Lay of Kushta, Sonnet 3
Fair Argora, queen citadel of Armatta, was so
Bestill’d by heat, and its towers and orchards alike calm
And silent stood. Black shadows stain’d fair marble courts at noon.
When from the pale a procession came, and dreadful slow
And sonorous pompous decorum crawl’d, with waving palm
And flowers strewn before and since, and din rose to the moon
From horn and drum, by squires sounded. Amaz’d stood all, by parade
Taken, as six paladins from abroad to home returned.
Each cataphract in lordly wise marched down avenue
To joyous acclaim from crowded window and palisade.
Each onlooker cheered and each in secret hope yearned
That they should march in that glorious select retinue.
In this manner and by these means the greatest Six Knights went
To the High Priest of Maliva to answer summons sent.