89
No tidings of the foe were brought,
Nor of his numbers knew they ought,
Nor what in time of truce he sought.
Some said that there were thousands ten;
And others weened that it was nought,
But Leven clans, or Tynedale men,
Who came to gather in black mail[1];
And Liddesdale, with small avail,
Might drive them lightly back agen.
So passed the anxious night away,
And welcome was the peep of day.
Nor of his numbers knew they ought,
Nor what in time of truce he sought.
Some said that there were thousands ten;
And others weened that it was nought,
But Leven clans, or Tynedale men,
Who came to gather in black mail[1];
And Liddesdale, with small avail,
Might drive them lightly back agen.
So passed the anxious night away,
And welcome was the peep of day.
Ceased the high sound—the listening throng
Applaud the Master of the song;
And marvel much, in helpless age,
So hard should be his pilgrimage.
Applaud the Master of the song;
And marvel much, in helpless age,
So hard should be his pilgrimage.
- ↑ Protection-money exacted by free-booters.
