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!