She spake--and from the Lady's sight 170 The Sire, unconscious of his age, Departed promptly as a Page Bound on some errand of delight. --The noble Francis--wise as brave, Thought he, may want not skill[121] to save. 175 With hopes in tenderness concealed, Unarmed he followed to the field; Him will I seek: the insurgent Powers Are now besieging Barnard's Towers,--[MM] "Grant that the Moon which shines this night 180 May guide them in a prudent flight!"
But quick the turns of chance and change, And knowledge has a narrow range; Whence idle fears, and needless pain, And wishes blind, and efforts vain.-- 185 The Moon may shine, but cannot be Their guide in flight--already she[122] Hath witnessed their captivity. She saw the desperate assault Upon that hostile castle made;-- 190 But dark and dismal is the vault Where Norton and his sons are laid! Disastrous issue!--he had said "This night yon faithless[123] Towers must yield, Or we for ever quit the field. 195 --Neville is utterly dismayed, For promise fails of Howard's aid; And Dacre to our call replies That _he_[124] is unprepared to rise. My heart is sick;--this weary pause 200 Must needs be fatal to our cause.[125] The breach is open--on the wall, This night,--the Banner shall be planted!" --'Twas done: his Sons were with him--all; They belt him round with hearts undaunted 205 And others follow;--Sire and Son Leap down into the court;--"'Tis won"-- They shout aloud--but Heaven decreed That with their joyful shout should close The triumph of a desperate deed[126] 210 Which struck with terror friends and foes! The friend shrinks back--the foe recoils From Norton and his filial band; But they, now caught within the toils, Against a thousand cannot stand;-- 215 The foe from numbers courage drew, And overpowered that gallant few. "A rescue for the Standard!" cried The Father from within the walls; But, see, the sacred Standard falls!-- 220 Confusion through the Camp spread[127] wide: Some fled; and some their fears detained: But ere the Moon had sunk to rest In her pale chambers of the west, Of that rash levy nought remained. 225
High on a point of rugged ground Among the wastes of Rylstone Fell Above the loftiest ridge or mound Where foresters or shepherds dwell, An edifice of warlike frame 5 Stands single--Norton Tower its name--[NN] It fronts all quarters, and looks round O'er path and road, and plain and dell, Dark moor, and gleam of pool and stream Upon a prospect without bound. 10