1. The warrior bowed his crested head, and tamed his heart of fire.
And sued the haughty king to free his long imprisoned sire:
“I bring thee here my fortress keys, I bring my captive train;
I pledge my faith, my liege:[611] my lord, O, break my father’s chain!”
2. “Rise, rise! even now thy father comes, a ransomed[612] man this day;
Mount thy good horse, and thou and I will meet him on his way.”
Then lightly rose that loyal son, and bounded on his steed,
And urged, as if with lance in rest, the charger’s[613] foamy speed.
3. And, lo! from far, as on they pressed, there came a glittering band,
With one that ’midst them stately rode, as a leader in the land.