Thus Burke in modern days declaimed,
And ru'd his hapless lot;
But I, in days more modern still,
Declare that it is not!

A ribband, from a fair one's hand,
Was Knighthood's ancient meed —
For this, the warrior's bosom glow'd —
The lover's breast would bleed.

And Chivalry , in later times,
Has raised her banners high;
While beauty held another boon
To Valor's ardent eye.

A GARTER to her Edward gave,
(The theme of every tongue)
Of him Fame's living book is full,
And W indsor's roofs have rung.

While K INGS still court this envied badge,
To grace one honor'd knee,
Far less than Poets, Princes are —
For lo! there's two for me!

And though war's laws forbid the Bard
The hostile sword to wield,
'Tis mine to gain a greater prize
Than crowns the tented field:

One beauty was the Victor's boast,
But mine, a double bliss;
I grateful bend the garter'd knee,
Their gracious hands to kiss.

In Life's young day, what pleasing views
Has Hope, delighted, drawn;
When kindness, like the heavenly beams,
Illumes its mental dawn!