Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By StephenCrane

1629 Content

A YOUTH in apparel that glittered

Went to walk in a grim forest.

There he met an assassin

Attired all in garb of old days;

He, scowling through the thickets,

And dagger poised quivering,

Rushed upon the youth.

“Sir,” said this latter,

“I am enchanted, believe me.

To die thus,

In this mediæval fashion,

According to the best legends;

Ah, what joy!”

Then took he the wound, smiling,

And died, content.