Marmion by Walter Scott — cover

Marmion

Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field, best known as Marmion, is a historical romance in verse written by Sir Walter Scott and published in 1808. The poem tells the story of Lord Marmion, a fantastic character who finds himself involved in a dark intrigue.

Lord Marmion is a favorite of Henry VIII of England who tries to woo Lady Clara, a wealthy woman who is engaged to Sir Ralph of Wilton. To break that bond, Lord Marmion accuses Wilton of treason by falsifying some evidence, with the complicity of his lover Constance, an unscrupulous nun who hopes to get something in return.

After fighting Marmion against De Wilton, the former is the winner and considers De Wilton dead, but he survives and goes into exile from where he will try to avenge and restore his lost honor for the trap that has been set for him and recover his fiancée.

However, Marmion abandons Constance and she ends up being walled up in the convent for breaking her vows as a nun, who will take revenge on Marmion and try to uncover the whole plot that he has stolen from De Wilton...

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Historical fiction Poetry Honor Conflict Chivalry Romance

Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans

Pages
228
Reading time
3 hours 17 minutes
Pace
Intermediate
First published
1808
Language
English
Downloads
2,210

218 years later, still timely

Why Read Marmion in 2026?

Horns on the hills, vows in the dark, and a betrayal that rides to war. Scott’s narrative poem blends ballad speed with historical spectacle—ideal aloud or in bursts when you want language to march.

Today's connection

It reconnects story with sound: stanza as drumbeat, refrain as memory. A doorway to medieval politics, romance, and the way landscape carries legend.

Ballad engine

Verse that moves like a tune.

Border theatre

Passes, castles, and pursuit.

Honor under strain

Promises tested in daylight.

Perfect for Fans of classic literature Readers interested in historical poems People interested in the medieval period

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About the author

Portrait of Walter Scott

Walter Scott · 1771–1832

Founder of the historical novel; nation memory and honor turned into brisk story.

4 books by Walter Scott in the library →

If this one stays with you…