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THE VIGIL OF ARMS.
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THE VIGIL OF ARMS[1]
A sounding step was heard by night
In a church where the mighty slept,
As a mail-clad youth, till morning's light,
Midst the tombs his vigil kept.
He walk'd in dreams of power and fame,
He lifted a proud, bright eye,
For the hours were few that withheld his name
From the roll of chivalry.
Down the moon-lit aisles he paced alone,
With a free and stately tread;
- ↑ The candidate for knighthood was under the necessity of keeping watch, the night before his inauguration, in a church, and completely armed. This was called "the Vigil of Arms."
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