Latterday Knight Fervour

In days of old when knights were bold and tables never rounder
A maid distressed in blushes dressed when menaced by some bounder
Or hoary dragon's fiery breath could call on Albion's founder
Or Lancelot or Gawain or Sir Kay to rally round her

And when at last the beast was slain and every ogre bested
Any knight that failed to shine could have his mettle tested
On the trail of Holy Grail or Spear if so requested
And meet success - that is unless by the Black Knight contested

Those days are gone and Mystic Merlin's magic hour long over
The king is dead and savage hordes hold sway from York to Dover
Morgan le Fay has won the day though all her subjects loathe her
Yet Camelot shall rise again - and then we'll be in clover!

* originally dedicated to Edward Coates; subsequently reworked *