XII.

Another aspect Crichtoun showed, As through its portal Marmion rode; But yet ’twas melancholy state Received him at the outer gate; For none were in the castle then, But women, boys, or aged men. With eyes scarce dried, the sorrowing dame, To welcome noble Marmion came; Her son, a stripling twelve years old, Proffered the baron’s rein to hold; For each man that could draw a sword Had marched that morning with their lord, Earl Adam Hepburn—he who died On Flodden, by his sovereign’s side Long may his lady look in vain! She ne’er shall see his gallant train Come sweeping back through Crichtoun Dean. ’Twas a brave race, before the name Of hated Bothwell stained their fame.