Nor mark'd they less, where in the air A thousand streamers flaunted fair; Various in shape, device, and hue, Green, sanguine, purple, red, and blue, Broad, narrow, swallow-tail'd, and square, 565 Scroll, pennon, pensil, bandrol, there O'er the pavilions flew. Highest, and midmost, was descried The royal banner floating wide; The staff, a pine-tree, strong and straight, 570 Pitch'd deeply in a massive stone, Which still in memory is shown, Yet bent beneath the standard's weight Whene'er the western wind unroll'd, With toil, the huge and cumbrous fold, 575 And gave to view the dazzling field, Where, in proud Scotland's royal shield, The ruddy lion ramp'd in gold. XXIX. Lord Marmion view'd the landscape bright,-- He view'd it with a chiefs delight,-- 580 Until within him burn'd his heart, And lightning from his eye did part, As on the battle-day; Such glance did falcon never dart, When stooping on his prey. 585 'Oh! well, Lord-Lion, hast thou said, Thy King from warfare to dissuade Were but a vain essay: For, by St. George, were that host mine, Not power infernal, nor divine, 590 Should once to peace my soul incline, Till I had dimm'd their armour's shine In glorious battle-fray!' Answer'd the Bard, of milder mood: 'Fair is the sight,--and yet 'twere good, 595 That Kings would think withal, When peace and wealth their land has bless'd, 'Tis better to sit still at rest, Than rise, perchance to fall.' XXX.