Now was the North in arms:--they shine 95 In warlike trim from Tweed to Tyne, At Percy's voice: and Neville sees His Followers gathering in from Tees, From Were, and all the little rills Concealed among the forkèd hills-- 100 Seven hundred Knights, Retainers all Of Neville, at their Master's call Had sate together in Raby Hall![CC] Such strength that Earldom held of yore; Nor wanted at this time rich store 105 Of well-appointed chivalry. --Not both the sleepy lance to wield, And greet the old paternal shield, They heard the summons;--and, furthermore, Horsemen and Foot of each degree,[63] 110 Unbound by pledge of fealty, Appeared, with free and open hate Of novelties in Church and State; night, burgher, yeoman, and esquire; And Romish priest,[64] in priest's attire. 115 And thus, in arms, a zealous Band Proceeding under joint command, To Durham first their course they bear; And in Saint Cuthbert's ancient seat Sang mass,--and tore the book of prayer,-- 120 And trod the bible beneath their feet. Thence marching southward smooth and free "They mustered their host at Wetherby, Full sixteen thousand fair to see;"[DD] The Choicest Warriors of the North! 125 But none for beauty and for worth[65] Like those eight Sons--who, in a ring,[66] (Ripe men, or blooming in life's spring)[67] Each with a lance, erect and tall, A falchion, and a buckler small, 130 Stood by their Sire, on Clifford-moor,[EE] [68]To guard the Standard which he bore. On foot they girt their Father round; And so will keep the appointed ground Where'er their march: no steed will he[69] 135 Henceforth bestride;--triumphantly, He stands upon the grassy sod,[70] Trusting himself to the earth, and God. Rare sight to embolden and inspire! Proud was the field of Sons and Sire; 140 Of him the most; and, sooth to say, No shape of man in all the array So graced the sunshine of that day. The monumental pomp of age Was with this goodly Personage; 145 A stature undepressed in size, Unbent, which rather seemed to rise, In open victory o'er the weight Of seventy years, to loftier[71] height; Magnific limbs of withered state; 150 A face to fear and venerate; Eyes dark and strong; and on his head Bright[72] locks of silver hair, thick spread, Which a brown morion half-concealed, Light as a hunter's of the field; 155 And thus, with girdle round his waist, Whereon the Banner-staff might rest At need, he stood, advancing high The glittering, floating Pageantry.