Sir Palamedes

x Now findeth he, as all alone He moves about the burning East, The mighty trail of some unknown, But surely some majestic beast. So followeth he the forest ways, Remembering his knightly oath, And through the hot and dripping days Ploughs through the tangled undergrowth. Sir Palamede the Saracen Came on a forest pool at length, Remote from any mart of men, Where there disported in his strength The lone and lordly elephant. Sir Palamede his forehead beat. “O amorous! O militant! O lord of this arboreal seat!” Thus worshipped he, and stalking stole Into the Presence: he emerged. The scent awakes the uneasy soul Of that Majestic One: upsurged 29