A Knight There Was

A Knight there was, and that a worthy man,
Who, from the moment when he first began
To ride forth, loved the code of chivalry;
Honour and truth, freedom and courtesy:
Renowned he was; and worthy, he was wise -
Prudence with him was more than mere disguise;
He was meek in manner as a maid
Vileness he shunned, rudeness he never said
In all his life, respecting each man's right
He was a truly perfect, noble knight.