SIR PALAMEDES, THE SARACEN KNIGHT
The knight spurs on, and soon espies
A monster coursing on the plain.
He hears the horrid questing rise
And thunder in his weary brain.
This time, to slay it or be slain!
Too easy task! The charger gains
Stride after stride with little pains
Upon the lumbering, flapping thing.
He stabs the lamb, and splits the brains
Of that majestic-seeming king.
He clips the wing and pares the claw—
What turns to laughter all his joy,
To wondering ribaldry his awe?
The beast’s a mere mechanic toy,
Fit to amuse an idle boy!
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