With bowed head he prayed, for his soul and his life,
And girded his spirit 'gainst temptation's knife,
He tightened his greaves and his gold epaulettes,
Eyes shone with the jewels in armourplate set,
He took up his colours which brightened his shield
And his dazzling blade which at no mail would yield,
Anointed his features with cool holy water,
Fastened helmet on shoulders, prepared for the slaughter.


Penned by my hand on the 15th of Valnuary, in the year 258 AF.