A Knight in the Right

There were plans of mischief brewing;
I saw, but gave no sign,
For I wanted to test the mettle
Of this little knight of mine.
“Of course, you must come and help us,
For we all depend on Joe,”
The boys said; and I waited
For his answer—yes or no.

He stood and thought for a moment;
I read his heart like a book,
For the battle that he was fighting
Was told in his earnest look.
Then to his waiting playmates
Outspoke my loyal knight:
“No, boys; I cannot go with you,
For I know it wouldn’t be right.”