He heard the noise of a nameless sea On an undiscovered isle.
Lifting the great green ivy, And the great spear lowering,One said, "I am Alfred of Wessex, And I am a conquered king."
And the man of the cave made answer, And his eyes were stars of scorn,"And better kings were conquered Or ever your sires were born.
"What goddess was your mother, What fay your breed begot,That you should not die with Uther And Arthur and Lancelot?
"But when you win you brag and blow, And when you lose you rail,Army of eastland yokels Not strong enough to fail."
"I bring not boast or railing," Spake Alfred, not in ire;"I bring of Our Lady a lesson set,This — that the sky grows darker yet And the sea rises higher."
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