Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/288

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of earth,

And all the mighty, those men so haughty

That most oppress this weary people,

Are ever themselves utterly wretched,

In all things feeble, failing in might,

Even these proud ones that this poor folk

Now for a season so sorely dreads.

XXV

Hear now a tale told of the proud ones,

The kings unrighteous that rule over the earth,

That shine among us with wondrous sheen

In many various beautiful vestures,

On high seats raised even to the roof,

Decked with gold, adorned with jewels,

On all sides hemmed with a countless host

Of thanes and fighters. These too are furnished

With battle harness of wondrous brightness,

With gleaming brands stoutly belted,

And with high state they serve the other,

Obedient all; and then, forth bursting

To every quarter, crush with force

All other nations that neighbouring dwell;

And their lord heeds, who the host rules,

Friend nor foeman, life nor fortune,

But ruthless ever rushes on all men

Unto a mad hound most has he likeness,

Too high uplifted within his heart,