AH, not for Quest of Grail nor trophied shield, Nor chivalrous faith in knightly service seal'd, For which our pure and princely Arthur gave That badge of Honour—Knighthood—to the brave. No, nor like those great rovers of the main Who curb'd and crush'd the mighty fleets of Spain, And from a Virgin Queen received the meed Of valorous service or of derring deed. Peace hath her captains, resolute as those Who gird to battle with their country's foes,— Victoria first the Sword of Honour drew To appraise their worth who shape the world anew. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DOWN BY THE CARIB SEA: 5. THE DANCING GIRL by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON A MAN CHILD IS BORN (1839) by EDGAR LEE MASTERS IN THE GARDEN AT THE DAWN HOUR by EDGAR LEE MASTERS SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: WILLIAM AND EMILY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |