THE GOLDEN HELM.

The Golden Helm

I.

Across his stripling shoulders Geoffrey felt

The knighting-sword fall lightly, and he heard

The King's voice bid him rise; and at the word

He rose, new-flushed with knighthood, swiftly grown

To sudden manhood, though, but now, he knelt

A vigil-wearied squire before the throne.

He paused one moment while the people turned