After having been educated in all the exercises of chivalry, this noble squire began his “ vassalage" at twenty years of age. His portrait at this time is prepossessing. His countenance was handsome, his expression cheerful and joyous, his stature of middle height, his figure admirably proportioned, yet strong and athletic; his manners were amiable, and his love of honour and knightly deeds so ardent, that he determined to win his spurs both in England and in France. "Because he was so courageous, Ladies of him was amorous. At this moment James IV. had despatched a fleet to assist his ally, the King of France, against the attack of Henry VIII. It conveyed an army of three thousand men, commanded by the Earl of Arran, whilst the office of admiral was intrusted to Gordon of Letterfury. Under Arran, young Squire Meldrum determined to commence his warlike education, and an adventure soon occurred which is strongly characteristic of the times. In passing the coast of Ireland, a descent was made upon Carrickfergus, which was taken and sacked with great barbarity. In the midst of those dreadful scenes which occur under such circumstances, a young and beautiful lady had been seized by some of the brutal soldiery, and was discovered by Meldrum, imploring them to spare her life, and, what was dearer to her than life, her our. They had stript her of her rich garments, * Poems, vol. ii. p. 253. and she stood helpless, and almost naked, when this brave youth flew to her assistance, and upbraided them for their cruelty and meanness. He was instantly attacked by the ruffians, but the struggle ended in his slaying them both, and saving the lady from the dreadful fate which seemed impending over her. The description of her dress is graceful and curious: "Her kirtle was of scarlet red, Of gold ane garland on her head, Belt and brochis of silver fyne." But Scarce had Squire Meldrum rescued this beautiful and unknown lady, than the trumpet sounded, and it became his duty to hurry on board. his noble and generous conduct had made an impression on her which can be easily imagined. To be saved from death and dishonour-to see her deliverer only for a moment, but to see enough of him in that brief interval to be convinced that he was the very mirror of youthful beauty and valour -all this was what few gentle hearts could resist; and we do not wonder when she throws herself, in a transport of gratitude and admiration at his feet, informs him of the high rank of her father, and, in very unequivocal terms, offers him her hand and her heart. But it might not be; Squire Meldrum dared not desert the banner of his lord the high admiral; he must pass on to take his fortune in France. "Ah!" said the lady, "if it must be thus, let me dress myself as thy page, and follow thee but for love!" 66 Nay; thou art too young to be thus exposed to danger," said Meldrum; 1 enamel. "but, let this warlike expedition be brought to an end, and, when the peace is made, I will be right glad to marry you." "Ladie, I say you in certane, 66 Ye shall have lufe for lufe agane, Farewell, I you to God commend." Meldrum now embarks, after having received a love-token from his mistress, (a rich ruby set in a ring,) and the fleet reaches the shores of Brittany, where the army is disembarked, and the Squire intrusted with the command of five hundred men. Harry the Eighth of England," pursues the history, was at that time lying with his army at Calais, making war on the realm of France; and, although there was no pitched battle, yet daily skirmishing took place between the hosts, for the King of France, with his great army, was encamped near hand in Picardy. Squire Meldrum hearing of this, immediately chose a hundred spears, the best men in his company, and, riding to the French quarters, was courteously received by the king." It chanced that at this moment there was amongst the English a hardy and excellent soldier, named in the story Maister Talbart, probably Talbot, who used to stalk about with "silver tokens of war" in his bonnet, speaking somewhat lightly of the French, and proclaiming that, for his lady's sake, he was ready to break his spear with any man who would accept his challenge. His defiance had not been answered previous to Meldrum's arrival in the camp. Talbart next addresses the Scots, and the young squire, without a moment's hesitation, takes up his gage: "And when the Squyer Meldrum The morne myself shall fight with yow." Talbot, an experienced champion, with an iron frame and great skill in his weapons, dissuades the young adventurer from a contest in which he represents him as certain to lose his life. Meldrum, however, derides his assurance, and assures him that, with the assistance of God, he trusts to tame his pride: "I trust that God shall be my guide, And give me grace to stanche thy pride, Tho thou wert great as Gow Mak Morne." The Englishman now returns to his brethren in the camp, and informs them of the combat which he is to have on the morrow with a young Scot, whose pride he means to take down. "He showed his brethren of his land "When," continues Lindsay, "it was reported to Monsieur D'Aubigny that the squire had taken on hand to fight with Talbart, he greatly com 1 1 fight. 3 esteemed. 2 home. mended his courage, and, requesting his presence in his tent, interrogated him upon the subject. Meldrum then modestly acknowledged that he had, for the honour of Scotland, undertaken that battle; adding, that were he as well horsed as he was armed, he had little doubt of the victory. Upon this D'Aubigny sent through the host, and, collecting a hundred horse, bade the squire select the steed which pleased him best. He did so accordingly, and, lightly leaping on his back, pushed him to his speed, and, checking him in his career, declared that no horse in the world could run more pleasantly. The picture of the youthful warrior setting out for the combat, all armed except the head, with his helmet borne before him by his squire, is charmingly given : "He took his leave, and went to rest, The squyre bore into his shield Talbart, in the mean time, is greatly disturbed by a dream, in which he sees a great black otter |