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THE BALLAD OF THE WHITE HORSE


THE VISION OF THE KING


Before the gods that made the godsHad seen their sunrise pass,The White Horse of the White Horse ValeWas cut out of the grass.
Before the gods that made the godsHad drunk at dawn their fill,The White Horse of the White Horse ValeWas hoary on the hill.
Age beyond age on British land,Æons on æons gone,Was peace and war in western hills,And the White Horse looked on.
For the White Horse knew EnglandWhen there was none to know;He saw the first oar break or bend,He saw heaven fall and the world end,O God, how long ago!

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