And smiles on all around
Unwilling to decide;
I'd rather hatred bear,
Than love with others share."
Edward I had a harper in his train, in his crusade to the Holy Land, who stood by his side in battle.
That same king in his conquest of Wales is said to have murdered all the bards that fell into his hands lest they should rouse the nation again to arms. Gray's poem, "The Bard," was written upon that theme. I will quote a few lines:
"Dear lost companions of my tuneful art,
Dear as the light that visits these eyes,
Dear as the ruddy drops that warm my heart,
Ye died amidst your dying country's cries—