A more legible version

Because I am optimistic enough to think that someone may wish to read this more easily than can be done with the version in the previous post:

The marshes, thick and waving

The marshes, thick and waving fen

the reeds tall hid the wanted men

who served a king now overthrown

who among them went unknown.

Weary of the long fight, he

left off his crown and jewels three:

the ring of ruby pressed his seal;

the sceptre held with conqueror’s zeal;

and last of all the golden chain

that made him prisoner to his reign.

These all he heavéd far from him

and turned away with face so grim

to see not where they heavy sank

whether pool or stream or muddy bank.

Turned he then to join his men

and play a simple man again.

But there was one who markéd well

each resting place where jewel fell

and who the man was let them fly

and the fell look in his eye.

In overhanging tree he lay

till day and men were fled away

The swung he down into the marsh

and waded through the reeds made harsh

by winter blast, by icy rime,

unheeding of the cold and slime.

Ring and chain and sceptre found,

into a roll of cloth were bound

and when the birds sang up the day

with crown and jewels he flew away.

This is one of my favorite things that I have ever written. Someday, I'd like to write the rest of the story, just to find out what happens.