The Equinox (Volume I, Number IV)

SIR PALAMEDES, THE SARACEN KNIGHT The knight spurs on, and soon espies A monster coursing on the plain. He hears the horrid questing rise And thunder in his weary brain. This time, to slay it or be slain! Too easy task! The charger gains Stride after stride with little pains Upon the lumbering, flapping thing. He stabs the lamb, and splits the brains Of that majestic-seeming king. He clips the wing and pares the claw— What turns to laughter all his joy, To wondering ribaldry his awe? The beast’s a mere mechanic toy, Fit to amuse an idle boy! 39