The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott ... Notes & life of the author.

DAN( ro T. wiE COM.R.
X XL
The Castle gates were open flung,
The quivering draw-bridge rocked and rung,
And echoed loud the flinty street
Beneath the coursers' clattering feet,
As slowly down the deep descent
Fair Scotland's King and nobles went,
While all along the crowded way
Was jubilee and loud huzza.
And ever James was bending low,
To his white jennet's saddle bow,
Doffing his cap to city dame,
Who smiled and blushed for pride and shanae
And well the simperer might be vain —
He chose the fairest of the train.
Gravely he greets each city sire,
Commends each pageant's quaint attire,
Gives to the dancers thanks aloud,
And smiles and nods upon the crowd,
Who rend the heavens with their acclaims,
"Long live the Commons' King, King Janlest"
Behind the King thronged peer and knight,
And noble dame and damsel bright,
Whose fiery steeds ill brooked the stay
Of the steep street and crowded way.,
But in the train you might discern
Dark lowering brow and visage stern:
There nobles mourned their pride restrainec
And the mean burghers' joys disdained;
And chiefs, who, hostage for their clan,
Were each from home a banished man,
There thought upon their own grey tower,
Their waving woods, their feudal power,
And deemed themselves a shameful part.
Of pageant, which they cursed in heart.
XX",
Now in the Castle-park, drew out
Their chequered bands the joyous rout.
There morricers, with bell at heel,
And blade in hand, their mazes wheel.
But chief, beside the butts, there stand
Bold Robin Hood and all his bandFriar Tuck with quarter-staff and cowl
Old. Scathelocke with his surly scowl,
Maid Marian, fair as ivory bone,
Scualet, and Match, and Little Johla