Classic Poem

"Your gracious pardon grant, my liege, I pray;
He has atonement made
For all he's done:
And nature's last great debt will soon be paid;
His life may even set with yonder sun!"
"Lead on, Sir Knight, I'd see him, ere he pass away."

"Farewell," King Richard said, "Heaven's peace be thine!
And you, Sir Harold, kneel!
Hand me your sword!
Now rise, for valiant deeds and service leal,
Of Hastyngs' lands and Normanhurst the Lord!
Till on young Eric's heels the spurs of knighthood shine!"

Once more old Ragnor's rocks resound with cries,
Of grief? Nay--joy and pride!
For on the sea,
A noble, full-rigged ship doth stately ride--
The Orient Pearl--her white cross streaming free;
Whose captain Mike and crew now laugh at frowning skies!