And ere the full fierce tale was read
Full forty lay before them dead,
And fast the hurtling remnant fled
And wist not whither fear had led:
⁠And toward the king they went again,
And would have slain him: but he bowed
Before them, crying in fear aloud
For grace they gave him, seeing the proud
⁠Wild king brought lowest of men.
 
And ere the wildwood leaves were stirred
With song or wing of wakening bird,
In Camelot was Merlin's word
With joy in joyous wonder heard
⁠That told of Arthur's bitterest foe
Diskingdomed and discomfited.
'By whom?' the high king smiled and said.
He answered: 'Ere the dawn wax red,
⁠To-morrow bids you know.