Classic Poem

The Eighth Couple.

Sir W ILLIAM K NOWLES ,

M ASTER A NTHONY C OOKE .

Then, like the three Horatii in the field,
Betwixt the Roman and the Alban camp,
That triumph'd in the royal right of Rome,
Or old Duke Aymon's glory, Dordogne's pride,
Came in the noble English Nestor's sons,
Brave Knowles his offspring, hardy champions;
Each in his plumes, his colours, and device,
Expressing warrior's wit and courtier's grace.
Against Sir William ran a lusty knight;
Fine in device he was and full of wit,
Famous beyond the chalky British cliffs,
And loved and honour'd in his country's bounds,
Anthony Cooke, a man of noble name,
For arms and courtship equal to the best:
Valour and Virtue sat upon his helm,
Whom Love and lowering Fortune led along,
And Life and Death he portray'd in his show;
A liberal Hand, badge of nobility,
A Heart that in his mistress' honour vows
To task his hand in witness of his heart,
Till age shake off war's rough habiliments.
Then with such cunning can they couch their staves,
That worthily each knight himself behaves.