saint and to martyr, then called upon the Prioress for
aid. The grave Cistercian replied:

"The King and Douglas shall be obeyed. Dream not that harm can come to
woman, however helpless, who falls to the care of Douglas of Tantallon
Hall."

The Abbess, seeing strife was vain, assumed her wonted state, composed
her veil, raised her head, and began again,--but Blount now broke in:

"'Fitz-Eustace, we must march our band;
St. Anton fire thee! wilt thou stand
All day, with bonnet in thy hand,
To hear the lady preach?
By this good light! if thus we stay,
Lord Marmion, for our fond delay,
Will sharper sermon teach.
Come, don thy cap, and mount thy horse;
The dame must patience take perforce."

"Dear, holy Abbess," said Clare, "we must submit to the separation for
the present,

"'But let this barbarous lord despair
His purposed aim to win;
Let him take living, land, and life;
But to be Marmion's wedded wife
In me were deadly sin.'

"Mother, your blessing and your prayers are all I ask. Remember your
unhappy child! If it be the decree of the King that I return not to the
sanctuary with thee to dwell, yet one asylum remains--low, silent, and
lone, where kings have little power. One victim of Lord Marmion is
already there."

Weeping and wailing arose round patient Clare. Eustace hid his tears,
and even the rude Blount could scarce bear the sight. Gently the squire
took the rein and led the way, striving to cheer the poor fainting girl,
by courteous word and deed.

They had passed but a few miles, when from a height, they saw the vast
towers of Tantallon. The noble castle was enclosed on three sides by the
ocean, and on the fourth by walled battlements,

"And double mound and fosse,
By narrow drawbridge, outworks strong,
Through studded gates, and entrance long,
To the main court they cross.
It was a wide and stately square:
Around were lodgings, fit and fair,
And towers of various form."

Here they rested, receiving from the host cold, but princely attention.
By hurrying posts, daily there came varying tidings of war. At first
they heard of the victories of James at Wark, at Etall, and at Ford; and
then, that Norham castle had been taken; but later, news was whispered
that while King James was dallying the time away with the wily Lady
Heron, the army lay inactive. At length they heard th