Page:The poems of Edmund Clarence Stedman, 1908.djvu/441

THE DUKE'S EXEQUY Let them sweep the houses clean:

Their fathers did, I ween,

When hearing of my nearing

As a guest!

And the steamship England hail,

Of me, then, bespeak her men;

She took my latest mail,—

'T was somewhere near this spot:

Doubtless they've not forgot.

Remind them (if you find them!)

Once again.

Who is 't that hailed you so,

(Slow he saith, and under breath,)

I leave my sign below!"

Then from our crowded hold

A dreadful cry uprolled,

Unbroken, and the token,—

It was Death.

THE DUKE'S EXEQUY , A. D. 1404

in sable, crowned with gold,

All his wars and councils ended,

Philip lay, surnamed The Bold:

Passing-bell his quittance tolled,

And the chant of priests ascended.

Mailèd-knights and archers stand,

Thronging in the church of Arras;

Nevermore at his command 411