 | Poems |  |
5
SONG.
1
“Oswy's troops ere morning go,To oppose the Mercian foe:
Cedric, here I swear to thee,
If they're blest with victory,—
If the flag of Penda's band,
Wrench'd away with daring hand,
At thy mistress' feet be spread,
Here I swear that thou shalt wed
With thy Edilfleda.”
2
Joyful, Cedric made reply,“Or to vanquish or to die,
Will I seek the battle-plain;
Or, my faithful blade shall gain
Mercia's flag from Penda's hold.
—Yes, and stained shall be its fold,
With that haughty monarch's gore,
Or thou ne'er shalt see me more,
Lovely Edilfleda.”
6
3
Rages now the fight amain;Cedric's foremost on the plain;
Firm of heart, and strong of limb,
Where's the knight may vie with him?
Penda falls beneath his blade;
His hand is on the banner laid;
Shall he rear it in his pride?
That hissing shaft has pierced his side!
Faint, the warrior, as he died,
Murmur'd “Edilfleda.”
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