While thus he brooded, music sweet Of border tunes was played to cheer The footsteps of a quick retreat; But Norton lingered in the rear, Stung with sharp thoughts; and ere the last 300 From his distracted brain was cast, Before his Father, Francis stood, And spake in firm and earnest mood.[95]
"Though here I bend a suppliant knee In reverence, and unarmed, I bear 305 In your indignant thoughts my share; Am grieved this backward march to see So careless and disorderly. I scorn your Chiefs--men who would lead, And yet want courage at their need: 310 Then look at them with open eyes! Deserve they further sacrifice?-- If--when they shrink, nor dare oppose In open field their gathering foes, (And fast, from this decisive day, 315 Yon multitude must melt away;) If now I ask a grace not claimed While ground was left for hope; unblamed Be an endeavour that can do No injury to them or you.[96] 320 My Father! I would help to find A place of shelter, till the rage Of cruel men do like the wind Exhaust itself and sink to rest; Be Brother now to Brother joined! 325 Admit me in the equipage Of your misfortunes, that at least, Whatever fate remain[97] behind, I may bear witness in my breast To your nobility of mind!" 330
"Thou Enemy, my bane and blight! Oh! bold to fight the Coward's fight Against all good"--but why declare, At length, the issue of a prayer Which love had prompted, yielding scope 335 Too free to one bright moment's hope?[98] Suffice it that the Son, who strove With fruitless effort to allay That passion, prudently gave way;[99] Nor did he turn aside to prove 340 His Brothers' wisdom or their love-- But calmly from the spot withdrew; His best endeavours[100] to renew, Should e'er a kindlier time ensue.
'Tis night: in silence looking down, The Moon, from cloudless ether, sees[101] A Camp, and a beleaguered Town, And Castle like a stately crown On the steep rocks of winding Tees;-- 5 And southward far, with moor between, Hill-top, and flood, and forest green,[102] The bright Moon sees that valley small Where Rylstone's old sequestered Hall A venerable image yields 10 Of quiet to the neighbouring fields; While from one pillared chimney breathes The smoke, and mounts in silver wreaths.[103] --The courts are hushed;--for timely sleep The grey-hounds to their kennel creep; 15 The peacock in the broad ash tree Aloft is roosted for the night, He who in proud prosperity Of colours manifold and bright Walked round, affronting the daylight; 20 And higher still, above the bower Where he is perched, from yon lone Tower The hall-clock in the clear moonshine With glittering finger points at nine.