Edwin and Paulinus: The Conversion of Northumbria

Anonymous

THE BLACK-HAIRED gaunt Paulinus

By ruddy Edwin stood:—

“Bow down, O king of Deira,

Before the blessèd Rood!

Cast out thy heathen idols,

And worship Christ our Lord.”

—But Edwin looked and pondered,

And answered not a word.

Again the gaunt Paulinus

To ruddy Edwin spake:

“God offers life immortal

For his dear Son’s own sake!

Wilt thou not hear his message,

Who bears the keys and sword?”

—But Edwin looked and pondered,

And answered not a word.

Rose then a sage old warrior

Was fivescore winters old;

Whose beard from chin to girdle

Like one long snow-wreath rolled:—

“At Yule-time in our chamber

We sit in warmth and light,

While cold and howling round us

Lies the black land of Night.

“Athwart the room a sparrow

Darts from the open door:

Within the happy hearth-light

One red flash,—and no more!

We see it come from darkness,

And into darkness go:—

So is our life, King Edwin!

Alas, that it is so!

“But if this pale Paulinus

Have somewhat more to tell;

Some news of Whence and Whither,

And where the soul will dwell;—

If on that outer darkness

The sun of hope may shine;—

He makes life worth the living!

I take his God for mine!”

So spake the wise old warrior;

And all about him cried,

“Paulinus’ God hath conquered!

And he shall be our guide:—

For he makes life worth living

Who brings this message plain,

When our brief days are over,

That we shall live again.”

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