Such was thy power, O Pastoral Romance!
In that ambrosial age of classic fame,
The spirit to entrance.
Fain would I whisper of the latter days,
When, in thy royal name,
The mailéd knights encountered lance to lance,
All for sweet Romance and fair ladies’ praise;
But no! I bowed the knee
And vowed allegiance to thee,
As I beheld thee in thy golden prime,