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The Way of the Winepress

By John Payne: With an Introduction by Thomas Wright
Payne, John (1842-1916)

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THE WAY OF THE WINEPRESS:
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FOUR POETS.
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MARTYRS OF HISTORY.
 XXI. 
XXI. HERCULES.
 XXII. 
XXII. PILATE.
 XXIV. 
XXIV. GUATEMOZIN.
 XXV. 
XXV. CAROLUS MARTYR.
 XXVI. 
XXVI. PRINCE RUPERT.
 XXVII. 
XXVII. MAXIMILIAN OF MEXICO.
 XXVIII. 
XXVIII. NAPOLEON THE THIRD.
 XXIX. 
XXIX. PEDRO OF BRAZIL.
 XXX. 
XXX. QUI CARENT VATE SACRO.
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MOTH-FLIGHTS.

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XXVI. PRINCE RUPERT.

KNIGHT-ERRANT of a day, when war a game
Played for men's profit was and little sage
Was he accounted who for battle-gage
Vain loyalty ensued and fruitless fame,
Thy headlong valiance unto thee for blame
Imputed is of this our venal age
And thy high venturousness on history's page
Stands for a mockery and well-nigh a shame.
Yet of thy feats Fame, fabling, minstrel-wise,
Still, with the clarion of thy name, like wine,
Quickens their hearts who love of high emprise
To hear and great blows taken and given again,
For honour's sake, and death held in disdain,
Thy name altisonant, Rupert of the Rhine.
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