POEM ON CHESS
141
The Song of Chess
THE Kings have met on the battle plain,
And war upriseth betwixt the twain.
Alike in number is either band,
And face to face do the armies stand.
Devoid of sword and of spear their strife;
Within their mouths is no breath of life.
In crafty guise is their battle fought;
With cunning art is their contest wrought.
When these prevail o'er their foemen all,
Behold, 'tis then that the dead men fall.
Yet they from death may arise again,
And cast their enemies 'mid the slain.
Their halt and marching will I relate,
Each one in order of rank and state.—
The King, he standeth beside the Queen;
Horses and Elephants nigh are seen.
