Humbly with God. High in the left-hand stall

Oswy was throned, a man in prime, with brow

Less youthful than his years. Exile long past,

Or deepening thought of one disastrous deed,

Had left a shadow in his eyes. The strength

Of passion held in check looked lordly forth

From head and hand: tawny his beard; his hair

Thick-curled and dense. Alert the monarch sat

Half turned, like one on horseback set that hears,

And he alone, the advancing trump of war.