Page:The Vow of the Peacock.pdf/45

36

Stately as night, and fair as day, The lovely lady made her way Through armed ranks, that bent to her As if she were a conqueror: Then bending on her graceful knee Her lowly suit she made, And prayed him of his courtesy To give an orphan aid; And leave the tourney for the far, And fatal scenes of actual war.

The colour kindled on his cheek, A moment and he could not speak; Then silence hastily broke he, And said, "Oh, fairest dame!   Henceforth my sword is vowed to thee, And asks no other fame.