Sir Eldric
Sir Eldric rode by field and fen
To reach the haunts of heathen men.
About the dusk he came into
A wood of birchen grey,
And on the other side he knew
The heathen country lay.
"'Tis but a night (he sang) to ride,
And Christ shall reach the other side!"
The moon came peering thro' the trees
And found him undismayed.
For still he sang his litanies
And as he rode he prayed.
He looked as young, as pure and glad
As ever looked Sir Galahad.
About the middle of the night
He came upon the brink.
Of running waters cool and white
And lighted there to drink.
And as he knelt a hidden foe
Crept from behind and smote him so.
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