Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE RIDER OF THE KNEE by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: KNIGHTLY RIDER OF THE KNEE
Last Line: KNIGHTLY RIDER OF THE KNEE!
Subject(s): CHILDREN; KNIGHTS & KNIGHTHOOD; CHILDHOOD;
KNIGHTLY Rider of the Knee
Of Proud-prancing Unclery!
Gaily mount, and wave the sign
Of that mastery of thine.

Pat thy steed and turn him free,
Knightly Rider of the Knee!
Sit thy charger as a throne --
Lash him with thy laugh alone:

Sting him only with the spur
Of such wit as may occur,
Knightly Rider of the Knee,
In thy shriek of ecstasy.

Would, as now, we might endure,
Twain as one -- thou miniature
Ruler, at the rein of me --
Knightly Rider of the Knee!



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