Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/288

 of earth,

And all the mighty,    those men so haughty

That most oppress    this weary people,

Are ever themselves    utterly wretched,

In all things feeble,    failing in might,

Even these proud ones    that this poor folk

Now for a season    so sorely dreads.

XXV
Hear now a tale    told of the proud ones,

The kings unrighteous    that rule over the earth,

That shine among us    with wondrous sheen

In many various    beautiful vestures,

On high seats raised    even to the roof,

Decked with gold,    adorned with jewels,

On all sides hemmed    with a countless host

Of thanes and fighters. These too are furnished

With battle harness    of wondrous brightness,

With gleaming brands    stoutly belted,

And with high state    they serve the other,

Obedient all;    and then, forth bursting

To every quarter,    crush with force

All other nations    that neighbouring dwell;

And their lord heeds,    who the host rules,

Friend nor foeman,    life nor fortune,

But ruthless ever    rushes on all men

Unto a mad hound    most has he likeness,

Too high uplifted    within his heart,