EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN.

All last night we watched the beacons
Blazing on the hills afar,

Each one bearing, as it kindled,
Message of the opened war;

All night long the northern streamers.
Shot across the trembling sky:
Fearful lights, that never beacon
Save when kings or heroes die.

News of battle! who hath brought it?
All are thronging to the gate;
"Warder-warder! open quickly!

Man-is this a time to wait?"
And the heavy gates are opened:
Then a murmur long and loud,
And a cry of fear and wonder

Bursts from out the bending crowd.

For they see in battered harness
Only one hard-stricken man;
And his weary steed is wounded,.
And his cheek is pale and wan;
Spearless hangs a bloody banner

In his weak and drooping hand-
What! can that be Randolph Murray,
Captain of the city band?

Round him rush the people, crying,
"Tell us all-O, tell us true!
Where are they who went to battle,
Randolph Murray, sworn to you?
Where are they, our brothers-children?
Have they met the English foe?
Why art thou alone, unfollowed?
Is it weal or is it woe?"

371

372

EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN.

Chides his weary steed, and onward
Up the city-streets they ride;
Fathers, sisters, mothers, children,
Shrieking, praying by his side.

"By the God that made thee, Randolph !

Tell us what mischance hath come."

Then he lifts his riven banner,

And the asker's voice is dumb.

The elders of the city

Have met within their hall

The men whom good King James had charged
To watch the tower and wall.
"Your hands are weak with age," he said,

"Your hearts are stout and true;

So bide ye in the Maiden town,
While others fight for you.
My trumpet from the Border-side
Shall send a blast so clear,
That all who wait within the gate
That stirring sound may hear.

"Or, if it be the will of Heaven
That back I never come,
And if, instead of Scottish shouts,
Ye hear the English drum,—
Then let the warning bells ring out,
Then gird ye to the fray,

Then man the walls like burghers stout,
And fight while fight you may.
"Twere better that in fiery flame

The roof should thunder down,
Than that the foot of foreign foe
Should trample in the town!"

Then in came Randolph Murray,-
His step was slow and weak,
And as he doffed his dinted helm,
The tears ran down his cheek:

THE

THE KNIGHT'S TOAST.

THE KNIGHT'S TOAST.

HE feast is o'er! Now, brimming wine
In lordly cup is seen to shine
Before each eager guest;

And silence fills the crowded hall,
As deep as when the herald's call
Thrills in the loyal breast.

Then up arose the noble host,
And smiling cried: "A toast! a toast!
To all our ladies fair!
Here, before all, I pledge the name
Of Staunton's proud and beauteous dame,-
The Ladye Gundamere!"

Then to his feet each gallant sprung,
And joyous was the shout that rung,
As Stanley gave the word;

And every cup was raised on high,
Nor ceased the loud and gladsome cry,
Till Stanley's voice was heard.

375