Epithalamium

Two knights set forth to fare a-field, And both were blithe and gay, Quoth one: Now I will bear the shield, And the sword shall play.

So all the day they rode away All through the foeman’s land; But none could’pferce that perfect shield And none the sword withstand.

But I mistrust that never knights Would be so brave for fray If both essayed to bear the shield, Or both the sword to play.

Their knightly names who fared a-field; Albert the sword did play, And for the one who bore the shield, Her husband called her May.