Between two comrades dear, + 

Zealous and true as they, + 

Thou, prudent Ethelwald, didst bear + 

In that high home the sway. + 

A man, who ne’er, ’tis said, + 

Would of his graces tell, + 

Or with what arms he triumphèd + 

Over the Dragon fell. + 

So down to us hath come + 

A memorable word, + 

Which in unguarded season from + 

His blessed lips was heard. + 

It chanced, that, as the Saint + 

Drank in with faithful ear + 

Of Angel tones the whispers faint, + 

Thus spoke a brother dear: + 

“Oh, why so many a pause, + 

Thwarting thy words’ full stream, + 

Till her dark line Oblivion draws + 

Across the broken theme?” + 

He answered: “Till thou seal + 

To sounds of earth thine ear, + 

Sweet friend, be sure thou ne’er shalt feel + 

Angelic voices near.” + 

But then the hermit blest + 

A sudden change came o’er; + 

He shudders, sobs, and smites his breast, + 

Is mute, then speaks once more: + 

“Oh, by the Name Most High, + 

What I have now let fall, + 

Hush, till I lay me down to die, + 

And go the way of all!” + 

Thus did a Saint in fear + 

His gifts celestial hide; + 

Thus did an Angel standing near + 

Proclaim them far and wide. + 