Xxvi

Then clamored loud the royal train, And brandished swords and staves amain, But stern the Baron's warning--"Back! Back, on your lives, ye menial pack! Beware the Douglas.--Yes! behold, King James! the Douglas, doomed of old, And vainly sought for near and far, A victim to atone the war, A willing victim, now attends, Nor craves thy grace but for his friends." "Thus is my clemency repaid? Presumptuous Lord!" the monarch said; "Of thy misproud ambitious clan, Thou, James of Bothwell, wert the man, The only man, in whom a foe My woman-mercy would not know: But shall a Monarch's presence brook Injurious blow, and haughty look? What ho! the Captain of our Guard! Give the offender fitting ward. Break off the sports!"--for tumult rose, And yeomen 'gan to bend their bows-- "Break off the sports!" he said, and frowned, "And bid our horsemen clear the ground."