Epithalamium (Roe)

William James Roe (1843–1921)

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 awayAll through the foeman’s land;But none could’pferce that perfect shieldAnd none the sword withstand.

But I mistrust that never knightsWould be so brave for frayIf 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.