ON THE WALL

The starshine pales, the moonlight fails
above the barren land,
as dawn awakes and daylight breaks
on endless wind and sand.
From far on high, the reaching eye
sees mountains dwindled small.
The sands behold in burning gold;
'tis morning on the Wall.

Like hammer-blows against the foes
the fearful sun-rays beat;
like molten brass or glowing glass
the sand throws back its heat.
From mountain's ledge to ocean's edge
no slightest shadows fall.
No mercy soon from sun at noon:
'tis midday on the Wall.

Now from the west the shadows rest
across the desert plain;
the brave sun dies in crimson skies
and leaves a bloody stain.
The demons howl, the zombies prowl,
the stinging scorpions crawl,
as daylight ends and night descends
at sunset on the Wall.

In blackest night the stars as bright
as silver arrows burn;
They shine their beams on Eldahr's dreams
as through the sky they turn.
Above the strife of death and life
the ramparts tower tall;
yet good and ill are striving still
at midnight on the Wall.

(This song may be sung to the tune of "The Star of the County Down."