And thus abruptly spake," We yield Still do our very children boast Of mitred Thurston, what a Host He conquered!-Saw we not the Plain, (And flying shall behold again) Where faith was proved? - while to battle moved The Standard on the Sacred wain, On which the grey-haired Barons stood, Shall Percy blush, then, for his Name? And God descended in his power, While the Monks prayed in Maiden's Bower. Less would not at our need be due Would re-establish and uphold.” -The Chiefs were by his zeal confounded, But word was given- and the trumpet sounded; Back through the melancholy Host Went Norton, and resumed his post. Alas! thought he, and have I borne Thus to become at once the scorn Of babbling winds as they go by, A spot of shame to the sun's bright eye, "Even these poor eight of mine would stem;" Half to himself, and half to them He spake, "would stem, or quell a force Ten times their number, man and horse; This by their own unaided might, Without their Father in their sight, Without the Cause for which they fight; A Cause, which on a needful day Would breed us thousands brave as they." -So speaking, he upraised his head Towards that Imagery once more; A shock of intimations vain, But her Faith leaned another way. Ill tears she wept, —I saw them fall, Sad words to that mute Animal, The White Doe, in the hawthorn brake; Her tender spirit and prevailed. Her other Parent, too, whose head Far back far back my mind must go To reach the well-spring of this woe! Thought followed thought- and ere the last Of that unhappy train was past, Before him Francis did appear. "Now when 'tis not your aim to oppose," "in open field your Foes; Said he, Now that from this decisive day Your multitude must melt away, Though in your cause no part I bear, Am grieved this backward march to see, I scorn your Chieftains, Men who lead, Of your misfortunes, that at least, Whatever fate remains behind, I may bear witness in my breast To your nobility of mind!" "Thou Enemy, my bane and blight! Oh! bold to fight the Coward's fight Against all good"—but why declare, At length, the issue of this prayer? |