Plaintive

I SAW, but O I surely dream'd! A vision dropt from heaven (it seem'd); The world a brighter lustre wore, Than ever Man beheld before.

Philosophers could not declare Which power did most attraction share; If to the vision, earth arose, Or she descended—no one knows.

I saw the angel skip around, Her heavenly feet scarce touch'd the ground; She lighted on a splendid throne, The glory then of Europe shone.

Ten thousand Dons and Cavaliers Around her stood with swords and spears, To be her slaves was all they sought, Thus was "the grace of life unbought."

Methought—O! how my brains must reel! Ten thousand swords of magic steel, Would leap their scabbards to chastise Those who had not elastic eyes!

But, O! how Time's revolving glass Brings unexpected things to pass! The Queen is driven from her throne, The Age of Chivalry is gone!

Where are the Quixottes now, and where The Sanchos to defend the fair?— The Dulcinea's left to moan —The Age of Chivalry is gone!

Hy, Quixotte, thro' the air, like wind, And Sancho, too, get up behind! Alas! no Sancho here, nor Don, —The Age of Chivalry is gone!

O peerless Queen! thou art bereft Of all thy friends, and with me left; With WOEFUL FACES thus we moan, —The Age of Chivalry is gone!

Enchanters! O restore the knights, That can so well assert her rights! Alas! Enchanters are unknown! —The Age of Chivalry is gone!

Ten thousand swords why do ye sleep? Your drousy scabbards quickly leap; The crew with insult all look on; —The Age of Chivalry is gone!

Come kingly butchers, then, advance, And desolate the plains of France; Alas! ye move but slowly on! —The Age of Chivalry is gone!

Then bring my Rosinante, that I My prowess in the field may try; It would reward my toil and pain, Could I restore the AGE again.

But, ah!—No more—I will not go, REASON appears my potent foe; 'Tis REASON keeps her from the throne, —The Age of Chivalry is gone!