The Cruise of the Branwen

CRUISE OF THE BRANWEN While smoking Polyphemus His fire and ashes blent; But she tossed her head and hastened To Sicilia's storm-tossed pale, Where Scylla and Charybdis Roared on the rising gale, Till she made Messina's harbour, And rested all the night To preen her ruffled pinions For her long south-eastern flight. III Then Ionia's daughters called her, And the nymphs of Corinth sang, While the ancient hills of Hellas With their tuneful welcome rang ; Till she rose and bared her bosom To the golden kiss of Day, Where Poseidon and Athena Gave her greeting in the bay. IV Four Knights were with p.er, chosen well, Englishman, Welsh, and Scot, Who wore the Rose and dared their foes To hinder them one jot. Two comrades more had gone before To hold the martial lists- Their helmets on their heads were set, Their gauntlets on their fists- And side by side they loudly cried A challenge fair and free, Till they were aware of an Almain there, "'ho answered courteously : 128