Then clamored loud the royal train,
And brandished swords and staves amain,
But stern the Baron's warning--"Back! 730
Back, on your lives, ye menial pack!
Beware the Douglas.--Yes! behold,
King James! the Douglas, doomed of old,
And vainly sought for near and far,
A victim to atone the war, 735
A willing victim, now attends,
Nor craves thy grace but for his friends."
"Thus is my clemency repaid?
Presumptuous Lord!" the monarch said;
"Of thy misproud ambitious clan, 740
Thou, James of Bothwell, wert the man,
The only man, in whom a foe
My woman-mercy would not know:
But shall a Monarch's presence brook
Injurious blow, and haughty look? 745
What ho! the Captain of our Guard!
Give the offender fitting ward.
Break off the sports!"--for tumult rose,
And yeomen 'gan to bend their bows--
"Break off the sports!" he said, and frowned, 750
"And bid our horsemen clear the ground."