I ride down the misty way
As scattered sunlight breaks the day,
Through the valleys and the hills,

Girt with sword and armed with spear
Banner fluttering ever near
Through the grasses thick with dew.

Towards the foes who gather on
Sacred ground strewn with blood
To capture all the sacred words

They would torch the towers
Of learned men,
And see fair tombs fall within,

Dare not to anger those before
Dare not to open up the door
Between the fairy land and this;

This night I ride to stop the ones
Who would sacrilege do.
And yet I give a warning clear
The Dead Ride Behind