RHYME OF JOYOUS GUARD 



And the long, lithe sword in the hand became 

 As a leaping light, as a falling flame, 



As a fire through the flax that hasted ; 

 Slender, and shining, and beautiful, 

 How it shore through shivering casque and 



skull, 

 And never a stroke was void and null, 



And never a thrust was wasted. 



I have done for ever with all these things — 

 Deeds that were joyous to knights and kings, 

 In days that with songs were cherish'd. 

 The songs are ended, the deeds are done. 

 There shall none of them gladden me now, not 



one ; 

 There is nothing good for me under the sun, 

 But to perish as these things perish 'd. 



Shall it profit me aught that the Bishop seeks 



My presence daily, and duly speaks 



Soft words of comfort and kindness ? 



Shall it aught avail me ? *' Certes," he said, 



" Though thy soul is darken'd, be not afraid — 



God hateth nothing that He hath made — 



His light shall disperse thy blindness." 

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