XVII.

Displeased was James, that stranger viewed And tampered with his changing mood. “Laugh those that can, weep those that may,” Thus did the fiery monarch say, “Southward I march by break of day; And if within Tantallon strong, The good Lord Marmion tarries long, Perchance our meeting next may fall At Tamworth, in his castle-hall.” The haughty Marmion felt the taunt, And answered, grave, the royal vaunt:— “Much honoured were my humble home If in its halls King James should come; But Nottingham has archers good, And Yorkshire-men are stern of mood; Northumbrian prickers wild and rude. On Derby hills the paths are steep; In Ouse and Tyne the fords are deep; And many a banner will be torn, And many a knight to earth be borne, And many a sheaf of arrows spent, Ere Scotland’s king shall cross the Trent: Yet pause, brave prince, while yet you may.” The monarch lightly turned away, And to his nobles loud did call, “Lords, to the dance—a hall! a hall!” Himself his cloak and sword flung by, And led Dame Heron gallantly; And minstrels, at the royal order, Rung out “Blue Bonnets o’er the Border.”