University of Virginia Library

VII.

The sense of freedom thus achieved at last,
Gave double relish to my plain repast.
We left the Cave, our saddled steeds bestrode,
And o'er the emerald dales of Craven rode.
But let me not delay my onward Tale
By needless note of river or of dale.
Enough to say that, hurrying o'er the ground,
Impatient till the distant camp I found,
We scarce took needful rest. And O! at length
We came where lay in sight the Danish strength.
“Here Selwood Forest stretches far and wide,
And there thy Danish friends,” old Eric cried,
“Entrench them in their camp at Ethandun—
See! their tents whiten in the setting sun!
And see! aloft the pennons wave and shine
In the fair evening!—Canst distinguish thine?”
I looked, but natural emotion thrilled
My inmost soul, and joy mine eyes had filled.
Canvas and banner waved, and armour gleamed,
But blended all, and indistinct they seemed.
High o'er the rest, at length my clearing eyes
Beheld the tent of noble Guthrum rise,
Central and huge. Above it bravely shone
My country's flag, in many a battle known,
In whose white field appeared the Raven Black,
That soared—as if his prey he scorned to lack;
For of such stern resolve he seemed to speak
By outstretched pinion, and by open beak!
Nor, though his aim was foiled the following day,
Can it be said the Raven missed his prey:
To win Two Kingdoms—and this feat did he—
Was not discomfiture, but victory!