The Equinox (Volume I, Number IV)

SIR PALAMEDES, THE SARACEN KNIGHT How agony’s unleavening yeast Stirs Palamede. Anon they tire, And follow an Egyptian priest Who boasts him master of the fire To draw down lightning, and invoke The gods upon a sandal pyre, And bring up devils in the smoke. Sir Palamede is all alone, Wrapped in his misery like a cloak, Despairing now to charm the Unknown. So arms and horse he takes again. Sir Palamede hath overthrown The jesters. Now the country men, Stupidly staring, see at noon Sir Palamede the Saracen A-riding like an harvest moon In silver arms, with glittering lance, With pluméd helm, and wingéd shoon, Athwart the admiring land of France. 55