European Elegies/Winter/Fate
45.FATE
The sole memorials of the faithful band
Are frescoed fragments of a fortress wall.
The strength of spears has slain the host, and all
Have died proud deaths with hungry sword in hand.
Are frescoed fragments of a fortress wall.
The strength of spears has slain the host, and all
Have died proud deaths with hungry sword in hand.
Bleak blizzards beat upon the shattered keep
In the dread winter, when the daylight ends
In bitter night, and the snell north-wind sends
Harsh hail to crush man's spirit in its sweep.
In the dread winter, when the daylight ends
In bitter night, and the snell north-wind sends
Harsh hail to crush man's spirit in its sweep.
The kingdom of the earth is full of woe,
For time's iron edicts grimly overturn
All tenures under heaven: riches go,
For time's iron edicts grimly overturn
All tenures under heaven: riches go,
And friendships fade, and kinsmen yield to fate,
And all the lives of men to ashes turn,
Leaving the earth's foundation desolate.
And all the lives of men to ashes turn,
Leaving the earth's foundation desolate.
From the anonymous Anglo-Saxon poem, " The Wanderer".
Lines 97-110.