HIS was the spirit that, in ages gone, Flamed through the world, out-leaping bright and high, When Paladins laughed at the Paynim steel, And knights died on their shields without a sigh— Even thus he fought to aid the noblest cause, Far in the clouds-Quixote of the sky! La Mancha's Knight went forth to battle wrong— His brave, disordered brain e'er called "Advance"— Windmills and dragons, spectres of the dusk, Reeled from the thrust of his adventurous lance. Clearer of thought, as pure of heart, this youth Gave all he had in aid of martyred France! He did not wait or linger for the call, But made himself part of the mightiest game— Until, when fighting against whelming odds, He fell to earth in whirling wreck and flame— A crash-a tangled heap of twisted steel— A noble ending—and a deathless name! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE RAINY SEASON by CLARENCE MAJOR VERY EARLY SPRING by KATHERINE MANSFIELD HOLY THURSDAY, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE TWILIGHT AT SEA by AMELIA B. WELBY PENTUCKET [AUGUST 29, 1708] by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER THE BREAKING by MARGARET STEELE ANDERSON |