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Walter Scott - The Crusader`s Return
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High deeds achieved of knightly fame,
From Palestine the champion came;
The cross upon his shoulders borne,
Battle and blast had dimm`d and torn.
Each dint upon his batter`d shield
Was token of a foughten field;
And thus, beneath his lady`s bower,
He sung as fell the twilight hour:—

"Joy to the fair! — thy knight behold,
Return`d from yonder land of gold;
No wealth he brings, nor wealth can need,
Save his good arms and battle-steed
His spurs, to dash against a foe,
His lance and sword to lay him low;
Such all the trophies of his toil,
Such — and the hope of Tekla`s smile!

"Joy to the fair! whose constant knight
Her favour fired to feats of might;
Unnoted shall she not remain,
Where meet the bright and noble train;
Minstrel shall sing and herald tell —
`Mark yonder maid of beauty well,
`Tis she for whose bright eyes were won
The listed field at Askalon!

"`Note well her smile! — it edged the blade
Which fifty wives to widows made,
When, vain his strength and Mahound`s spell,
Iconium`s turban`d Soldan fell.
Seest thou her locks, whose sunny glow
Half shows, half shades, her neck of snow?
Twines not of them one golden thread,
But for its sake a Paynim bled.`

"Joy to the fair! — my name unknown,
Each deed, and all its praise thine own
Then, oh! unbar this churlish gate,
The night dew falls, the hour is late.
Inured to Syria`s glowing breath,
I feel the north breeze chill as death;
Let grateful love quell maiden shame,
And grant him bliss who brings thee fame."
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