EUSTACE, I said, did blithely mark The first notes of the merry lark. The lark sang shrill, the cock he crew, And loudly Marmion’s bugles blew, And with their light and lively call, Brought groom and yeoman to the stall. Whistling they came, and free of heart, But soon their mood was changed; Complaint was heard on every part, Of something disarranged. Some clamoured loud for armour lost; Some brawled and wrangled with the host; “By Becket’s bones,” cried one, “I fear That some false Scot has stol’n my spear!” Young Blount, Lord Marmion’s second squire, Found his steed wet with sweat and mire; Although the rated horse-boy sware, Last night he dressed him sleek and fair. While chafed the impatient squire like thunder, Old Hubert shouts, in fear and wonder, “Help, gentle Blount! help, comrades all! Bevis lies dying in his stall: To Marmion who the plight dare tell, Of the good steed he loves so well?” Gaping for fear and ruth, they saw The charger panting on his straw; Till one who would seem wisest, cried, “What else but evil could betide, With that cursed Palmer for our guide? Better we had through mire and bush Been lantern-led by Friar Rush.” II. Fitz-Eustace, who the cause but guessed, Nor wholly understood, His comrades’ clamorous plaints suppressed; He knew Lord Marmion’s mood. Him, ere he issued forth, he sought, And found deep plunged in gloomy thought, And did his tale display Simply, as if he knew of nought To cause such disarray. Lord Marmion gave attention cold, Nor marvelled at the wonders told— Passed them as accidents of course, And bade his clarions sound to horse. III. Young Henry Blount, meanwhile, the cost Had reckoned with their Scottish host; And, as the charge he cast and paid, “Ill thou deserv’st thy hire,” he said; “Dost see, thou knave, my horse’s plight? Fairies have ridden him all the night, And left him in a foam! I trust that soon a conjuring band, With English cross, and blazing brand, Shall drive the devils from this land, To their infernal home: For in this haunted den, I trow, All night they trampled to and fro.” The laughing host looked on the hire— “Gramercy, gentle southern squire, And if thou com’st among the rest, With Scottish broadsword to be blest, Sharp be the brand, and sure the blow, And short the pang to undergo.” Here stayed their talk; for Marmion Gave now the signal to set on. The Palmer showing forth the way, They journeyed all the morning day. IV.