There once was a knight in shining armor, Who spent all his time looking good for others. When the light reflected, he appeared to glow, But he himself inside struggled to grow. There was also another knight in rusty armor, Who spent his time helping and defending others. As a result, tragic neglect his armor showed, Yet to his wife and friends the man himself glowed. The two, one night, were summoned by their king, For both of them, this night meant everything. One knight appeared in armor bright and pristine, The other in armor dented, rusty, not quite clean. Before their sovereign the to men knelt, Each took a knee with head bowed, sword in their belt. Their helmet rested on the ground facing the king, The top of one, a fine plume; the other, a simple string. Out of curiosity the king asked the dirty knight, "Where's your feather? That string doesn't seem right." The knight lifted his head, the kings eyes he met, "This string is from my bride's hair the day we wed." "My armor too once looked shiny and new, But during the battle losing that feather, it gained a dent or two. That string, not your realm, is why I defend and fight. Your throne reaps the benefit from a vow I made that night." Deep in thought, the king stood regally on his throne, Facing the messy knight, a tear on the royal cheek shown. Commanding the knight to stand, the king spoke while raising his hand, "Tonight in my kingdom there's none as noble as this man." I'm tired of keeping my facade all polished and buffed. What should it matter if I appear worn and rough? The best way to honor my king and my blood-bought brothers, Is to love, honor, and cherish my wife above all others.