Sitting alone, and absorbed in the martial pages of Cæsar, 395
Fighting some great campaign in Hainault or Brabant or Flanders.
“Long have you been on your errand,” he said with a cheery demeanor,
Even as one who is waiting an answer, and fears not the issue.
“Not far off is the house, although the woods are between us;
But you have lingered so long, that while you were going and coming 400
I have fought ten battles and sacked and demolished a city.
Come, sit down, and in order relate to me all that has happened.”
Then John Alden spake, and related the wondrous adventure
From beginning to end, minutely, just as it happened;