Sir Palamedes

30 The monster from the oozy bed, And bounded through the crashing glades. —But now a staring savage head Lurks at him through the forest shades. This was a naked Indian, Who led within the city gate The fooled and disappointed man, Already broken by his fate. Here were the brazen towers, and here The sculptured rocks, the marble shrine Where to a tall black stone they rear The altars due to the divine. The God they deem in sensual joy Absorbed, and silken dalliance: To please his leisure hours a boy Compels an elephant to dance. So majesty to ridicule Is turned. To other climes and men Makes off that strong, persistent fool Sir Palamede the Saracen.