PART V.

THE KING.

Behold! Sir Lez-Breiz goes to meet The king himself to-day. Who brings five thousand horsemen brave To aid him in the fray. But, hark! before he rideth forth, A peal of thunder dread Rolls through the echoing skies, and breaks Above Sir Lez-Breiz’ head.

His gentle squire lent anxious heed That omen ill unto: “In heaven’s name, my lord, I pray Stay you at home. This opening day Augurs not well for you.”

“What, then, my page? Abide at home? Nay, that can never be. The order I have given to march, And, therefore, march must we. And I will march while spark of life Remains alight in me, Until that king of forest land Beneath my heel I see.”

This hearing, sprang his sister dear Up to his bridle-rein. “My brother, go not forth, for ne’er Wilt thou return again. Then wherefore, brother, thus to meet Thy death wouldst thou be gone? For wert thou slain, I should be left Alone, thy only one.

“The White Horse of the Sea behold I see upon the shore; A monstrous serpent him around Entwineth more and more. Behind, his flanks are interlaced By two terrific rings; Around his body, neck, and legs The hideous monster clings.

“The hapless creature, stifled, scorched, On his hind feet uprears, Turns back his head, and with his teeth The serpent’s throat he tears. The monster gaping wide, his tongue— His triple tongue—darts forth, Fiery and pois’nous, rolls his eyes And hisses, mad with wrath.

“But, ah! his snakelings, venomous brood, To aid him swarm around; The strife is all unequal: fly While thou art safe and sound.” “Nay, let the Franks by thousands come; From death I do not flee.” E’en as he spake, already far, Far from his home was he.