In a year a son she bore him.
Three days later the son vanished;
Futile all the guards and efforts
Not a clew the wide world over.
And in years, the older brother's
Happy wife bore him a daughter.
Vainly thrice-strong guards are stationed
Fore the gates and cross the pathways.
Futile care . . . before the third day
With night's shadows lost its battle,
New born daughter also vanished. . . .
Moved by this, the older brother
Suddenly became repentant,
And when his wife died soon after
To the church gave all belongings,
Took the cross 'gainst Turkish heathens,
Holy grave to free forever.
He had sought his death in battles
But in vain . . . and soon his courage,
Strength and wisdom made him famous.
Ere he knew it, he was chosen
As the Johannite grand-master.
Younger brother, roamed world over,
Creating no longer statues
Of some angels or of martyrs,
64
