And when the eye of England’s glorious Chief,
Great Arthur, fell with favour on the youth,
And praise he spoke in stirring words though brief,
Such as with thought impregnate all and truth
It was his wont to utter, Envy’s tooth
Of calumny to silence proudly shaming,
Beat Nial’s heart, and soldiers all uncouth
Felt tears well nigh to flow, the stripling naming
So loved by all, their hearts with gentlest Valour taming.