The Crusaders Return

1.     High deeds achieved of knightly fame,     From Palestine the champion came;     The cross upon his shoulders borne,     Battle and blast had dimmd and torn.     Each dint upon his batterd shield     Was token of a foughten field;     And thus, beneath his ladys bower,     He sung as fell the twilight hour: 2.     Joy to the fair! thy knight behold,     Returnd from yonder land of gold;     No wealth he brings, nor wealth can need,     Save his good arms and battle-steed     His spurs, to dash against a foe,     His lance and sword to lay him low;     Such all the trophies of his toil,     Such, and the hope of Teklas smile! 3.     Joy to the fair! whose constant knight     Her favour fired to feats of might;     Unnoted shall she not remain,     Where meet the bright and noble train;     Minstrel shall sing and herald tell,     Mark yonder maid of beauty well,     Tis she for whose bright eyes were won     The listed field at Askalon! 4.     Note well her smile! it edged the blade     Which fifty wives to widows made,     When, vain his strength and Mahounds spell,     Iconiums turband Soldan fell.     Seest thou her locks, whose sunny glow     Half shows, half shades, her neck of snow?     Twines not of them one golden thread,     But for its sake a Paynim bled. 5.     Joy to the fair! my name unknown,     Each deed, and all its praise thine own     Then, oh! unbar this churlish gate,     The night dew falls, the hour is late.     Inured to Syrias glowing breath,     I feel the north breeze chill as death;     Let grateful love quell maiden shame,     And grant him bliss who brings thee fame.