36
THE VOW OF THE PEACOCK.
Stately as night, and fair as day,
The lovely lady made her way
Through armed ranks, that bent to her
As if she were a conqueror:
Then bending on her graceful knee
Her lowly suit she made,
And prayed him of his courtesy
To give an orphan aid;
And leave the tourney for the far,
And fatal scenes of actual war.
The colour kindled on his cheek,
A moment and he could not speak;
Then silence hastily broke he,
And said, "Oh, fairest dame!
Henceforth my sword is vowed to thee,
And asks no other fame.
