XXI. Armed he rode, all save the head, His white beard o'er his breast-plate spread; Unbroke by age, erect his seat, He ruled his eager courser's gait; Forced him, with chasten'd fire, to prance, And, high curvetting, slow advance: * Ancient pieces of artillery. In sign of truce, his better hand Sped to the front of their array, To hear what this old knight should say. XXII. "Ye English warden lords, of you Demands the Ladye of Buccleuch, Why, 'gainst the truce of Border-tide, In hostile guise ye dare to ride, With Kendal bow, and Gilsland brand, And all yon mercenary band, Upon the bounds of fair Scotland? My Ladye reads you swith return; St Mary! but we'll light a brand, Shall warm your hearths in Cumberland." XXIII. A wrathful man was Dacre's lord, But calmer Howard took the word: "May't please thy Dame, Sir Seneschal, To seek the castle's outward wall, Both why we came, and when we go."- To the wall's outward circle came; Each chief around leaned on his spear, To see the pursuivant appear. All in Lord Howard's livery dressed, The lion argent decked his breast; He led a boy of blooming hue- XXIV. "It irks, high Dame, my noble Lords, 'Gainst ladye fair to draw their swords; It was but last St Cuthbert's even He pricked to Stapleton on Leven, And slew his brother by dint of glaive. * An asylum for outlaws. + Border treason. + Plundered. |