THE CONQUEROR

I will go now where my dear Lady is,

And tell her how I won in this great fight;

Ye know not death who say this shape is his

That loometh up between me and the light.

As if death could wish anything of one

Who hath to-day brought many men to death!

Why should it not grow dark?— Surely the sun

Hath seen since morning much that wearieth.

Dead bodies; red, red blood upon the land;

Torn sails of scattered ships upon the sea;

And dead forgotten men stretched on the sand

Close to the sea's edge, where the waves are free;

What day hath seen such things and hath not fled?

What day hath stayed, hearing, for frequent sounds,

The flashing swords of men well-helmeted,

The moans of warriors sick of many wounds?

Ye know not death; this thing is but the night.

Wherefore I should be glad that it is come:

For when I left my Lady for this fight,

I said, “At sunset I am coming home.”

“When you return, I shall be here,” she said,

“God knows that I must pray a little while.”

And as she put my helmet on my head,

She kissed me; and her blue eyes tried to smile.

And still she waiteth underneath the trees.

( When we had gone a little on our way

I turned and looked; she knelt there on her knees:

I heard her praying many times to-day. )

Nay, nay, I need no wine! She waiteth still

Watching and praying till I come to her.

She saw the sun drop down behind the hill

And wondereth I am a loiterer.

So I must go. Bring me my shield and sword!

( Is there no unstained grass will clean this stain? )

This day is won;— but now the great reward

Cometh! O Love, thy prayers were not in vain!

I am well rested now.— Nay, I can rise

Without your help! Why do ye look at me

With so much pain and pity in your eyes,

Who gained with me to-day this victory?

I think we should be glad we are not dead,

— Only, perchance, no Lady waiteth you,

No Lady who is all uncomforted,

And who hath watched and prayed these long hours through.

Yea, I must go.— What? Am I tired yet?

Let me lie here and rest my aching side.

The thought of her hath made me quite forget

How sharp his sword was just before he died.