So shall he strive, in changeful hue, And loves, and arms, and harpers' glee, Canto Fifth. The Court. I. HE train has left the hills of Braid; The barrier guard have open made (So Lindesay bade) the palisade, Fast ran the Scottish warriors there, Through links of mail, and plates of steel, II. OR less did Marmion's skilful view Glance every line and squadron through; And much he marvell'd one small land Heavily sheathed in mail and plate, Young knights and squires, a lighter train, Practised their chargers on the plain, To pass, to wheel, the croupe to gain, He saw the hardy burghers there March arm'd, on foot, with faces bare,+ Nor waving plume, nor crest of knight; Long pikes they had for standing fight, And many wielded mace of weight, III. IN foot the yeoman too,† but dress'd Each at his back (a slender store) As feudal statutes tell. His arms were halbert, axe, or spear, And march to foreign strand ; Or musing, who would guide his steer, Yet deem not, in his thoughtful eye Then theirs, who, scorning danger's name, Their valour like light straw on flame, A fierce but fading fire. IV. OT so the Borderer :-bred to war, And joyed to hear it swell. His peaceful day was slothful ease; Nor harp, nor pipe, his ear could please, Like the loud slogan yell. On active steed, with lance and blade, The light-arm'd pricker plied his trade,Let nobles fight for fame; Let vassals follow where they lead, Burghers to guard their townships bleed, But war's the Borderer's game. Their gain, their glory, their delight, |