I spent quite a bit of time with John Dryden (and The Gang) as I researched the 17th century. But I seem to have missed this poem of his. Well, it’s a translation…of Chaucer, I think (?)

The whole poem is beautiful but these lines are relevant for me today :o)

Just is your suit, fair daughter, said the dame:
Those laurell’d chiefs were men of mighty fame:
Nine worthies were they call’d of different rites,
Three Jews, three Pagans, and three Christian knights.
These, as you see, ride foremost in the field,
As they the foremost rank of honour held,
And all in deeds of chivalry excell’d:

TahDah!