Egbert's heartstrings burst; he lay gasping out his life upon the ground; faintly and more faintly he heard the old woman speak, the dog bark, and the bird chant on his unwearying song. THE FAITHFUL ECKART. That noble duke, the great Of Burgundy's proud land, Felt all his foemen's hate, And, vanquish'd, bit the sand. He spoke: "I'm struck! I bleed! Where is my valour fled? Friends fail me at my need, My knights are flown or dead; I cannot hold the field-- I faint! My strength, my pride, Has left me here to yield-- True Eckart's from my side. It was not thus of old, When war raged fierce and strong-- The last to have it told, He loved his home too long. Now, see they trooping come-- Not long my sword is mine: Flight's made for the base groom-- I'll die as died my line." With that he raised his sword, And would have smote his breast; When, truer than his word, Good Eckart forward prest. Back spurn'd the vaunting foe, And dashed into the throng; Nor was his bold son slow To bring his knights along. The bold duke saw the sign, And cried, "Now, God be praised! Now tremble, foemen mine, My drooping hopes be raised!" Again he charged and cheer'd, True Eckart wins the fight; "But where's his boy?" he heard; "No more he sees the light." When now the foe was fled, Out spoke the duke aloud; "Well hath it with me sped, Yet Eckart's head is bow'd. Though many thou hast slain, For country and for life; Thy son lies on the plain, No more to join the strife." Then Eckart's tears flow'd fast, Low stoop'd the warrior down; Embraced and kiss'd his last, And sadly made his moan. "Sweet Heins, how died'st so young, Ere yet thou wert a man? What boots it that I'm strong, And thou so still and wan? Yet thou hast saved thy prince From his dread foeman's scorn! Thou art his--accept him, since He never will return!" Bold Burgundy then mourn'd To see a father's grief; His heart within him burn'd, But could not bring relief. He mingles tears with tears; He clasps him to his breast; The hero he reveres, And speaks his deep distress:-- "Most faithful hast thou been, When fail'd me all beside; Henceforth we will be seen Like brothers, side by side. Throughout all Burgundy, Be lord of me and mine; And could more honour be, I'd freely make it thine." He journey'd through the land, Each liege-man hail'd him home; To each he gave command, True Eckart to welcome. * * * * *