Download audio file read by Glyn Moody.
“Haroldus rex interfectus est”.
Had an extra fyrd or two been packed
In, or the royal gaze roved west-
ward, or the enemy harried and directly attacked,
The arrow would not have hit the eye and entered
– Neither, had the archer waited, then nocked,
Fiddled to get the shaft properly centred,
Felt underfoot an awkward stone that rocked.
Had he, that morning, petted the camp’s pup,
Or stayed a moment to pop fat lice,
Or spilt wine and broken his favourite cup,
Annoyed; or on rising farted not once but twice,
That Saturday were much different. But a factual mystery
Moved the needle, embroidering the world’s history.
Had an extra fyrd or two been packed
In, or the royal gaze roved west-
ward, or the enemy harried and directly attacked,
The arrow would not have hit the eye and entered
– Neither, had the archer waited, then nocked,
Fiddled to get the shaft properly centred,
Felt underfoot an awkward stone that rocked.
Had he, that morning, petted the camp’s pup,
Or stayed a moment to pop fat lice,
Or spilt wine and broken his favourite cup,
Annoyed; or on rising farted not once but twice,
That Saturday were much different. But a factual mystery
Moved the needle, embroidering the world’s history.
(29.10.26) v 1.01
