SIR PALAMEDES, THE SARACEN KNIGHT
King Arthur in ignoble sloth
Is sunk, and dalliance with his dame,
Forgetful of his knightly oath,
And careless of his kingly name.
Befooled and cuckolded, the king
Is yet the king, the king most high ;
And on his life the hinges swing
That close the door of chivalry.
*Sblood! shall it sink, and rise no more,
That blaze of Time, when men were men?
That is thy question, warrior
Sir Palamede the Saracen !
II