Page:Marmion - Walter Scott (ed. Bayne, 1889).pdf/189

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CANTO VI.
159
205If e'er my deadliest enemyBeneath my brand should conquer'd lie,Even then my mercy should awake,And spare his life for Austin's sake.
VII.'Still restless as a second Cain,210To Scotland next my route was ta'en, Full well the paths I knew.Fame of my fate made various sound,That death in pilgrimage I found,That I had perish'd of my wound,—215 None cared which tale was true:And living eye could never guessDe Wilton in his Palmer's dress;For now that sable slough is shed,And trimm'd my shaggy beard and head,220I scarcely know me in the glass.A chance most wondrous did provide,That I should be that Baron's guide— I will not name his name!—Vengeance to God alone belongs;225But, when I think on all my wrongs, My blood is liquid flame!And ne'er the time shall I forget,When in a Scottish hostel set, Dark looks we did exchange:230What were his thoughts I cannot tell;But in my bosom muster'd Hell Its plans of dark revenge.
VIII.'A word of vulgar augury,That broke from me, I scarce knew why,235 Brought on a village tale;Which wrought upon his moody sprite,And sent him armed forth by night. I borrow'd steed and mail,
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