Page:Harold the Dauntless - Scott (1817).djvu/25
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Canto I.
HAROLD THE DAUNTLESS.
15
IV.
Broad lands he gave him on Tyne and on Wear,
To be held of the church by bridle and spear;
Part of Monkwearmouth, of Tynedale part,
To better his will, and to soften his heart:
Count Witikind was a joyful man,
Less for the faith than the lands that he wan.
The high church of Durham is dress'd for the day,
The clergy are rank'd in their solemn array;
There came the Count, in a bear-skin warm,
Leaning on Hilda his concubine's arm;
He kneel'd before Saint Cuthbert's shrine,
With patience unwonted at rites divine;
Broad lands he gave him on Tyne and on Wear,
To be held of the church by bridle and spear;
Part of Monkwearmouth, of Tynedale part,
To better his will, and to soften his heart:
Count Witikind was a joyful man,
Less for the faith than the lands that he wan.
The high church of Durham is dress'd for the day,
The clergy are rank'd in their solemn array;
There came the Count, in a bear-skin warm,
Leaning on Hilda his concubine's arm;
He kneel'd before Saint Cuthbert's shrine,
With patience unwonted at rites divine;