Page:The tale of Balen (IA taleofbalen00swin).pdf/97

 'Invisible as the spirit of night That heaven and earth in depth and height May see not by the mild moon's light Nor even when stars would grant them sight, He walks and slays as plague's blind breath Slays: and my son, whose anguish here Makes moan perforce that mars our cheer, He wounded, even ere love might fear That hate were strong as death.

'Nor may my son be whole till he Whose stroke through him hath stricken me Shall give again his blood to be Our healing: yet may no man see This felon, clothed with darkness round And keen as lightning's life.' Thereon Spake Balen, and his presence shone Even as the sun's when stars are gone That hear dawn's trumpet sound.