Page:Marmion - Walter Scott (ed. Bayne, 1889).pdf/197

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CANTO VI.
167
Last night it hung not in the hall;I thought some marvel would befall.495And next I saw them saddled leadOld Cheviot forth, the Earl's best steed;A matchless horse, though something old,Prompt to his paces, cool and bold.I heard the Sheriff Sholto say,500The Earl did much the Master prayTo use him on the battle-day;But he preferr'd'———'Nay, Henry, cease!Thou sworn horse-courser, hold thy peace.—Eustace, thou bear'st a brain—I pray,505What did Blount see at break of day?'
XVII.'In brief, my lord, we both descried(For then I stood by Henry's side)The Palmer mount, and outwards ride, Upon the Earl's own favourite steed:510All sheathed he was in armour bright,And much resembled that same knight,Subdued by you in Cotswold fight: Lord Angus wish'd him speed.'—The instant that Fitz-Eustace spoke,515A sudden light on Marmion broke;—'Ah! dastard fool, to reason lost!'He mutter'd; 'Twas nor fay nor ghostI met upon the moonlight wold,But living man of earthly mould.—520 O dotage blind and gross!Had I but fought as wont, one thrustHad laid De Wilton in the dust, My path no more to cross.—How stand we now?—he told his tale525To Douglas; and with some avail; 'Twas therefore gloom'd his rugged brow.—Will Surrey dare to entertain,'Gainst Marmion, charge disproved and vain? Small risk of that, I trow.
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