that sense could tease, Found only a satyr if you please, As like himself as peas to peas, In the forest of Arcadia. 

 

 

 A BALLAD OF KING RICHARD 

 1. The Banner 

 King Richard wiped the wine from his lips And laughed full scornfully; "Oh, I care not a bit for King Philip's wit, Nor the honour of France," quoth he; 

 "And I care not a straw for Austria's wrath, And little of Templars reck; If I lead not this host, by the Holy Ghost, May my head be struck from my neck." 

 King Richard drank, and swore in his cups —And a mighty man was he— "Let the mongrels yap, I care not a rap, I am Richard the Lion," quoth he. 

 The news went forth to the King of France And the Dukes of high degree, How Richard had sworn that no man born Should lead the armies but he. 

 The Kings were wroth at King Richard's words That were carried to them that day; "Does he make a mock of our ancient stock, This king of an hour?" quoth they. 

 "This bastard son of a bastard sire The standard first would plant On the city's walls when Jerusalem falls; Must we this honour grant? 

 "Not so; if Christ would have Richard lead, Let Christ give grace to his arms. We will stand aside from the battle pride And the fury of war's alarms. 

 "Our men are sick and outnumbered sore, And words from home reveal That our country cries for our governance wise; We will look to our country's weal. 

 "For we came to fight for a Holy Cause, Not dance to an upstart king; The cause must wait for Richard the Great, For our weapons down we fling." 

 Breathless and hushed the messengers spoke As they told King Richard the news How the kings were set and the council met, And the kings to fight refuse. 

 Louder than ever laughed the King In the depths of his golden beard. "God rest my soul, I will reach the goal, 

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