Last gasp of light has faded into gloom
Of sable clouds. Mounting despair
Smote hearts, for unrelenting doom,
Arose as the beast from lair.
Shrill voice of trumpets pierced night,
Upon the battlements of Helm,
Which no sword's, no spear's might,
No foe could ever overwhelm!
Lo! Lightings tore through starless skies,
And suddenly all wreathed in flame
Were hills and fierce were the cries
That roar of thunder could not tame!
And yet, upon the lofty wall,
Defying arrows deadly hail,
Stood proud knight. His figure tall,
Was clothed in an elven mail.
He bared from sheath great-hilted sword
And spake to foes: "I bid ye, flee!
Lest all be slain, for now behold,
Thine doom's at hand! At dawn ye'll see!"
Nought, but the scornful laughs were heard,
Great wall was swarmed by hosts of hell
'Twas then the foe beheld the Sword,
Once held by Elendil the Fell!
The horns were winded, swords have flashed,
As folk of Helm has stood their ground.
Hauberk and helm were cloven, slashed,
And slain were piled in grim mound...
По просьбе автора темы я снова поместил этот отрывок. Что вы о нём думаете?