Page:The white doe of Rylstone - or, The fate of the Nortons. A poem (IA whitedoeofrylsto00wordrich).pdf/45

 But now the inly-working North Was ripe to send its thousands forth, A potent vassalage, to fight In Percy’s and in Neville’s right,— Two earls fast leagued in discontent, Who gave their wishes open vent; And boldly urged a general plea, The rites of ancient piety To be by force of arms renewed ; Glad prospect for the multitude! And that same Banner, on whose breast The blameless Lady had exprest, Memorials chosen to give life, And sunshine to a dangerous strife; This Banner, waiting for the call, Stood quietly in Rylstone Hall.

It came,–and Francis Norton said, “O Father! rise not in this fray—