Page:The Five Nations.djvu/29

 And when we have wakened the lust of a foe,

To draw him by flight toward our bullies we go,

Till, 'ware of strange smoke stealing nearer, he flies—

Or our bullies close in for to make him good prize.

So, when we have spied on the path of their host,

One flieth to carry that word to the coast;

And, lest by false doubling they turn and go free,

One lieth behind them to follow and see.

Anon we return, being gathered again,

Across the sad valleys all drabbled with rain—

Across the grey ridges all crispèd and curled—

To join the long dance round the curve of the world.

The bitter salt spindrift: the sun-glare likewise:

The moon-track a-quiver bewilders our eyes,

Where, linking and lifting, our sisters we hail

'Twixt wrench of cross-surges or plunge of head-gale.

As maidens awaiting the bride to come forth

Make play with light jestings and wit of no worth,