MODERN CHIVALRY.
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.
