Sir Eldric
He turned; he felt his heart's blood run
He sought his enemy:
"And shall I leave my deeds undone,
And die for such as thee?"
And since a Knight was either man,
They wrestled till the dawn began.
Then in the dim and rustling place
Amid the thyme and dew.
Sir Eldric dealt the stroke of grace,
And sank a-dying too.
And thought upon that other's plight
Who was not sure of Heaven that night.
He' dipped his fingers in his breast;
He sought in vain to rise;
He leaned across his foe at rest.
And murmured, "I baptize!"
When lo! the sun broke overhead:
There, at his side. Himself lay dead!
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