I. TIME was, with sword and battle-axe, All clad in armour bright, When cleaving skulls asunder Was the business of a knight. II. Now chivalry means surgery, And spurs are won by him Who can mend a skull when broken, Or piece a fractured limb. III. Our knights of old couch'd lances, Drew long swords from the sheath, Now knighthood couches eye-balls, And chivalry draws teeth. IV. See! rescued from confinement, To charm our ravish'd sight, Fair ladies are deliver'd By the arm of a true knight. V. Behold! the knight chirurgeon To deeds of blood advance, A bandage for a banner! And a lancet for a lance! VI. To heroes of the hospital The "bloody hand" is due, But ye heralds bend the fingers, Or the fee may tumble through. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ODE WRITTEN IN [THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR] 1746 by WILLIAM COLLINS (1721-1759) MIDNIGHT ON THE GREAT WESTERN by THOMAS HARDY THE BROOK; AN IDYL by ALFRED TENNYSON PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 98. AL-RASCHID by EDWIN ARNOLD |