And, Douglas, more I tell thee here, 40
Even in thy pitch of pride
Here in thy hold, thy vassals near
(Nay, never look upon your lord,
And lay your hands upon your sword,)
I tell thee, thou'rt defied! 45
And if thou saidst, I am not peer
To any lord in Scotland here,
Lowland or Highland, far or near,
Lord Angus, thou hast lied!"

On the Earl's cheek the flush of rage 50
O'ercame the ashen hue of age:
Fierce he broke forth: "And darest thou, then,
To beard the lion in his den,
The Douglas in his hall?
And hopest thou hence unscathed to go?-- 55
No, by Saint Bride of Bothwell, no!--
Up drawbridge, grooms!--what, Warder, ho!
Let the portcullis fall."

Lord Marmion turned,--well was his need,--
And dashed the rowels in his steed, 60
Like arrow through the archway sprung,
The ponderous grate behind him rung:
To pass there was such scanty room,
The bars, descending, grazed his plume.

The steed along the drawbridge flies, 65
Just as it trembles on the rise;
Nor lighter does the swallow skim
Along the smooth lake's level brim:
And when Lord Marmion reached his band,
He halts, and turns with clenched hand, 70
And shout of loud defiance pours,
And shook his gauntlet at the towers.

"Horse! horse!" the Douglas cried, "and chase!"
But soon he reined his fury's pace:
"A royal messenger he came, 75
Though most unworthy of the name.
A letter forged! Saint Jude to speed!
Did ever knight so foul a deed!
At first, in heart, it liked me ill,
When the King praised his clerkly skill. 80
Thanks to Saint Bothan, son of mine,
Save Gawain, ne'er could pen a line.
Saint Mary mend my fiery mood!
Old age ne'er cools the Douglas blood;
I thought to slay him where he stood. 85
'Tis pity of him, too," he cried:
"Bold can he speak, and fairly ride:
I warrant him a warrior tried."--
With this his mandate he recalls,
And slowly seeks his castle halls. 90

--_Sir Walter Scott_

In what Quality of voice should the following passages
of this poem be read: (_a_) the d