Take the first letter of the first line, the second letter of the second line, the third letter of the third line, and then repeat, taking the first letter of the fourth line. Without all four poems, it would be hard to guess the pattern.

I Cattle sleep at night Walls of darkness round them. Songs of owls affright, but Cannot confound them. Break of day will brighten. Stiff and chill the wind, Zealously to waft away Bat and elfin-kind. Banish every fear, my dear Summer's almost here. (Cancrizans) II Up and down the hill and vale Daringly the eagle flies. I would give my soul to be Soaring past the wind, as he. Sorry me. You be free. (Priory) III Odd, how gently they come home, Wooing peace once more. Riding off they were not so. Is it ever thus with war? Frequently, it seems mankind Terrifies or trembles. (Dorset) 4 All is quiet in the city. See the pigeons in the square, Indignant. Waiting for their corn or bread. Is it not strange, and dead? Enthralling to see the streets so bare. Our mansion and hovel drifts snow, so white. One will bring food to the pigeons tonight. (Leiston)

The Cypher	Table of Contents	Cherished Enemy

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