text:  Then as befits the Christian knight I donn'd the spotless surplice white And by the altar grasp'd the spear:-- So down I strode with conscience clear-- Bade my leal squires afar the deed By death or conquest crown'd await-- Leapt lightly on my lithesome steed And gave to God his soldier's fate! "Before me wide the marshes lay-- Started the hounds with sudden bay-- Aghast the swerving charger slanting Snorted--then stood abrupt and panting-- For curling there in coiled fold The Unutterable Beast behold! Lazily basking in the sun