James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902.
November 27Philip Van Artevelde
By Sir Henry Taylor (18001886)
D
Yet with a noble nature and great gifts
Was he endowed,—courage, discretion, wit,
An equal temper, and an ample soul,
Rock-bound and fortified against assaults
Of transitory passion, but below
Built on a surging subterranean fire
That stirred and lifted him to high attempts.
So prompt and capable, and yet so calm,
He nothing lacked in sovereignty but the right,
Nothing in soldiership except good fortune.
Wherefore with honor lay him in his grave,
And thereby shall increase of honor come
Unto their arms who vanquished one so wise,
So valiant, so renowned.