To an Old Knight, Not Quite Dead

You left behind your calluses and swords,
Quite long ago, before you were quite so quiet.
But remnants of rambunctious youth, like thorns
Refused to leave your side, though you claimed
As always, you had retired from that old life.
A servant of the law you'd been, a knight
Who rode with banner and with drawn sword
Into countless battles, your days numberless
In victories and few defeats, but now
You are a servant of the hours,
Awaiting at home, alone, the last
Great day of trial you will know before
Before you ride forever in that grey,
Unending dawn where soldiers go,
After they've led a full and noble life.
You ride, all armed, one final time, at me
Your lance held level, though it trembles
More than it did once, when you were young.
I know your heart is brave, your motive pure
And for that knowledge I am sad that on
This field, this day, by my long lance you fall
And meet a worthy end. Farewell, good sir
I know in life that you were brave and so
With heavy heart I bid thee charge, take this,
My final blow, as a salute to you
A better knight than I will ever be.
Farewell, and may your end come swift,
And not be over-hard.