With shield upon his arm, in knightly wise,

  Belted and mailed, his helmet on his head;

  The knight more lightly through the forest hies

  Than half-clothed churl to win the cloth of red.

  But not from cruel snake more swiftly flies

  The timid shepherdess, with startled tread,

  Than poor Angelica the bridle turns

  When she the approaching knight on foot discerns.