Clashed sword on shieldIn the harvest field;And no man blamesThe red red flames,War's candle-wickOn roof and rick.Now dead lies the yeoman unwept and unknownOn the field he hath furrowed, the ridge he hath sown:And all in the middle of wethers and neatThe maidens are driven with blood on their feet;For yet 'twixt the Burg-gate and battle half-wonThe dust-driven highway creeps uphill and on,And the smoke of the beacons goes coiling aloft,While the gathering horn bloweth loud, louder and oft.Throw wide the gatesFor nought night waits;Though the chase is deadThe moon's o'erheadAnd we need the clearOur spoil to share.Shake the lots in the helm then for brethren are we,And the goods of my missing are gainful to thee.Lo! thine are the wethers, and his are the kine;And the colts of the marshland unbroken are thine,With the dapple-grey stallion that trampled his groom;And Giles hath the gold-blossomed rose of the loom.Lo! leaps out the last lot and nought have I won,But the maiden unmerry, by battle undone.