Stephenson's Graded Classical Poems

The Holy Supper is kept, indeed,
In whatso we share with another's need;
Not what we give, but what we share,---
For the gift without the giver is bare;
Who gives himself with his alms feeds three,---
Himself, his hungering neighbor, and me."

IX
Sir Launfal awoke as from a swound: "The Grail in my castle here is found! Hang my idle armor up on the wall, Let it be the spider's banquet-hall; He must be fenced with stronger mail Who would seek and find the Holy Grail."

X
The castle gate stands open now,
And the wanderer is welcome to the hall
As the hangbird is to the elm-tree bought;
No longer scowl the turrets tall,
The Summer's long siege at last is o'er;
When the first poor outcast went in at the door,
She entered with him in disguise,
And mastered the fortress by surprise;
There is no spot she loves so well on ground,
She lingers and smiles there the whole year round;
The meanest serf on Sir Launfal's land
Has hall and bower at his command;
And there's no poor man in the North Countree
But is lord of the earldom as much as he.

James Russell Lowell

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