Sir Palamedes

102 XXXIX GREEN and Grecian is the valley, Shepherd lads and shepherd lasses Dancing in a ring Merrily and musically. How their happiness surpasses The mere thrill of spring! “Come” (they cry), “Sir Knight, put by All that weight of shining armour! Here’s a posy, here’s a garland, here’s a chain of daisies! Here’s a charmer! There’s a charmer ! Praise the God that crazes men, the God that raises All our lives to ecstasy !” Sir Palamedes was too wise To mock their gentle wooing; He smiles into their sparkling eyes While they his armour are undoing. “ For who” (quoth he) “ may say that this Is not the mystery I miss?” Soon he is gathered in the dance, And smothered in the flowers.