Return to the Palomedes Menu of The Camelot Project at the University of Rochester
Return to the Tristan and Isolt Menu of The Camelot Project at the University of Rochester
SIR PALOMIDES' LAMENT
by
THEODORE GOODRIDGE ROBERTS
ISOUD, Isoud, of the brows alight,
The small, proud head and darkling eyes agleam,
Though Tristram wear your favour in men's sight,
I flaunt your guerdon down the lists of dream.
Where other knights win love, I win but fame.
Knaves on spent chargers gain their hearts' desire,
While I—though all the hearlds cry my name!—
Break my lost heart to ease my spirit's fire.
What do I know of kisses, who embrace
A poet's vision for my valour's prize—
A madman's dream of pity on your face;
A fool's hope of surrender in your eyes.
Isoud, Isoud, of the brows alight,
The darkling glance and pearly throat agleam,
Though Tristram flaunt your guerdon in men's sight,
I wear your favours in the lists of dream.