EDINBURGH AFTER FLODDEN

I.

News of battle!--news of battle!
Hark! 'tis ringing down the street:
And the archways and the pavement
Bear the clang of hurrying feet.
News of battle? Who hath brought it?
News of triumph? Who should bring
Tidings from our noble army,
Greetings from our gallant King?
All last night we watched the beacons
Blazing on the hills afar,
Each one bearing, as it kindled,
Message of the opened war.
All night long the northern streamers
Shot across the trembling sky:
Fearful lights, that never beckon
Save when kings or heroes die.


II.

News of battle! Who hath brought it?
All are thronging to the gate;
"Warder--warder! open quickly!
Man--is this a time to wait?"
And the heavy gates are opened:
Then a murmur long and loud,