They cast the truncheons down, their coursers wheel, And, full of daring, with drawn falchions close.
Sir Gryphon was the first a stroke to deal, Which might have split an anvil; at the blow's Descent, the shield is splintered -- bone and steel-- This had its lord mid thousand others chose;
And, but 'twas double, and the coat as well, The sword had cleft the thigh on which it fell.