The Golden Age, and Other Poems

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 edition. Excerpt: ...weal or woe--For thee--while Memory lasts--for thee Our warmest prayers shall flow! 27.' Farewell, dear Girl! accept the wreath--Pledge of esteem and love. May Earth's best joys be thine beneath--And better joys above! THE RED CROSS KNIGHT. "Sib Knight! Thou art welcome to our hall: The shades of evening round thee fall; The curfew-knell, and the gloaming1 grey Presage the close of the fading day. Sir Knight! I see thou hast journey'd far; Now rest thee at the evening-star. Thy mantle is cover'd o'er with dust: And thy hauberk 2 rent with many a thrust, And the recent marks on thy well-worn shield Denote thee late from the battle-field. On thine arm the scarlet cross is seen: Thou art from the Holy Land, I ween: Of thy gallantry well thou bringest proof--Aye, Valour is welcome to our roof: My Lord and I invite thee free; Right generous here thy cheer shall be: 'Tis our wedding-day--and we hail thee guest... Unbrace thy corslet, and doff thy crest! Thy horse and thou have need of rest-' The seat of honour remains for thee, The guerdon of true nobility; Already the Seneschal gives the word, And the baron smokes upon the board: --(1) Twilight. (1) Coat of mail. (We hold a Bound Table;1 and titled dames Have sate to view the knightly games: The Tilt is just o'er; and, in the hall Convened, they keep high festival: ) 'Twill crowd the joy of myself and Lord To have a Crusader grace our board: My page shall serve thee at the feast, And my groom shall tend thy noble beast; The mass shall be sung, and the bells shall chime Thy welcome-home to thy native clime: Thou shalt drown thy toils in the wassail-bowl,2 And with muscadel3 refresh thy soid; The minstrels shall sing, and the harps resound, And the dancers merrily foot it round, Till the...