King Redbad, born in 679, defender against invading Francish armies.
He re-conqered the city of Utrecht and burnt down its church.
Christendom was erased from Frisian grounds.
He died in 719 and left a grand and heathen kingdom.
Within the borders of his lands
Past battles of the sword
His folk was torn by doubts
'Tween pagan ways or Christian Lord
Then destiny would do its worst
The spirit of his lands
Would face the sorry d**h of faith:
Defeat by acceptance
The king was to be baptised
And conversion to be there
All souls at the baptismal font
Felt tension in the air
And then the hesitation came
Impatience mingled in
Confusion from the bishop's lips
"Why art thou waiting, King?"
"For what about my fathers
And my glorious noblemen
Who fought and died in battle
Will I join Fosite's clan?"
The bishop's word was "Nay!:
In hell they burn!" was what he said
"A baptised king shall rise to heaven
Blessed among the dead"
The ceremony ended
And the king's decision fell
Refusing enemies from heaven
Choosing pagan pride in hell
Frisia Magnum's ruler
The king of northern shores
Was never to denounce the values
Of his ancestors