VIII
Know ye where Druid dolmens rise
In Wessex on the widow plain?
Thither Sir Palamedes plies
The spur, and shakes the rattling rein.
He questions all men of the Beast.
None answer. Is the quest in vain?
With oaken crown there comes a priest
In samite robes, with hazel wand,
And worships at the gilded East.
Ay! thither ride! The dawn beyond
Must run the quarry of his quest.
He rode as he were wood or fond,
Until at night behoves him rest.
—He saw the gilding far behind
Out on the hills toward the West!
With aimless fury hot and blind
He flung himon a Viking ship.
He slew the rover, and inclined
25