The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott, with memoir of the author.

CANTo Iv.] THE LAST MINSTREL. 125
VIII.
From fair St. Mary's silver wave,
From dreary Gamescleugh's dusky height,
His ready lances Thirlestane brave
Array'd beneath a banner bright.
The tressured fleur-de-luce he claims
To wreathe his shield, since royal James,
Encamp'd by Fala's mossy wave,
The proud distinction grateful gave,
For faith'mid feudal jars;
What time, save Thirlestane alone,
Of Scotland's stubborn barons none
Would march to Southern wars;
And hence, in fair remembrance worn,
Yon sheaf of spears his crest has borne;
Hence his high motto shines reveal'd"Ready, aye ready," for the field.'
IX.
An aged Knight, to danger steel'd,
With many a moss-trooper, came on;
And azure in a golden field,
The stars and crescent graced his shield,
Without the bend of Murdieston.2
Wide lay his lands round Oakwood tower,
And wide round haunted Castle-Ower;
High over Borthwick's mountain flood,
1 See Appendix, Note C 2.
2 See Appendix, Note D 2.