Restless Knight

‘tis true my steed be not as fleet
This load he bears on tired feet
But still he carries me with pride
As slowly through the kingdoms ride

My shattered lance now bound in twine
Still proudly stands in arm of mine
Though not as quick to make it ready
Still have strength to hold it steady

My armour dulled with rusting stains
That bears the scars of past campaigns
But peeling paint upon my shield
Still shows to all I did not yield

My sword now needs a mighty pull
To draw it from its scabbard dull
For there now lies a rusting blade
But once a fearsome sight it made

My surcoat not its former sight
Heraldic emblem blazoned bright
For it now bears the mark of age
Does former passion thus assuage

My plume of helm now limp and torn
Though still with bursting pride is worn
For that a Queen once gave to me
To mark an act of gallantry

But now I ride throughout these lands
And take the food the peasant hands
For I have nought but what you see
My riches long since lost to me

No knave or valet here to heed
Nor equerry to tend my steed
My golden age is past to me
But not the age of chivalry

So here I ride both day and night
To rescue damsels from their plight
And if a dragon comes my way
Then he I’ll proudly try to slay

This my journey, this my quest
From it I shall not seek to rest
Until St George to me shall say
Enough Sir Knight, pass on your way

An ancient knight of ancient times
Now told of in our song and rhymes
But I will swear of this I say
That he I saw pass by today