He ended,--or she heard no more; He led her from the yew-tree shade, And at the mansion's silent door, He kissed the consecrated Maid; 255 And down the valley then pursued,[57] Alone, the armèd Multitude. CANTO THIRD Now joy for you who from the towers Of Brancepeth look in doubt and fear,[AA][58] Telling melancholy hours! Proclaim it, let your Masters hear That Norton with his band is near! 5 The watchmen from their station high Pronounced the word,--and the Earls descry, Well-pleased, the armèd Company[59] Marching down the banks of Were. Said fearless Norton to the pair 10 Gone forth to greet[60] him on the plain "This meeting, noble Lords! looks fair, I bring with me a goodly train; Their hearts are with you: hill and dale Have helped us: Ure we crossed, and Swale, 15 And horse and harness followed--see The best part of their Yeomanry! --Stand forth, my Sons!--these eight are mine, Whom to this service I commend; Which way soe'er our fate incline, 20 These will be faithful to the end; They are my all"--voice failed him here-- "My all save one, a Daughter dear! Whom I have left, Love's mildest birth,[61] The meekest Child on this blessed earth. 25 I had--but these are by my side, These Eight, and this is a day of pride! The time is ripe. With festive din Lo! how the people are flocking in,-- Like hungry fowl to the feeder's hand 30 When snow lies heavy upon the land." He spake bare truth; for far and near From every side came noisy swarms Of Peasants in their homely gear; And, mixed with these, to Brancepeth came 35 Grave Gentry of estate and name, And Captains known for worth in arms; And prayed the Earls in self-defence To rise, and prove their innocence.-- "Rise, noble Earls, put forth your might 40 For holy Church, and the People's right!"