More queenly still her stately step, more luminous her eyes,
Until her lovers thought her charms translations from the skies.
One day, perchance attracted by the maiden’s marvelous fame,
An unknown knight, in humble guise, rode slowly to her gate.
No page, no man-at-arms had he; he came in simple state.
His armor was as dark as night, his tossing plumes were black,
As was his gaunt gigantic steed;—no arms were on his shield —
Only a deadly night-shade shone upon its ebon field.
Next day the tournament gave birth to doughty deeds of arms,
For down before the Nameless Knight the lady’s suitors went;