When silent lay the caterwauls and wails
and deathly faint drop foot-falls ‘cross the floor
our hero dwells on all that quest entails
and once again he contemplates the door.

The lock secure, the wood and screws and nails,
could they withstand a battle-axe, or more?
Could they hold up when enemies assail?
The thoughts of dread he cannot help explore

The pondering which daily makes him strong,
the fear which powers blood through heart and veins,
when twilight falls upon with heavy clout
all courage sung about in epic song
is gone away as light from day-time wanes
and hero’s mask of courage is cast out.