WHEN good King Arthur ruled this land, br He dwelt at Caerleon-upon-Usk; br He held it with an armed right hand, br And drank red wine from dawn till dusk. br br How stalwart were the warriors then, br In our time no such maidens are; br King Arthur was the first of men, br The fairest dame Queen Guenevar. br br When Merlin waved his silver wand, br None dared dispute its awful spells; br On summer-nights the moonlit strand br Was musical with fairy bells. br br And all the knights in Arthur's Court br Made glorious that enchanted spot; br And who was first in every sport-- br Ah, who was loved but Launcelot! br br How bright the armour which they wore br When setting out at morning-tide,-- br The silken banners which they bore, br By gentle hands were wrought and dyed.