Who sees him?--thousands see,[73] and One 160 With unparticipated gaze; Who, 'mong those[74] thousands, friend hath none, And treads in solitary ways. He, following wheresoe'er he might, Hath watched the Banner from afar, 165 As shepherds watch a lonely star, Or mariners the distant light That guides them through[75] a stormy night. And now, upon a chosen plot Of rising ground, yon heathy spot! 170 He takes alone[76] his far-off stand, With breast unmailed, unweaponed hand. Bold is his aspect; but his eye Is pregnant with anxiety, While, like a tutelary Power, 175 He there stands fixed from hour to hour: Yet sometimes in more humble guise, Upon the turf-clad height he lies Stretched, herdsman-like, as if to bask In sunshine were his only task,[77] 180 Or by his mantle's help to find A shelter from the nipping wind: And thus, with short oblivion blest, His weary spirits gather rest. Again he lifts his eyes; and lo! 185 The pageant glancing to and fro; And hope is wakened by the sight, He[78] thence may learn, ere fall of night, Which way the tide is doomed to flow. To London were the Chieftains bent; 190 But what avails the bold intent? A Royal army is gone forth To quell the RISING OF THE NORTH; They march with Dudley at their head, And, in seven days' space, will to York be led!-- Can such a mighty Host be raised 196 Thus suddenly, and brought so near? The Earls upon each other gazed, And Neville's cheek grew pale with fear; For, with a high and valiant name, 200 He bore a heart of timid frame;[79] And bold if both had been, yet they "Against so many may not stay."[FF] Back therefore will they hie to seize[80] A strong Hold on the banks of Tees; 205 There wait a favourable hour, Until Lord Dacre with his power From Naworth come;[81][GG] and Howard's aid Be with them openly displayed.