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

186 VA-RUION. OTATO V,
For monarchs ill can rivals brook,
Even in a word, or smile, or look.
Straight took he forth the parchment- broad,
Which Marmion's high commission showed-:
"Our Borders sacked by many a raid,
Our peaceful liege-men robbed," he said;
"On day of truce our Warden slain,
Stout Barton killed, his vessels ta'enUnworthy were we here to reign,
Should these for vengeance cry in vain;
Our full defiance, hate and scorn,
Our herald has to Henry borne."XIn
He paused, and led where Douglas stood,
And with stern eye the pageant viewed;
I mean that Douglas, sixth of yore,
Who coronet of Angus bore,
And, when his blood and heart were high,
Did the third James in camp defy,
And all his minions led to die
On Lauder's dreary fiat:
Princes and favourites long grew tame,
And trembled at the homely name
Of Archibald Bell-the-Cat.
The same who left the dusky vale
Of Hermitage in Liddisdale,
Its dungeons, and its towers,
Where Bothwell's turrets brave the air,
And Bothwell bank is blooming fair,
To fix his princely bowers.
Though now, in age, he had laid down
His armour for the peaceful gown,.
And for a staff his brand,
Yet often would flash forth the fire,
That could, in youth, a monarch's ire
And minion's pride withstand;
And even that day, at council board,
Unapt to soothe his sovereign's mood,
Against the war had Angus stood,
And chafed his royal lord.
XV.
His giant-form, like ruinel tower,
Though fallen its muscles' brawny vauit,