Edwin and Paulinus: The Conversion of Northumbria

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.”