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.”