A Knight on the Water
The noble knight and young squire
They walk amongst the trees;
Begin at castle King’s inquire
And bound for bluest seas;
Three days be past but ten to go
When course befell a creek;
A stream of winter’s melting snow
A flow, by noon day peek.
A lady dressed in silk, of bare
Foot perch, a rook on rock;
Her anger fraught to all she glare
Upon, and here new stock.
With harsh command upon the knight
Demand, recall his vow;
To me you serve, my time of plight
Or honor disavow.
The noble knight with poise agree,
No gain or pause he ask;
Prepare his pack, a bended knee,
A kindness to his task;
He lifts her high with gentle grace,
While she complaining; slow
And cautious steps, a careful pace,
the icy water flow.
Though safe above the chill, she curse
His house, despoil his name;
Especially, when on her purse
A drop, she howls in pain.
Yet strong and true the gain was got
And kindly place her down;
Instead of thanks, as grace has taught
Us, she wish he had drown.
The Knight and Squire go there way
alone now on the road;
Content the Knight to pass the day,
Enjoy their wood abode;
Yet Squire was quiet, and remiss,
In full uncertainty;
His mind a run, to all of this
Shocking absurdity;
He walk in thought, “o bless my sight,
I not believe it so;
To mock my great knight, with her plight,
What purpose aid her woe?
My knight a great lord, mighty lands
He holds, wealth and power;
A thousand men, more he command,
And she, not worth the hour.”
They walk all day while squire dumb
about that fateful morn,
His mind a rage, it overcome,
And torment with her scorn.
When sun it set and fire bright,
He put to noble Knight;
Why help she, it not fair, not right,
Her mockery a blight.
The Noble Knight sits with a smile
And looks on young squire;
For through the day, in every mile
He knew the growing ire;
The Noble Knight says yes it true
For moment did convey,
Alas squire, but it is you,
That carried her all day.