The Battle Royal.

THOU Battle Royal! Kings and gentlemen

At arms, and lords have fought thee since the mists

Of time, back-rolling, show’d thy mimic lists

And pigmy warriors, mazed and harried then

As now in meshes of thy checkered strife—

Unshielded Pawns, trim Knights and frowning Rooks

Stolid yet quick, and Bishops smug, with looks