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37

For Branksome's chiefs had in battle stood,
  To fence the rights of fair Melrose;
And lands and livings, many a rood,
  Had gifted the shrine for their souls repose.

III.
Bold Deloraine his errand said;
The porter bent his humble head;
With torch in hand, and feet unshod,
And noiseless step, the path he trod;
The arched cloisters, far and wide,
Rang to the warrior's clanking stride;
Till, stooping low his lofty crest,
He entered the cell of the ancient priest,
And lifted his barred aventayle[1],
To hail the Monk of St Mary's aisle.

  1. Aventayle, visor of the helmet.