PAULINUS AND EDWIN

The black-hair'd gaunt Paulinus

By ruddy Edwin stood:—

‘ Bow down, O King of Deira,

Before the holy Rood!

Cast forth thy demon idols,

And worship Christ our Lord!’

— But Edwin look'd and ponder'd,

And answer'd not a word.

Again the gaunt Paulinus

To ruddy Edwin spake:

‘ God offers life immortal

For His dear Son's own sake!

Wilt thou not hear his message

Who bears the Keys and Sword?’

— But Edwin look'd and ponder'd,

And answer'd not a word.

Rose then a sage old warrior;

Was five-score winters old;

Whose beard from chin to girdle

Like one long snow-wreath roll'd:—

‘ At Yule-time in our chamber

We sit in warmth and light,

While cavern-black around us

Lies the grim mouth of Night.

‘ Athwart the room a sparrow

Darts from the open door:

Within the happy hearth-light

One red flash,— and no more!

We see it born from darkness,

And into darkness go:—

So is our life, King Edwin!

Ah, that it should be so!

‘ But if this pale Paulinus

Have somewhat more to tell;

Some news of whence and whither,

And where the Soul may dwell:—

If on that outer darkness

The sun of Hope may shine;—

He makes life worth the living!

I take his God for mine!’

So spake the wise old warrior;

And all about him cried

‘ Paulinus’ God hath conquer'd!

And he shall he our guide:—

For he makes life worth living,

Who brings this message plain,—

When our brief days are over,

That we shall live again.’