And he thought how many a time had heSought to see Doom he could not see,How ruin had come and victory And both were a surprise.
Even as he had watched and wondered, Under Ashdown from the plains;With Ethelred praying in his tent,Till the white hawthorn swung and bentAs Alfred rushed his spears and rent The shield-wall of the Danes.
Even so he had watched and wondered, Knowing neither less nor more,Till all his lords lay dyingAnd axes on axes plying,Flung him, and drove him flying Like a pirate to the shore.
Wise he had been before defeat, And wise before success;Wise in both hours, and ignorant, Knowing neither more nor less.
As he went down to the river-hut He knew a night-shade scent,Owls did as evil cherubs rise,
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