Classic Poem

The Knights of St. John

Nobly invested are ye, the cross on your panoply wearing,
Lionlike as ye stand, fighting for Acre and Rhodes,
As the trembling palmer ye guide in the Syrian desert,
And with a cherubim's sword on to the Sepulchre press.
Yet still fairer thy garb when clad in the merciful apron
Which (ye lions of fight, sons of a conquering race)
Ye endue at the bed of the sick and suffering needy,
And with a menial hand render him Christian aid.
Faith of the holy Cross, in a merciful chaplet united
Round thee, like twin palms, might and humility blend.EnglishJohann Christoph Friedrich Von Schiller