Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MODERN CHIVALRY, by ROWLAND EYLES EGERTON-WARBURTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MODERN CHIVALRY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Time was, with sword and battle-axe
Last Line: Or the fee may tumble through.
Alternate Author Name(s): Egerton-warburton, R. E.
Subject(s): Chivalry; Knights & Knighthood


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.





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