Just then the ancient sexton, with the bell that tolls the dead,
Went up and down the country side, and these the words he said:--
"Pray for the soul of one who was a brave and loyal knight,
Who bare at Nantes a grievous hurt, what time they fought the fight:
"To-morrow eve, at set of sun, amid the gathering gloom,
From the white church they bear him forth, to rest within the tomb."