Classic Poem

Young Sten, all fear defying,
In Doveness Forest he fought.
And if I had wings for flying,
I know where I'd fain be brought.
“Ye men of the Dale,” he thundered,
“Let helmet and shield be sundered!
For never a dread have we.
There 's many a carl untried here
That fights to-day at my side here,
But soon a knight he may be.”

Bold Sten, all fear defying,
He battled by Brenkirk town.
And if I had wings for flying,
It 's there they should put me down.
“'T is either stand or fall, men.
Now, who 's the bravest of all, men,
To bear our banner on high?”
A golden-haired youth stepped out then,
And answered him with a shout then:
“I' faith, Sten, and that will I!”

True Sten, all fear defying,
He fell at Osunda Lake.
And if I had wings for flying,
It 's there that my death I 'd take.
He lay on his couch, sore wounded,
While flurry of snow surrounded,
And blithely spoke to his clan:
“Why fear, though I am departed?
In danger be still light-hearted!
God always can find His man.”