XVI.

In answer nought could Angus speak; His proud heart swelled well-nigh to break: He turned aside, and down his cheek A burning tear there stole. His hand the monarch sudden took; That sight his kind heart could not brook: “Now, by the Bruce’s soul, Angus, my hasty speech forgive! For sure as doth his spirit live, As he said of the Douglas old, I well may say of you— That never king did subject hold In speech more free, in war more bold, More tender and more true: Forgive me, Douglas, once again.” And while the king his hand did strain, The old man’s tears fell down like rain. To seize the moment Marmion tried, And whispered to the king aside: “Oh! let such tears unwonted plead For respite short from dubious deed! A child will weep a bramble’s smart, A maid to see her sparrow part, A stripling for a woman’s heart: But woe awaits a country when She sees the tears of bearded men. Then, oh! what omen, dark and high, When Douglas wets his manly eye!”