She heard their shouts—she read success in every flashing eye.
The tumult of the strife begins—it roars—it dies away;[212]
And Mary’s troops and banners now, and courtiers—where are they?[213]
Scattered and strown and flying[214] far, defenseless and undone[215]—
Alas! to think what she has lost, and all that guilt has won!
—Away! away![216] thy gallant steed must act no laggard’s part;
Yet vain his speed—for thou dost bear the arrow in thy heart!
The scene was changed. Beside the block a sullen headsman[217] stood,
And gleamed the broad-axe in his hand, that soon must drip with blood.
With slow and steady step there came a lady[218] through the hall,