Like one long snow-wreath roll'd:--
'At Yule-time in our chamber
We sit in warmth and light,
While cavern-black around us
Lies the grim mouth 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 born from darkness,
And into darkness go:--
So is our life, King Edwin!
Ah, that it should be so!

'But if this pale Paulinus
Have somewhat more to tell;
Some news of whence and whither,
And where the Soul may 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 conquer'd!
And he shall he our guide:--
For he makes life worth living,
Who brings this message plain,--