THE HEATH Through the purple dusk on this pathless heath Wanders a horse with its rider, Death. The steed like its master is old and grim, And the flame in his eye is burning dim. The crown of the rider is red with gold, For he is lord of the lea and the wold. A-tween his ribs, against the sky Glimmer the stars as he rideth by. A hungry scythe o'er his shoulder bare Glints afar through the darkening air, And the sudden clank of his horse's hoof Frightens the Wanderer aloof. -- Thomas Boyd (1867-1927)