The Ballad of the White Horse is a narrative poem written by G.K. Chesterton. The poem is based on the historical events of the Battle of Ethandun, which took place in 878 AD between the Anglo-Saxons and the invading Danes. The poem follows the story of King Alfred the Great, who leads his army against the Danes and ultimately emerges victorious. Chesterton's poem is a tribute to the heroism and valor of the Saxons, who fought to defend their land and their way of life. The poem is written in an epic style, with vivid descriptions of battles and landscapes, and a strong sense of moral purpose. The White Horse of the title refers to the ancient chalk figure of a horse carved into the hills of southern England, which becomes a symbol of hope and inspiration for the Saxons.The Ballad of the White Horse is not only a historical epic, but also a meditation on the nature of heroism, faith, and the struggle between good and evil. Chesterton's poetic language is rich and evocative, and his use of symbolism and allegory gives the poem a depth and complexity that rewards careful reading. Overall, The Ballad of the White Horse is a masterpiece of English literature, a stirring tribute to the courage and resilience of the human spirit, and a timeless exploration of the eternal themes of war, love, and faith.The fires of the Great Army That was made of iron men, Whose lights of sacrilege and scorn Ran around England red as morn, Fires over Glastonbury Thorn-- Fires out on Ely Fen.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.