Count Louis’ wavy cock’s plumes led
His troops of black-haired manes,
A rebel; and old Kraken sped
To front him on the plains.
XVI
Then camp opposed to camp did they
Fret earth with panther claws
For signal of a bloody day,
Each reading from the Laws.
XVII
‘Forefend it, heaven!’ Count Louis cried,
‘And let the righteous plead:
My country is a willing bride,
Was never slave decreed.
XVIII
‘Not we for thirst of blood appeal
To sword and slaughter curst;
We have God’s blessing on our steel,
Do we our pleading first.’
XIX
Count Louis, soul of chivalry,
Put trust in plighted word;
By starlight on the broad brown lea,
To bar the strife he spurred.