 | Craven Blossoms |  |
26
XXVI.
Obedient to the Chief's command,Arose at once the robber-band;
Formed a dark line, and lowly bent
With gesture mute and reverent;
Then stood, with folded arms, erect—
Their eyes cast down in deep respect,
Their steel-ringed jerkins, daggers bright,
And sword-hilts gleaming in the light.
“Retire an instant!” was the brief
And haughty mandate of the Chief.
They turned—but Margaret deemed they took
The word with sullen step and look.
“Now by our Lady!” muttered one,
“This insolence too far hath gone.
I could resolve”—“Hush fool! nor spoil
Our leader's chance by sudden broil;
I trust—but forward! We are left,
While our bold brethren thread the cleft.”
27
Ere dived the lingerers through the rock;
And soon receding clank alone,
As armour jarred on bulging stone,
Announced the robbers' path was still
Within the bowels of the hill.
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