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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CHRIST IN BRITAIN: 29. THE STAG OF CHEDDAR by THOMAS SAMUEL JONES JR.

First Line: THE KING RODE CLOSE BEHIND THE ROYAL STAG
Last Line: SHOULD RULE THE ABBEY OF THE HOLY THORN.
Subject(s): DUNSTAN, SAINT (924-988); EDMUND I, KING OF ENGLAND (921-946); GREAT BRITAIN - HISTORY; ENGLISH HISTORY;

The king rode close behind the royal stag
In helm bright yellow as an eagle's eye,
And swore the antlered crown that swept the sky
Along a winding woodland path should drag;
Through beechen glade and bogs of reed and flag
On thundering hooves the forest lord rushed by,
Then yawned a gulf, and with a mighty cry
The hart fell crashing down the mist-wreathed crag.

"Now Dunstan succor me!" the hunter cried.
Upreared his roan until the foaming mane
Streamed back across the gilded saddle-horn;
And Edmund vowed upon that gray hillside
The saint whose power had checked his bridle-rein
Should rule the Abbey of the Holy Thorn.



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