The Castle gates were open flung, The quivering drawbridge rock'd and rung, And echo'd loud the flinty street Beneath the coursers' clattering feet, As slowly down the steep descent Fair Scotland's King and nobles went, While all along the crowded way Was jubilee and loud huzza. And ever James was bending low, To his white jennet's[303] saddlebow, Doffing his cap to city dame, Who smiled and blush'd for pride and shame. And well the simperer might be vain,-- He chose the fairest of the train. Gravely he greets each city sire, Commends each pageant's quaint attire, Gives to the dancers thanks aloud, And smiles and nods upon the crowd, Who rend the heavens with their acclaims,-- "Long live the Commons' King,[304] King James!" Behind the King throng'd peer and knight, And noble dame, and damsel bright, Whose fiery steeds ill brook'd the stay Of the steep street and crowded way. --But in the train you might discern Dark lowering brow, and visage stern: There nobles mourn'd their pride restrain'd, And the mean burgher's joys disdain'd; And chiefs, who, hostage for their clan, Were each from home a banish'd man, There thought upon their own gray tower, Their waving woods, their feudal power, And deem'd themselves a shameful part Of pageant which they cursed in heart. [303] A small Spanish horse. [304] Like Henry VIII. in England, and Louis XI. in France, James V. had checked the lawless nobles, and favored the commons or burghers. XXII. Now, in the Castle-park, drew out Their checker'd[305] bands the joyous rout. There morrisers, with bell at heel, And blade in hand, their mazes wheel; But chief, beside the butts, there stand Bold Robin Hood[306] and all his band,-- Friar Tuck with quarterstaff and cowl, Old Scathlock with his surly scowl, Maid Marian, fair as ivory bone, Scarlet, and Mutch, and Little John;[307] Their bugles challenge all that will, In archery to prove their skill. The Douglas bent a bow of might,-- His first shaft centered in the white, And when in turn he shot again, His second split the first in twain. From the King's hand must Douglas take A silver dart,[308] the archer's stake; Fondly he watch'd, with watery eye, Some answering glance of sympathy,-- No kind emotion made reply! Indifferent as to archer wight,[309] The Monarch gave the arrow bright. [305] In clothing of varied form and color. [306] A renowned English outlaw and robber, supposed to have lived at the end of the twelfth and beginning of the thirteenth century, and to have frequented Sherwood Forest. Characters representing him and his followers were often introduced into the popular games. [307] All six were followers of Robin Hood. [308] The usual prize to the best shooter was a silver arrow. [309] A simple, ordinary archer.