Page:The Lay of the Last Minstrel - Scott (1805).djvu/95

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XXVIII.
Fair Margaret from the turret head,
Heard, far below, the coursers' tread,
 While loud the harness rung,
As to their seats, with clamour dread,
 The ready horsemen sprung:
And trampling hoofs, and iron coats,
And leaders' voices, mingled notes,
  And out! and out!
  In hasty route,
 The horsemen galloped forth;
Dispersing to the south to scout,
 And east, and west, and north,
To view their coming enemies,
And warn their vassals and allies.

XXIX.
The ready page, with hurried hand,
Awaked the need-fire's^[1] slumbering brand,

1. Need-fire, beacon.