John Bowring - Chivalry

Now tell me what is chivalry?
To battle in the foremost fight
For anything-for wrong-for right,
For some fair lady's scornful smile,
For what is virtuous, what is vile,
Come, tell me, is this chivalry?


No! in the men for truth who pant,
In wretchedness and woe and want,
Who bear the world's contemptuous hate,
With patient soul, with heart elate.
No! in the woman in whose home
No peace is found, no comforts come,
Yet bends in silence,-feeling still
'Tis God's most kind, most holy will.
This-this is truest chivalry!

John Bowring

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