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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A BALLAD OF TWO KNIGHTS by SARA TEASDALE

Poet Analysis

First Line: TWO KNIGHTS RODE FORTH AT EARLY DAWN
Last Line: I WEEN THAT EACH KNIGHT SMILED.
Subject(s): KNIGHTS & KNIGHTHOOD; LOVE;

Two knights rode forth at early dawn
A-seeking maids to wed,
Said one, "My lady must be fair,
With gold hair on her head."

Then spake the other knight-at-arms:
"I care not for her face,
But she I love must be a dove
For purity and grace."

And each knight blew upon his horn
And went his separate way,
And each knight found a lady-love
Before the fall of day.

But she was brown who should have had
The shining yellow hair --
I ween the knights forgot their words
Or else they ceased to care.

For he who wanted purity
Brought home a wanton wild,
And when each saw the other knight
I ween that each knight smiled.





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