In echo as the rainy torrent poured;

Bright gleamed the rapid lightning; yet more bright

The war-lust kindled hot in every lord.

To clang of armour the seventh morning stirred

From slumber; restless hoof and champing bit

Aroused the garth; and day, arising, lit

A hundred lances, as, each bolt withdrawn,

The courtyard-gate swung wide with noise far-heard,

And flickering pennons rode into the dawn--

Before his knights, the King, and at his side,