THE QUEEN OF CYPRUS.
111
Sweep seven bold galleys to the land,
Spring from their decks a warrior band,
Dance their white plumes before the breeze
Like summer foam on summer seas,
Flashes the lance like meteor light,
Hauberk and helm are gleaming bright,
And spreads the banner its rich fold,
Where shines on purple, work'd in gold
A lion, which a maiden's hand
Holds by a silken rein's command.
Well mayst thou bend, fair queen, thy brow
To the brave warriors greeting now;
Well have they fought for thee and thine,
Sweet flower of thy royal line;
And well may they catch thy sweet eye,
And swear beneath its rule to die.
