I

Voice of the summerwind,

Joy of the summerplain,

Life of the summerhours,

Carol clearly, bound along.

No Tithon thou as poets feign

(Shame fall 'em they are deaf and blind)

But an insect lithe and strong,

Bowing the seeded summerflowers.

Prove their falsehood and thy quarrel,

Vaulting on thine airy feet.

Clap thy shielded sides and carol,

Carol clearly, chirrup sweet.

Thou art a mailéd warrior in youth and strength complete;

Armed cap-a-pie,

Full fair to see;

Unknowing fear,

Undreading loss,

A gallant cavalier,

Sans peur et sans reproche,

In sunlight and in shadow,

The Bayard of the meadow.