Page:Harold the Dauntless - Scott (1817).djvu/23
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Canto I.
HAROLD THE DAUNTLESS.
13
That which moulders hemp and steel,
Mortal arm and nerve must feel,
Of the Danish band, whom Count Witikind led,
Many wax'd aged, and many were dead;
Himself found his armour full weighty to bear,
Wrinkled his brows grew, and hoary his hair
He lean'd on a staff, when his step went abroad,
And patient his palfrey, when steed he bestrode;
As he grew feebler his wildness ceased,
He made himself peace with prelate and priest,
Made his peace, and, stooping his head,
Patiently listed the council they said:
Saint Cuthbert's bishop was holy and grave,
Wise and good was the council he gave.
Mortal arm and nerve must feel,
Of the Danish band, whom Count Witikind led,
Many wax'd aged, and many were dead;
Himself found his armour full weighty to bear,
Wrinkled his brows grew, and hoary his hair
He lean'd on a staff, when his step went abroad,
And patient his palfrey, when steed he bestrode;
As he grew feebler his wildness ceased,
He made himself peace with prelate and priest,
Made his peace, and, stooping his head,
Patiently listed the council they said:
Saint Cuthbert's bishop was holy and grave,
Wise and good was the council he gave.