It was the time when England's Queen 24 Twelve years had reigned, a Sovereign dread;[V] Nor yet the restless crown had been Disturbed upon her virgin head; But now the inly-working North Was ripe to send its thousands forth, A potent vassalage, to fight 30 In Percy's and in Neville's right,[W] Two Earls fast leagued in discontent, Who gave their wishes open vent; And boldly urged a general plea, The rites of ancient piety 35 To be triumphantly restored, By the stern justice of the sword![35] And that same Banner on whose breast The blameless Lady had exprest Memorials chosen to give life 40 And sunshine to a dangerous strife; That[36] Banner, waiting for the Call, Stood quietly in Rylstone-hall. It came; and Francis Norton said, "O Father! rise not in this fray-- 45 The hairs are white upon your head; Dear Father, hear me when I say It is for you too late a day! Bethink you of your own good name: A just and gracious queen have we, 50 A pure religion, and the claim Of peace on our humanity.-- 'Tis meet that I endure your scorn; I am your son, your eldest born; But not for lordship or for land, 55 My Father, do I clasp your knees; The Banner touch not, stay your hand, This multitude of men disband, And live at home in blameless[37] ease; For these my brethren's sake, for me; 60 And, most of all, for Emily!" Tumultuous noises filled the hall;[38] And scarcely could the Father hear That name--pronounced with a dying fall--[39][X] The name of his only Daughter dear, 65 As on[40] the banner which stood near He glanced a look of holy pride, And his moist[41] eyes were glorified; Then did he seize the staff, and say:[42] "Thou, Richard, bear'st thy father's name, 70 Keep thou this ensign till the day When I of thee require the same: Thy place be on my better hand;-- And seven as true as thou, I see, Will cleave to this good cause and me." 75 He spake, and eight brave sons straightway All followed him, a gallant band! Thus, with his sons, when forth he came The sight was hailed with loud acclaim And din of arms and minstrelsy,[43] 80 From all his warlike tenantry, All horsed and harnessed with him to ride,-- A voice[44] to which the hills replied!