Brave in the lists did her gallants appear;
Gay were their damosels, deck’d out in rivalry,
Breathing soft sighs from the balconies near.
Each to her knight,
His bright helm to dight,
Flung her love-knot, with vows for his prowess and might;
And warm were the words
Of their love-sick young lords,
Mingling sweet with the tender harp’s heart-thrilling chords.
But long ere the trumpet’s shrill clamour alarming