To be lost evermore in the main.

ALFRED TENNYSON.


SIR GALAHAD.

Sir Galahad is the most moral and upright of all the Knights of the
Round Table. The strong lines of the poem (Tennyson, 1809-92) are the
strong lines of human destiny--

"My strength is as the strength of ten
Because my heart is pure."


My good blade carves the casques of men,
My tough lance thrusteth sure,
My strength is as the strength of ten,
Because my heart is pure.
The shattering trumpet shrilleth high,
The hard brands shiver on the steel,
The splintered spear-shafts crack and fly,
The horse and rider reel:
They reel, they roll in clanging lists,
And when the tide of combat stands,
Perfume and flowers fall in showers,
That lightly rain from ladies' hands.

How sweet are looks that ladies bend
On whom their favours fall!