Classic Poem

A VERY skillful warrior Hide-Well was,
A sly and crafty land-possessing lord.
His silent sword, like tongue split half in two,
He brandished quietly; a fathom off
One could not hear its stroke; no clash or clang
Was by vibration of its best blows made.
His target was Obscure Retreat. No bird
E'er laid her eggs in better hidden nest.
Blind alleys and screened paths bordered its edge.
He raised his sword and struck Shame such a stroke
As stunned her quite, and almost broke her brow.
" That miserable wretch, Dame Jealousy,
Long as she lives shall ne'er know what is done, "
Said he. " I will assurance give of that,
And raise my hand to swear a hundred oaths.
Is not that guarantee enough for you?
Since Evil Tongue is killed, and you are seized,
You'll not escape to cause us further woe. "
Shame scarce could make reply to what he said;
But Fear, who usually a coward is,
Leaped up, now filled with ire, as she saw Shame,
Her cousin, so subdued, and grasped her sword,
Which was of terrible efficiency.
Fear of Ostentation it was called,
For it was made of that; and when 'twas drawn
From out its sheath, brighter than beryl shone.
Fear had a shield that Doubt of Peril hight,
With Labor and with Difficulty decked.
Hide-Well she tried to cleave from top to toe
With it, and so revenge her cousin's fate.
She struck his shield so strongly that the stroke
He could not stand, but tottered as though dazed.
He called for Hardihood, who leaped to aid;
For, had Fear given another blow like that,
Ill work she'd done, and Hide-Well had been dead.
He scarcely could have stood another round.
Hardihood was valiant, bold, and true
In word and deed. His good, well-polished sword
Was made of Fury's steel. His famous shield
Was called Death-Scorner, and its broidery
Was Rash Abandonment to Jeopardy.
He rushed at Fear and aimed an evil blow.
The stroke she fended, making it fall short;
For all the art of fencing she knew well.
Then, ere he could recover from the thrust,
She struck him to the ground; for never a shield
Could offer guarantee against her might.
He found himself laid low, and then he begged,
With hands conjoined, that she would spare his life
For love of God. But harshly she refused the plea.