Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CHRIST IN BRITAIN: 14. SAINT ILLTYD by THOMAS SAMUEL JONES JR.

First Line: WHEN FIERCE CAER LEON'S WARS WERE TRUMPETED
Last Line: FAIR AS THE STAR OF MORNING SHONE THE GRAIL.
Subject(s): GREAT BRITAIN - HISTORY; ENGLISH HISTORY;

When fierce Caer Leon's wars were trumpeted
And northern kings in flaming chariots rolled
Against the host, a warrior battle-bold
Left camp and court that Christ's poor folk be fed;
Beside the sea where haunted pastures spread,
The forest knight, whose glaves were thonged with gold,
Yoked to wild bullocks broke the grassy mould,
A cloud of gulls about his helmless head.

And while he toiled for men in that strange land,
Nor dreamed of gain or glory by his plough,
Beyond the meadows moved a burning sail --
Slowly the mystic barque drew near the strand,
And borne on wings above the glistening prow
Fair as the star of morning shone the Grail.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net