Opportunity

HIS I beheld, or dreamed it in adream:- There spread a cloud of dust along a plain; Andunderneath the cloud, or in it, raged Afurious battle, and men yelled, and swords Shocked upon swords and shields. A prince's banner Wavered, then staggered backward, hemmed by foes. Acraven hung along the battle's edge, And thought, "Had I a sword of keener steel260 LABOR SONG What blue blade that the king's son bearsbut this Blunt thing-!" he snapt and flung it from his hand, And lowering crept away and left the field. Then came the king's son, wounded, sore bestead, Andweaponless, and saw the broken sword, Hilt-buried in the dry and trodden sand, And ran and snatched it, and with battle-shout Lifted afresh he hewed his enemy down, Andsaved a great cause that heroic day.