Classic Poem

Through the lonely glades of the blossoming wood
A knight comes galloping proudly;
He sings and laughs—right merry his mood—
And he winds his bugle loudly.

His harness of steel is strong, and strong
Is his courage unconquered and fearless.
'Tis Richard the Lion-heart riding along,
A knight in Christendom peerless.

With their little green tongues sing gaily the trees,
“Oh, a hearty welcome we bid you
To England again from over the seas,
Where the Austrian dungeon hid you.”

Oh, good to be under the open sky
He feels new-born, re-risen;
Sets spurs to his horse, the further to fly
From the smell of his Austrian prison.