Classic Poem

" IS this a time for setting forth —
The driven clouds hang low,
A wolf-wind howls from out the North
Across the wastes of snow? "
" Nay, kiss me on my mouth, true wife,
The hour is come to go. "

" But go you out to fight, my Lord? "
Your men-at-arms sleep all —
And go you without horse and sword
To meet your foeman's call? "
" I bear another weapon, wife,
Stiff fingers let not fall. "

" But go you fasting, Lord of mine,
Ere yet the feast be spread? "
" The Priest shall touch my mouth with wine,
My lips with broken bread,
That in that far place where I fare
My soul shall go full-fed. "

" And whither leads the path, my Lord,
That you would take alone? "
" It leadeth to a silent ford
Unseen of moon and sun. "
" And shall one point the way to you? " —
" Aye, one and only one. "

" And whoso is the foe that stands
To give you battle there? "
" One with no weapon in his hands
And with his body bare,
And in his eyes the selfsame look
My saddest sin may wear.

" Now lay the cross in my two hands,
And bid the Priest begin,
Seeing I fare to Death's dark lands
To war with that my Sin,
Who stands before the door of God
And will not let me in. "