Sallie Bridges - The First Meeting of Sir Launcelot and Queen Guinevere lyrics

The Lady Guinevere was crown'd, And all Prince Arthur's Table Round Their fealty came to yield. She sat, the very fairest queen That England's realm had ever seen, Beside the bravest king, I ween, E'er handled weapon sharp and keen Or sceptre learn'd to wield. The golden circlet j**ell'd rare Shone through the wealth of braided hair That wreathed her perfect head; With crimson robe and snowy vest, And gems on arms and rounding breast, It seem'd to every knightly guest To be a hope supremely blest For her his blood to shed. As one by one their bearded lips Just press'd her slender finger-tips, In token of their zeal, She bore her part with regal grace, That show'd the throne was fitting place For blood of Leodegraunce's race; And who before such peerless face Would hesitate to kneel? But when, unhelmeted and tall, Sir Launcelot trode across the hall And bow'd before the throne, A sudden meeting of their eyes Quick caused the eddying blood to rise, To flush her cheek with richer dyes, Each echoing the other's sighs, As his hand touch'd her own. And thus, an instant, all forgot Was royal mien and queenly lot In joy of pa**ion's birth; The heart-pulse leapt through all her frame; Love's dawning broke in rosy flame Of blushing clouds that went and came As Launcelot vow'd henceforth her name Should be his star on earth! A moment, and the spell was o'er: The woman was a queen once more, And Launcelot, loyal knight; But ever through that festal day, Mid tournament or mock-mêlée, Their glances caught each other's ray; And Arthur praised her that alway Her blushes were so bright!