An Angel and The Gallant

Upon a steed so swift and fair
A noble knight rode out with care
A helm of steel, a shield of might
He ventured forth in holy light

Then from the heavens, clear and bright
Came forth an angel, robed in white
With wings like dawn and eyes aflame
He called the knight by secret name

“Lo, knight of seven virtues true
Thine heart is pure, thine courage due
To lands afar, by holy grace
Thou shalt be guided in this race.”  

With trumpet’s sound, and sword held high
The angel led him ‘neath the sky
They crossed through vale, o’er hill and stream
As visions danced—a holy dream

Through three-fold trials, fierce and grim
The angel watched and guarded him
For thrice the devil’s snares he broke
And thrice the tempter’s lies he spoke

Then seven signs from God above  
Confirmed the knight’s own path of love
A dove in flight, a lily’s bloom
A star that lit the midnight gloom

With twelve clear stars his guide adorned
A sign that Heaven had him sworn
And unto Zion’s gates they rode
Where nine-fold blessings did unload

With joy he fell to earth and cried
As angel knelt down by his side
“Now rest, O knight, thy journey done,  
For thou hast sought the Holy One!”  

In light they stood, both soul and friend
A blessed quest, a holy end
For in God’s grace, by Heaven’s might
They crowned the heart of the faithful knight