These silvery bells may toll the knell of our
gallant King. We must not dream that conquest is sure or easily bought.
God is ruler of the battlefield, but when yon host begins the combat,
wives, mothers, and maids may weep, and priests prepare the death
service, for when such a power is led out by such a King, not all will
return."
[Illustration: THE GRAVE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT, DRYBURGH ABBEY.]
CHAPTER V.
Lindesay now bade the guard open the palisade that closed the tented
field, and as into its ample bounds Marmion passed, the warders' men
drew back. The Scottish warriors stared at the strangers, and envy arose
at seeing them so well appointed. Such length of shaft, bows so mighty,
had never been seen by northern eyes. Little did the Highlanders then
think to feel these shafts through links of Scotch mail on Flodden
Field.
No less did Marmion and his men marvel that one small country could
marshal forth such hosts. Men-at-arms were heavily sheathed in mail.
They were like iron towers on Flemish steeds. Young squires and knights
practiced their chargers on the plain to pass, to wheel, to curvet, that
the swords of their riders might not descend amiss on foeman's casque.
Hardy burghers were there, marching on foot.
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