THE VANQUISHED KNIGHT
Reading edition
I have left all upon the shameful field, Honour and Hope, my God, and all but life; Spurless, with sword reversed and dinted shield, Degraded and disgraced, I leave the strife.
From him that hath not, shall there not be taken E’en that he hath, when he deserts the strife? Life left by all life’s benefits forsaken, O keep the promise, Lord, and take the life.