SEA SPRAY ^ SMOKE DRIFT 



Yet the hands were clench'd in a death-grip 

 fast, 

 And the sods stamp't down by the heel. 



Sir Hugh by the side of the dead man knelt, 

 Said, ** Full well these features I know, 



We have faced each other where blows were 

 dealt, 

 And he was a stalwart foe ; 



I had rather have met him hilt to hilt 

 Than have found him lying low." 



He turn'd the body up on its face, 



And never a word was spoken, 

 While he ripp'd the doublet, and tore the lace, 



And tugg'd — by the self-same token, — 

 And strain'd, till he wrench't it out of its place, 



The dagger-blade that was broken. 



Then he turn'd the body over again, 

 And said, while he rose upright, 



** May the brand of Cain, with its withering 

 stain. 

 On the murderer's forehead light. 



For he never was slain on the open plain, 



Nor yet in the open fight." 



62 



