Versos English James Miller Benhale

English poem

Benhale

by (1860–1947)

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Ye Scots! behold your champion slain, and tremble: As the bull’s head, when set at baron’s banquet, So nicely deck’d with garlands and rosemary, Foretells assassination to the guest; So this gigantic head upon my spear, Which as a garland on my crest I’ll wear, [He cuts off his opponent’s head, and places it on his spear. Foretells defeat, destruction to your army, God save the king!

[Shouts from the English, accompanied with execrations from the Scots. The armies now mutually engage, and the scene closes.