Page:Songs of exile (IA songsofexile00daviiala).pdf/142

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
138
SONGS OF EXILE

ment and one journey. If they be not cautious, as the one dieth, so dieth the other,

But the black King is strong when there standeth before him a great and numerous and powerful people, serving him in the field of battle as a strong army, For they dare advance and bravely leap from place to place, Their feet are straight feet, but if it be their will to capture prisoners or spoil, they may diverge to either flank, One of them may gain power and increase in strength. Should he reach the haven of his desire, lo! he skippeth as a hart! Then is he swifter than the eagles of heaven, he hasteneth his steps, and doeth that in which his soul delighteth, even all that the woman doeth.

And now the two Kings intrigue against each other, and pursue each other unto the death, One is embarrassed in the fight; and when he resteth in his place, an officer of the enemy may command him to go forth from his boundary,