While Lindesay told his marvel strange, The twilight was so pale, He mark'd not Marmion's colour change, 365 While listening to the tale: But, after a suspended pause, The Baron spoke:--'Of Nature's laws So strong I held the force, That never superhuman cause 370 Could e'er control their course; And, three days since, had judged your aim Was but to make your guest your game. But I have seen, since past the Tweed, What much has changed my sceptic creed, 375 And made me credit aught.'--He staid, And seem'd to wish his words unsaid: But, by that strong emotion press'd, Which prompts us to unload our breast, Even when discovery's pain, 380 To Lindesay did at length unfold The tale his village host had told, At Gifford, to his train. Nought of the Palmer says he there, And nought of Constance, or of Clare; 385 The thoughts, which broke his sleep, he seems To mention but as feverish dreams. XIX. 'In vain,' said he, 'to rest I spread My burning limbs, and couch'd my head: Fantastic thoughts return'd; 390 And, by their wild dominion led, My heart within me burn'd. So sore was the delirious goad, I took my steed, and forth I rode, And, as the moon shone bright and cold, 395 Soon reach'd the camp upon the wold. The southern entrance I pass'd through, And halted, and my bugle blew. Methought an answer met my ear,-- Yet was the blast so low and drear, 400 So hollow, and so faintly blown, It might be echo of my own. XX. 'Thus judging, for a little space I listen'd, ere I left the place; But scarce could trust my eyes, 405 Nor yet can think they serve me true, When sudden in the ring I view, In form distinct of shape and hue, A mounted champion rise.-- I've fought, Lord-Lion, many a day, 410 In single fight, and mix'd affray, And ever, I myself may say, Have borne me as a knight; But when this unexpected foe Seem'd starting from the gulf below,-- 415 I care not though the truth I show,-- I trembled with affright; And as I placed in rest my spear, My hand so shook for very fear, I scarce could couch it right. 420 XXI.