Page:Marmion - Walter Scott (ed. Bayne, 1889).pdf/53

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CANTO I.
23
More of his fate if thou wouldst learn, I left him sick in Lindisfarn:265Enough of him.—But, Heron, say,Why does thy lovely lady gayDisdain to grace the hall to-day?Or has that dame, so fair and sage,Gone on some pious pilgrimage?'—270He spoke in covert scorn, for fameWhisper'd light tales of Heron's dame.
XVII.Unmark'd, at least unreck'd, the taunt, Careless the Knight replied,'No bird, whose feathers gaily flaunt,275 Delights in cage to bide:Norham is grim and grated close,Hemm'd in by battlement and fosse, And many a darksome tower;And better loves my lady bright280To sit in liberty and light, In fair Queen Margaret's bower.We hold our greyhound in our hand, Our falcon on our glove;But where shall we find leash or band,285 For dame that loves to rove?Let the wild falcon soar her swing,She'll stoop when she has tired her wing.'—
XVIII.'Nay, if with Royal James's brideThe lovely Lady Heron bide,290Behold me here a messenger,Your tender greetings prompt to bear;For, to the Scottish court address'd,I journey at our King's behest,And pray you, of your grace, provide295For me, and mine, a trusty guide.
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