The Conqueror

I will go now where my dear Lady is, And tell her how I won in this great fight; Ye know not death who say this shape is his That loometh up between me and the light.

As if death could wish anything of one Who hath to-day brought many men to death! Why should it not grow dark?--Surely the sun Hath seen since morning much that wearieth.

Dead bodies; red, red blood upon the land; Torn sails of scattered ships upon the sea; And dead forgotten men stretched on the sand Close to the sea's edge, where the waves are free;

What day hath seen such things and hath not fled? What day hath stayed, hearing, for frequent sounds, The flashing swords of men well-helmeted, The moans of warriors sick of many wounds?

Ye know not death; this thing is but the night. Wherefore I should be glad that it is come: For when I left my Lady for this fight, I said, "At sunset I am coming home."

"When you return, I shall be here," she said, "God knows that I must pray a little while." And as she put my helmet on my head, She kissed me; and her blue eyes tried to smile.

And still she waiteth underneath the trees. (When we had gone a little on our way I turned and looked; she knelt there on her knees: I heard her praying many times to-day.)

Nay, nay, I need no wine! She waiteth still Watching and praying till I come to her. She saw the sun drop down behind the hill And wondereth I am a loiterer.

So I must go. Bring me my shield and sword! (Is there no unstained grass will clean this stain?) This day is won;--but now the great reward Cometh! O Love, thy prayers were not in vain!

I am well rested now.--Nay, I can rise Without your help! Why do ye look at me With so much pain and pity in your eyes, Who gained with me to-day this victory?

I think we should be glad we are not dead, --Only, perchance, no Lady waiteth you, No Lady who is all uncomforted, And who hath watched and prayed these long hours through.

Yea, I must go.--What? Am I tired yet? Let me lie here and rest my aching side. The thought of her hath made me quite forget How sharp his sword was just before he died.