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