The Canterbury Tales of Chaucer :: :: University of Virginia Library

A Knight there was, whose early Youth had shown
His Love to Arms, and Passion for Renown.
Courteous and affable, of Honor nice,
A Friend to Truth, a Foe to ev'ry Vice.
In many brave Engagements had he been,
Known foreign Courts, and Men and Manners seen.
In Christendom much Fame he had acquir'd;
In Turkey he was dreaded and admir'd.
When Alexandria was besieg'd and won,
He pass'd the Trenches first, and scal'd the Town

Granada's Siege increas'd the Warrior's Fame,
And Algier trembled but to hear his Name;
In fifteen Battles deathless Wreaths he got,
Three single Combats with Success he fought.
Much Ground he Travell'd o'er, for he had Seen
Our Saviour's Sepulchre in Palestine.
The barb'rous Infidels had felt his Might,
Fierce in Engagement, gentle after Fight.
In Council and in Conduct, Wise and Stay'd;
In Conversation, modest as a Maid;
Plain and Sincere, observant of the Right.
In Mien and Manners, an accomplish'd Knight.
A goodly Horse he rode, well Shap'd and Strong,
No gaudy Saddle, nor no Trappings long.
The Arms he wore, were bright, and free from Stain,
His Habit serviceable, neat and plain:
With grateful Zeal, devoutly he was come
To thank the Saint, that brought him safely home.