British Muslim Heritage > Poetry
A Ballad Of Chivalry
by Yahya-En-Nasr Parkinson
Beneath Andalou's sky, In pale star's feeble light, A host of banners fly O'er men in armour bright. In darkness of the night They gather on the plain, De Leon and his might, The chivalry of Spain. In splendid panoply Those warriors bedight, Against the Moor they hie, For battle's their delight. Hidalgo, serf and knight, The Cross for to maintain; "For Jesus and the Right," The chivalry of Spain. 'Mid Ronda mountains high, That makes each cheek turn white, Hark to that fearful cry Ringing from height to height: "Ez Zagel! To the fight!" They seek escape in vain, They fail both left and right, The chivalry of Spain. Envoi - O! 'twas a wondrous sight To see that gorgeous train In terror-stricken flight, The chivalry of Spain. (Belfast, April 4, 1903.)