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The wild and shrilly strains that swell
From each bright brassy horn—
The fluttering of each penoncel
By knightly lance upborne—
The clear ring of each tempered shield,
And proud steeds neighing far afield?
Sweet Flesh and Blood! my tale's not told,
'Tis scantly well begun:—
Our vows were passed, in heaven enrolled,
And then next morrow's sun
Saw banners waving in the wind,[1]
And tall barks on the sea:[2]
Glory before, and Love behind,
Marshalled proud chivalrie,
As every valour-freighted ship
Its gilt prow in the wave did dip.
And then passed o'er a merry time—
A roystering gamesome life,
Till cheeks were tanned with many a clime,
Brows scarred in many a strife.
