With walls and towers that frowned in might upon that fertile land.
And he saw the glittering banners of Almanzor set on high,
And swaying in the gentle breeze that filled the summer sky.
And those who stood upon the walls, soon as he came in sight,
Streamed forth from the portcullis with welcome for the knight,
For they marvelled at the prancing steed that rushed across the plain,
They marvelled at his thundering voice and words of deep disdain.
And, Fortune, do thy worst; it is not meant,
By Allah, that his knight should die in banishment.
And as he rode into the town and galloped to the square,