The Hermit

The Hermit lived on an island, on an island lived he,

And a small lonely island it was, in the middle of the sea.

For two thousand five hundred and fifty six days,

The Hermit had knelt in his little stone cottage and prayed.

He ate only bread and fish he caught from the sea,

And a sulky black crow was his only real company.

A fine little sailboat had he, one of finest ever made,

But let fall her sail he would not, until his debt he had paid.

A soul alone on an island, assuredly fighting to be free,

Contending with eyes closed; his enemies he could not see.

The Hermit lived on an island, on an island lived he,

And a small lonely island it was, in the middle of the sea.