~ Ancient Warriors ~
by Carole Mathys
Saturday, May 13, 2006
This story poem was written many years ago, when my grandsons were young. My young neighbor boy is equally delighted with the story...so folks, this one is just for fun...

The story has often been told
of a daring horse-jockey having sold
to a venerable man of ancient face
a bewitched black horse
To be purchased at an appointed place
when the hour of midnight was high
paying in ancient coin when he arrived
The trader in horses was asked
by his customer
to view his residence last

There is an ancient legend
that an army of sleeping warriors await
in a cave in Eildom Hills they lay in state
until the day when all Gaeldom shall rise
against its oppressors and turn the tide

The trader followed his guide down halls
through long ranges of stalls
in each of which a horse stood motionless
while an armed warrior lay equally still
at the charger's feet
"All these men" whispered the wizard
will awaken at the battle of Sheriffmuir
The means of dissolving the spell
a sword and a horn
that hangs on the wall by the well
He grabbed the horn and blew the call
awakening the sleeping warriors one and all