Europe's Prince Charming, lion-like, born to dare,
Betrayed by the black treacherous Northern Bear!
Soldier successful vainly, patriot foiled,
Wooer discomfited, and hero spoiled!
Triumphant champion of Slivnitza's field,
To sordid treachery yet doomed to yield;
Of gallant heart and high-enduring strain,
Valiant resultlessly, victor in vain!
Motley career of mingled shine and shame,
Material fashioned for romantic fame!
An age more chivalrous you should have seen,
When brutal brokers, and when bagmen keen,
Shamed not the sword and blunted not the lance.
Then had you been true Hero of Romance.
Now, when to Mammon Mars must bow his crest,
King-errantry seems a Quixotic quest,
And "unfulfilled renown" finds only--early rest!
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