Classic Poem

A ROMANCE OF CHIVALRY .

La Prisonnière et le Chevalier.

“Ah! if by chance some Cavalier,
Loving and loyal, should appear,
And triumph o'er the jailer here
Who guards me in this turret drear—
How should I bless that Cavalier!”

Loving and loyal as could be,
A Cavalier she chanced to see.
“What crabbèd jailer, Dame,” quoth he,
“Holds in this tower a dame like thee?
Prelate or Knight, which may it be?”

“It is my spouse, good Cavalier,
Who of my truth thus shows his fear:
Old jailer, in this tower so drear
He lets me lie all lonely here.
Save me,” she cries, “good Cavalier!”

Quick at the word, the youthful knight,
Strong in his guardian angel's might,
Eludes the watchful jailer's sight,
And boldly climbs the turret's height—
Huzza, huzza, O gay young knight!
The captive dame compels the knight

His troth all loyally to plight:
They see the truckle-bed invite
To vengeance for the jailer's spite—
Enjoy your bliss, O gay young knight!

Now dame and cavalier, good bye!
His steed they mount that's waiting nigh,
And, in the jailer-husband's eye
Flinging the keys, away they fly
Fair dame, brave knight, good bye, good bye!

Honor to all good cavaliers,
And their true dames! A fig for fears
Of Hymen's jailers' eyes or ears!
Where dungeon frowns, or palace cheers,
Heaven aye protects good cavaliers.