The monastery; The abbot.

528 WAVEIRLEY NOVELS.
seemed exhausted; but their rage was unabated, and their obstinacy unsubdued, when Roland, who turned eye and ear to all around him, saw a column
of infantry, headed by a few horsemen, wheel round the base of the bank
where he had stationed himself, and, levelling their long lances, attack the
Queen's vanguard, closely engaged as they were in conflict on their front.
The very first- glance showed him that the leader who directed this movement was the Knight of Avenel, his ancient master; and the next convinced
him, that its effects would be decisive. The result of the attack of fresh
and unbroken forces upon the flank of those already wearied with a long
and obstinate struggle, was, indeed, instantaneous.
The column of the assailants, which had hitherto shown one dark, dense,
and united line of helmets, surmounted with plumage, was at once broken
and hurled in confusion down the hill, which they had so long endeavoured
to gain. In vain were the leaders heard calling upon their followers to
stand to the combat, and seen personally resisting when all resistance was
evidently vain. They were slain, or felled to the earth, or hurried backwards by the mingled tide of flight and pursuit. What were Roland's
feelings on beholding the rout, and feeling that all that remained for him
was to turn bridle, and endeavour to ensure the safety of the Queen's person!
Yet, keen as his grief and shame might be, they were both forgotten, when,
almost close beneath the bank which he occupied, he saw Henry Seyton
forced away from his own party in the tumult, covered with dust and blood,
and defending himself desperately against several of the enemy who had
gathered around him, attracted by his gay armour. Roland paused not a
moment, but pushing his steed down the bank, leaped him amongst the
hostile party, dealt three or four blows amongst them, which struck down
two, and made the rest stand aloof; then reaching Seyton his hand, he
exhorted him to seize fast on his horse's mane.
"We live or die together this day," said he; " keep but fast hold till we
are out of the press, and then my horse is yours."
Seyton heard and exerted his remaining strength, and, by their joint
efforts, Roland brought him out of danger, and behind the spot from whence
he had witnessed the disastrous conclusion of the fight. But no sooner
were they undei -shelter of the trees, than Seyton let go his hold, and, in
spite of Roland's efforts to support him, fell at length on the turf. "Trouble
yourself no more with me," he said; " this is my first and my last battle
— and I have already seen too much to wish to see the close. Hasten to.
saire the Queen-and commend me to Catherine-she will never more be
mnistaken for me nor I for her-the last sword-stroke has made an eternal
distinction."
"Let me aid you to mount my horse," said Roland, eagerly, " and you
may yet be saved-I can find my own way on foot-turn but my horse's
\ead westward, and he will carry you fleet and easy as the wind."
" will never mount steed more," said the youth; " farewell-I love thee
better dying, than ever I thought to have done while in life-I would that
old man's blood were not on my hand!-Sancte Benedicte, ora pro m,-~
Stand not to look on a dying man, but haste to save the Queen!"
These words were spoken with the last effort of his voice, and scarce were;hey uttered ere the speaker was no more. They recalled Roland to a sense
3f the duty which he had well-nigh forgotten, but they did not reach his
ears only.
"The Queen where is the Queen?" said Halbert Glendinning, who,
followed by two or three horsemen, appeared at this instant. Roland made
po answer, but, turning his horse, and confiding in his speed, gave him at
once rein and spur, and rode over height and hollow towards the Castle of
Crookstone. More heavily armed, and mounted upon a horse of less speed,
Sir Halbert Glendinning followed with couched lance, calling out as he rode,
" Sir, with the holly-branch, halt, and show your right to bear that badge