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XXVI.
"And let them come!" fierce Dacre cried;
"For soon yon crest, my father's pride,
That swept the shores of Judah's sea,
And waved in gales of Galilee,
From Branksome's highest towers displayed,
Shall mock the rescue's lingering aid—
Level each harquebuss on row;
Draw, merry archers, draw the bow;
Up, bill-men, to the walls, and cry,
Dacre for England, win or die!"
"And let them come!" fierce Dacre cried;
"For soon yon crest, my father's pride,
That swept the shores of Judah's sea,
And waved in gales of Galilee,
From Branksome's highest towers displayed,
Shall mock the rescue's lingering aid—
Level each harquebuss on row;
Draw, merry archers, draw the bow;
Up, bill-men, to the walls, and cry,
Dacre for England, win or die!"
XXVII.
"Yet hear," quoth Howard, "calmly hear,
Nor deem my words the words of fear;
For who in field or foray slack
Saw the blanche lion e'er fall back?
But thus to risque our Border flower
In strife against a kingdom's power,
"Yet hear," quoth Howard, "calmly hear,
Nor deem my words the words of fear;
For who in field or foray slack
Saw the blanche lion e'er fall back?
But thus to risque our Border flower
In strife against a kingdom's power,
