was seen On which there sate a beauteous Maiden Queen Adorn'd with Robes and Gems that shin'd as bright As Summer's Sun in his Meridian height Yet all these Glories could but dimly share VVith Splendors by her Beams dispersed were And like to Phaeton Phoebus fairest Son That proudly sought his Father's Steeds to run Till they enrag'd his Conduct did despise And toss'd his Person from the burning Skies Here this ambitious Beauty wou'd possess The haughty lusters of her Throne and Dress Who sitting high more highly guides her Look As if her Beams no sight of Earth could brook Nor ever would her scornful Eye incline But to behold how charmingly did shine Her Form reflected from a Glass she bore In her right hand her self thence to adore Under whose proud Feet a monstrous Dragon lay That seem'd to watch her Looks and them obey Daughter she was unto the King of Hell But scorn'd her Parentage so low should dwell And would by Birth if possible aspire Above Celestial Ruler for her Sire So swell'd the vastness of her haughty Mind That neither Heaven or Hell her Pride confin'd Whence Queen Lucifera some did her call Yet rightly Kingdom she had none at all Having usurp'd with a tyrannick Hand The mighty Scepter she did then command And subtly counsell'd by six Wizzards old More artful did her lawless Rule uphold Soon as did here the Red Cross Knight appear And false Duessa seeming special fair A gawdy Usher Vanity by Name To aid their Passage most officious came And next conducts them to the sumptuous Throne Where was this Queen of Pride and Beauty shown Declaring there how far her Fame had spread That to admire her Strangers thither led With lofty Eyes scarce deigning low to look And slightest Thanks she their Addresses took And tho' they kneel'd scarce bad 'em to arise Whilst her great Lords and Ladies did devise How their proud Emulations might appear From Meen and Dress and curious order'd Hair. Yet more Duessa's welcome to express They kindest Gallantries to her address Who well unto this haughty Court was known But to the Fairy Knight Caresses shown Far more remiss than he had hop'd to find Whose Deeds and Birth so famous him design'd When from her Throne did rise this stately Queen And calls her Coach to be as gayly seen Which word pronounc'd all soon for her make way Whilst like Aurora's Purples her 's display When from the East she dawning-day does call Thus pass'd this Queen her spacious Rooms and Hall Where strait'ned Crowds did almost breathless gaze Upon her Splendors which did all amaze Being come without she does her Coach ascend By aid of Cringing Gallants her attend Which shin'd with Gold adorn'd and Garlands fresh As Flora wears in her choice Vernal Dress Not Iuno's brightest Chair at which some tell The God's admire could this Dame's Seat excell Tho drawn with heavenly Peacock's wings display'd And their proud Tails with Argos Eyes array'd Six Beasts of different kinds her proud Coach drew On which her Ministers did mounted shew Of whom the first to all the rest a Guide Was Sloath who on a heavy Ass did ride His Habit Black like Priest too coif'd his head And fat as Monk that never Mass had sed His hand a sully'd Missale seem'd to bear Tho most Monastick Ease imploy'd his Care. And could not here uphold his drowzy Frame T' observe or time or way as on he came From wordly Cares he still himself would free As if his Soul was total Piety Yet never time of Riot did omit How dull soe're his Person mov'd or Wit. From which bad means Disease his Body plies And Rheum like Mists obscure his dropping Eyes Yet must this lazy Servant foremost lead As Idleness would always Pride precede Next whom rode Gluttony upon a Swine His pamper'd Belly swoll'n with Meat and Wine His Eyes with fatness fill'd his Purple Nose Studded with Pimples his rich Surfeits shows Nis Neck Crane-like was rather tall than strong And as Lucullus wish'd perceived long The Taste of pleasing Viands whilst the Poor With empty Stomachs left his hated Door Who all the way worse than his ridden Beast Spew'd up the Reliques of a former Feast For Coolness he in green Vine Leaves was clad And on his head an Ivy Garland had Yet still his Body grossest Sweat distill'd And tho he eating rode cou'd seem unfill'd Whose trembling hand did bear a liquor'd Cup Of which his drunken Thirst did often sup The meanest Monster of all human Race Tho lavish Pride had here advanc'd his place Next him did lustful Leachery appear Upon a whall-ey'd Goat of coursest Hair Which Creatures looks and heat might emblem'd tell Man's jealous Pangs the Leacher's inward Hell. Who tho he course-complexion'd here did look Of fairest Ladies had smooth Kisses took When finer Lips could no such Blessings taste So odly Venus rules below the waste Fresh cloath'd in green he with this Crew did ride VVhich Garment did his loathsom body hide And in his hand a burning Heart he bore By lustful Follies fill'd and Oaths he swore For false he was and impious in his Lies Yet subtly cou'd by Looks fair Looks surprize And read in Stories that adorn'd Love's Tales Applyes 'em to the Breast which he assails Yet so inconstant was his wandring mind That for fresh Lust he still new Love could find And when he had deceiv'd frail VVoman's Heart He thought his Charms out-did smooth Cupid's dart Tho Lewdness fill'd him with reproachful Pain And thus rode Lust third greatest of this Train Next him lean Avarice did a Camel ride Burden'd by Trunks of Gold hung on each side And in his Lap a heap of Coin he told VVho thought for Money Heaven was cheaply sold Accursed Usury being all his Trade And Interest upon Int'rest heaviest laid Nor rest by day or night could duly take Frighted by causeless Fears for Money 's sake VVhose wants had end but none his greedy mind That from no lack of wealth still wealth design'd Near unto Death his pining Life was brought He daily less'ning of the Food it sought But could at other Tables largest eat VVhen without charge of his he sneak'd for Meat A thread-bare Coat and cobled Shoes he wore From his pinch'd Body's wants to raise his store Yet Child had none or Kinsman to succeed So far did Nature stint his impious Breed The Curse of Riches his vext Nerves could show Through which a constant hungry Gout did flow Fifth unto these was Envy mounted seen Upon a VVolf his Visage pale and lean VVho wish'd like Basilisks his piercing sight Could kill all such as he at heart did spite VVithin his Canker'd Teeth and ven'mous Jaw A poisonous Toad he greedily did chaw VVhilst still his envious Bosom Malice fed VVhich his despite at others Blessings bred And wept because no cause of Grief he had Being only at the harm of Mankind glad Of various colour'd Serge his Vest was made On which by paint
brought Submit a while to his pretended claim Since you his beauteous Pris'ner hither came This till to morrow I require you do VVhen my Arms shall the Red-Cross Knight subdue Ah me she answer'd most unhappy Maid That must see him whose Looks make me afraid And tho by your Command I now retire My kindest thoughts shall for you still conspire CANTO V. The Argument The faithful Knight in Martial Field Subdues his faithless Foe Whom false Duessa help to yield For Cure to Hell does go WHat heart soe're doth nourish virtuous thought VVill seldom rest till forth the Features brought By glorious action and conspicuous fame That longest live upon Heroick Name Such noble Passion did imploy all night Th' illustrious Courage of the Red-Cross Knight Devising how he bravest might accost The bold Sans-Ioy who Prowess made his boast Until day open'd the bright Eastern Gate VVhence Phoebus like a Bridegroom to his Mate Came dancing forth and shook his dewy Hair Fitting his Beams to spread through Skies and Air. Which as the watchful Hero had beheld He started up and deck'd with Arms and Shield Like young Apollo shin'd when going to fight The Monster that Heaven's pow'r and his durst slight And thus walk'd down unto the Common Hall His gracious person there admir'd by all Where crowds did wait these stranger-Knights to see And what in Combat eithers Fate might be Arround this spacious Room did Consorts play That softest might drive saddest Time away Besides such Bards that to the tuneful String Could Lovers famous deeds divinest sing When in tough Mail and handing of his Spear The lofty Sarazen does next appear And sternly looked on the Red-Cross Knight Who scorn'd to flinch at Man's most daring sight To both by order lusty VVine was brought With best Spice mingl'd from far India sought And having drank by vig'rous Bacchus they Vow'd to observe the Law of Arms that day When forth does move the far renowned Queen In Pomp attended to a paled Green Where under a rich Canopy she sate T' observe these Hero's and each Martial Feat On t'other side was false Duessa plac'd Whose Splendors next the Queen's this presence grac'd Whilst on a Tree whose Branches spread the field To all their sights hung Sans-Foy's bloody Shield Which from these Lists the Conqueror's Sword might claim And what 's more priz'd a trophy'd Lovers fame Who with bold Right Duessa should enjoy Like Helen fought for by the Brave at Troy. To combat then a Trumpet calls on high Which heard their Shields above their Wrists they tye And looking upwards their bright Swords they wave ' For happy Omen e're the On-set's gave And next so home dispos'd each mighty Blow That deep Impressions on their Armour show Great was the Pagan's Strength and Skill in Arms And now inflam'd by fair Duessa's Charms His stroaks like Hammers seem'd on Steel to beat As he strove here his Rival to defeat Tho to requite him still the youthful Knight Gave Blows as loudly sounded in this Fight Thus stroak for stroak did Shields and Helmet shew When swift as Lightning flames around them flew Hardy alike the Combat both prolong Tho one Cause rightful was and t'other wrong As when a Griffon having seiz'd his Prey Meets with a Dragon it would rend away The furious Creatures one another smite VVhilst Southsayers Fate-foretel that see the sight And as thus here these mighty Champions fought Their piercing Steel such bloody passage wrought That sanguine streams from their deep wounds did flow And dy'd their Arms late Silver bright did show VVhich so great sorrow to beholders gave As they wish'd neither's force should Conquest have And now the haughty Sarazen beheld The Tree on which was hung his Brother's Shield VVhich seen his rage improv'd like spreading fire Saying O hapless Issue of brave Sire So mournful long to wait by Stygian Lake E're Death an impious Ghost thy Foe does make Know hated Knight thy Soul to him shall bear The wish'd Novel of his Revenger here And that by Prowess I redeem'd his Shield As by my hand thou dyest o'recome in field Therewith his Foes tough Crest so hard he strook That twice he reel'd as if life him forsook At which the forward Lookers on concede That in these Lists he bravest would succeed VVhilst his bold glory higher to Renown Duessa grants her self and day his own Like one from Trance the am'rous Red-Cross Knight Hearing those words his Soul does rouze to fight Far more disdaining by this bloody strife To yield his Lady than to lose his life And tho wounds had his body's strength made weak Love Shame and VVrath such reinforcements make That to his Foe so vast a blow he gave As on his Knee he stoop'd his life to save Then said Proud Miscreant let thy Spirit show Thy death unto thy Brother's Ghost below Tell him that from these Lists I 'le bear his Shield VVith his won Lady once again in field In shades he wanders wanting thee too long But why do I by Speech thy life prolong And at these words his Arm he raised high Resolv'd that blow should end his Enemy VVhen unto wonder such a mist did rise As hid the vanquish'd Sans-Ioy from his Eyes Prevented thus he summons him aloud Next strives to find him in this horrid Cloud In haste then moves Duessa from her place And with kind Beams his Valour seem'd to grace Telling this Knight 't was fruitless to imploy His search for him he could not now destroy VVhich Fate decreed and the Infernal Powers That had remov'd his Foe to Pluto's Bowers VVhilst this day's Glory I must yours avow And more my Love if that you value now Not all this beauteous Flatterer did say His res'lute search and fury could allay VVho in that darkness whisk'd his Sword around In hope to kill his Enemy e're found Till fully at his Foe 's escape amaz'd He Trumpets heard that him sole Victor blaz'd VVith which loud Glory he attends the Queen And falling low presents his Prowess seen To her acceptance which she kindly owns And by her glorious Praise his Deeds renowns Next with him moves unto her splendid Court VVhilst Crowds applaud his Valour 's high effort VVith Shouts and Clappings that ascend so high As they forc'd Eccho's from the concave Skie Thus to her Palace brought and laid in Bed Unto his wounds were Remedies apply'd By Balms that could most soveraign heal or stay Blood which from his pierc'd body sought its way And as his wounds were curing had his Ear With Musick fill'd to ease his Pains and Care. When vile Duessa to dissemble Tears Wept as if Love's soft Passion caus'd her Fears Or as the flatt'ring Crocodile does spill Drops to allure the man he means to kill Th' unwary Passenger endanger'd finds That Tears are but the Snares of cruel Minds And blames the foolish pity by him took From this false Creature 's cous'ning Drops and Look And thus Duessa with dissembling Eyes Wept
were many Eyes display'd And as he rode he hated to behold The covetous Man that next him Money told Bad Men he envy'd if by Ill they thriv'd And 'gainst the happy good no less contriv'd And when their Alms had hungry Bowels fed He Ostentation That interpreted VVell done or said or what best Poets writ He Critick-like design'd to blast by wit. Such Place had Envy in this wondrous Sight Yet this proud Queen and all with her durst spight The sixth and last was Wrath's revengeful Frame Who on a Lyon surly moving came Waving around his head a flaming Sword Fierce was his Soul his Deeds and every word Whose Eyes their furious Sparkles oft expell'd And sternly star'd on all that him beheld Yet was his Visage pale as person dead Trembling through rage when Choler in him spread One hasty hand his Dagger still did hold And in a Garment stain'd with Blood scarce cold He Ruffian-like appeared to the Eye Nor car'd how rashly by his force men dye But after his adviseless Anger past He could sometimes repent his guilty hast What can express the Mischief wrath attends The Bane of Manners and the loss of Friends Smoth'ring of Reason by its uncouth flame And Strength impairs throughout the Body's frame Th' internal Enemy of human Life And with it self or others still at strife Thus he appear'd and in the rear was seen Of vile Attendants on this impious Queen To drive these Satan Coachman-like did ride And his smart Whip to this slow Drift apply'd Whilst heedless Sloath that foremost led their course Stuck in the mire tho driv'n by Pluto's force And as he fruitless whipt or strain'd his Voice Vast Crowds of People shouting did rejoice But had they forward went none could descry The way for Foggs still thicking to the Eye Tho for this hellish Triumph all along Were scatter'd Sculs and Bones of bad men gone Thus far for solace mov'd this impious Court Instead of Hells Elisium here to sport Where next unto Lucifera's stately Chair Sate false Duessa yet appearing fair Whilst the good Hero did himself restrain From being associate with this wicked Train The haughty Queen diverted now abroad Returns as fast as through this cumber'd Road Hell 's Conduct could her different Cattel guide Till she arriv'd unto her Court of Pride Where all upon a solemn Champion gaz'd Whose dismal Shield in Purple Letters blaz'd The great Sans-Ioy who with resolved mind And fore-thought Malice had Revenge design'd When soon disdain improv'd his bitter spite As of the Red-Cross Hero he took sight And saw his Page bearing the vanquish'd Shield Of his great Pagan Brother slain in field To whom he sudden leapt and with bold hand That Trophy seiz'd as soon him to withstand The daring Red-Cross Knight apply'd his force And thus both struggl'd till in Martial Course Their brandish'd Swords and Armour clash'd so loud As struck amazement on the observing Crowd When the proud Queen upon severest Pain Commands that here their Fury they restrain Saying if either to the Shield had right They should have leave in Lists next day to fight Pardon great Queen the bold Sans-Ioy reply'd If powerful Passion did me rudely guide Beyond the steady strength of Reason's sway And before you whom least I 'de disobey VVhilst I beheld the treach'rous Man appear Who murder'd fam'd Sans-Foy my Brother dear Whose approv'd Prowess and successful Hand No Hero's force could ever yet withstand Tho his mean Foe my Brother's fame to spite Has here expos'd his Shield revers'd to sight And what adds nobler scorn unto my thought His Lady 's hither by him Captive brought Which in the fair Fidessa you behold Can friend thus griev'd for friend revenge withholâ— To this the Red-Cross Knight did nought reply Resolv'd by Arms his just defence to try And throwing his Gantlet as his Honours gage To next day's Combat both deferr'd their rage Till when in Rooms and Bowers of most delight They fill'd their Souls with revelling that Night And after lavish Viands them had cloy'd On stately Couches they with Ladies toy'd Yet could not this proud Court's alluring ease The Red-Cross Hero or Sans-Ioy appease Who in the midst of all their Passions thought How next day's Combat might be bravest fought Till drowzy Morphaeus with his Leaden Mace Had Eyes enclin'd to sleep within this place And both these Warriours were to Rooms retir'd For costly Beds and Ornaments admir'd VVhilst vile Duessa impiously arose And to the bold Sans-Ioy's Appartment goes VVhom waking found like one that did disdain His Body's rest till his Foe fought or slain She strives to quicken his revengeful Mind VVith subtlest Speech unto her Tears adjoyn'd Saying Behold Fidessa does appear By thy slain Brother fam'd Sans-Foy held dear Arms him renown'd and my Love for his sake Would Vengeance with a Woman's fury take But what needs this unto Sans-Ioy be told As fully great as his late Brother soul'd That were he living and your Rival now 'T would Honour pose which to prefer of you His likeness in you does renew my Grief Whilst Love for his sake from you hopes Relief Which said he gently yields himself to hear The weighty Grief which her Soul seem'd to bear Who softly sighing soon to him express'd Her sad distemper in her Love distress'd And how Fate mingled to her bitter smart A sowrer Grief than e're pierc'd tender Heart Which in my loss of dear Sans-Foy I found To mourn whose Fall my Soul is ever bound His many perils I concluded past And hop'd Love's quiet should bless both at last Whilst angry Stars the most unhappy way Decreed me wretched on his fatal Day When by a worthless Victor he was slain That me a harmless Virgin did detain And for denying his Love 's vile intent Made a dark Cave my sad Imprisonment This usage suffer'd he next yields to try If Courtship could my gentle Soul comply Or tempt me to forget my former flames Which now find Comfort from your gracious beams Your Brother's worth and lineage shines in you With all Attractions Love inviteth too Aid then his Lover e're his Ghost does call Your Valour to revenge his deplor'd Fall. Fairest said he let me your Grief disswade Which ought for Fate that 's past to be allay'd Nor present danger need you apprehend VVhilst in my Brother's stead I 'le you befriend His vital Pains in his past life are gone Howe're his Ghost his body's death bemoan Till I enforce his hated Foe to bleed And yield my Vengeance just of his black deed O but I fear says she the fickle chance VVhich Fortune oft unkindly does advance Besides 't is known he wears a charmed Shield Already prov'd impenitrable in Field Charm'd let him be with all that Magick can Bestow for safety upon tim'rous Man Trust your Sans-Ioy it shall not him defend Let this your VVomanish Fears for my sake end But fair Fidessa if by Fortune's fault Or power of Arms you late were Captive
brought and by its Charms instill'd Thoughts that the Hero's sleep with Lust had fill'd VVhose res'lute heart began to melt away As he conceiv'd his Lady by him lay And with her loosest Grace did him invite To foul Desires and wanton Love's delight And tho the Daughter of a mighty King Stain'd with the blackest guilt that Lust could bring Whom he before allow'd the chastest Flower That e're was beautify'd by Natures Power Whilst these sad Passions did his Soul affright Songs soft as Hymen's gave his Ear delight To which the Goddess Flora seem'd to dance With gayest Nymphs that welcom Spring 's advance Then up he starts when with amazed Eye He saw the beauteous Tempter next him lye Offr'ing to kiss him with a blushing Grace To liken more fair Una's modest Face Wounded in Soul at this distastful Shame He thought to kill her Body's lustful Frame And as he thus resolv'd with softest Grief And Tears constrain'd she courts her Love's relief Saying What Woman 's Breast can quench that fire Which Stars and Love resistless do conspire Tho I acknowledge from my wretched State Death due to me or what is worse your Hate Yet pity well my youthful Love's Effort And how for you I left my Father's Court To wander far as Fortune you should call At which she stopt whilst Tears did from her fall Then speaks and sighs and weeps as much again So like to Grief as none she seem'd to feign To which her Lover with Resentment said What makes your Virtue Madam now dismay'd That lately me incourag'd not to fear When worst of Monsters did my Foes appear Love of your self said she and dear Constraint Forc'd my Address to you and sad Complaint Who cou'd this tedious Night find no Repose Longing in your embrace my Eyes to close Whilst you imploy in careless sleep your Time That least should nourish Lovers slothful Crime What fascination e're like this did move The Soul of youthful Man inflam'd by Love Yet since in her no actual Ill he knew He wou'd not rashly censure her untrue But with advis'd deliberation saies If Love to me your softer Passion sways 'T is Una still in your bright Form I see To whom no Genius bad can liken'd be Let not then vain Distrust procure your smart But to your Rest this gloomy Night depart At which with Grief conceal'd the Fiend declin'd Further Attempts against his stedfast mind Seeming to yield her false Desires appeas'd Since 't was his will by words she should be pleas'd And moving from him with a feigned Grace Withdrew as if she 'd find her resting Place Long had he ponder'd the uneasie thought Of her Address resembling Woman nought For whose defence his life he wou'd expose Lying thus perplex'd till sleep his Eyes did close Prone unto ease o're-toil'd with former Fight Yet cou'd not rest for Dreams of frail Delight That seem'd to tantalize his drowzy Powers With sights of Beauties lying in Beds and Bowers And when all these had vanish'd from his Brain He thought the former Fiend he found again CANTO II. The Argument The guileful great Inchanter parts From Truth the Red-Cross Chief And in her stead by wicked Arts Fair Falshood works his Grief NOw had Boaetes Team far past behind The Northern Star when hours of night d clin And chearful Chanticlere with shrillest voice Exulting did day's near approach rejoyce When this profound Magician's hellish Sprights By no deluding Dreams or feigned Sights Cou'd tempt the steady Hero to embrace Pleasures that might induce his lapse from Grace VVhich as this furious Necromancer knew To search his cursed Books he soon withdrew And standing in a Magick posture read Words that his former Fiends imploy'd more bad Of one of which he makes a Youthful Squire Effeminate seem'd in Looks and vain Attire Whom with the other miscreated fair This wicked Artist meant his wanton pair Which done he wakes his Warlike Guest in hast Just as he had by sleep found some repast After his troublesome Dreams and Visions fled To whom his Cursed Hoast thus to him sed With words thick utter'd as if sudden fear His Sense surpriz'd or danger to him near Arise thou sloathful Man and see the stain Of her thy Love and Virtue hop'd to gain At which he starts and with a Furious look His naked Weapon in his Hand he took Following this Old Enchanter to the place Where the false Couple lay in vile Embrace And seeing his only Una as he thought By Lust to shameless Prostitution brought Resolv'd to kill both Reeking in their shame Had not his wicked Hoast withheld his Flame Who seem'd by Friendly dictates to advise How noble Minds should Passion most despise Since never great Man's Fame did higher stand From tender Woman's dying by his Hand Which words tho' subtil hardly did restrain His sudden Fury as his Eyes with pain Beheld her Virtue fallen whence opprest With Pangs and Horrours to his place of Rest Returns again wasting that doleful Night With thoughts that might revenge her vitious spigh And now the Morning Star of all most bright Foretold the near approach of dawning Light When up this Hero rose with troubled Breast Calling his Dwarf with an unusual hast To bring his Steed that both away might Fly From this Loath'd place of his Calamity When day ensuing the sole Virgin left Her place of rest next finds her self bereft Of her Brave Lover that unhappy hour Whilst she lamenting cou'd no Cause deplore Of his neglect her Dwarf too with him gone And she left thus distress'd to weep alone Yet him she grieving follow'd with what speed Her slow Beast's steps cou'd make to catch his Steed Passing of tedious Hills Dales Woods and Plains In fruitless search of him who her disdains But subtle Archimago when he saw His Guest's in such distraction to withdraw And Beauteous Una left to pass alone Through Deserts where her loss she 'd sadest mourn His Fiends he hug'd and prais'd his Impious Arts That to his wish had injur'd Virtuous Hearts Nor there do's rest but more accurs't devise How from their Grief his wicked Joy might rise T' accomplish which by his deluding Art He out-do's Proteus Counterfeiting part Changeing his shape unto Beasts Foul or Fish Or Dragon most enraged seem'd to Hiss That of himself for fear he often quakes As he by Spels his Metamorphoise makes Until his Magick spite the form did chuse That most might his late injur'd Guest abuse His Person liken'd to the Red-Cross Knight The Virtuous Una's safety and delight And by his Shield Steed Crest and outward Grace A Jolly Hero seem'd in t'other's place But he whose feign'd resemblance thus appear'd From jealous Mind his Lady false had fear'd Intending with impetuous haste to ride Far as his res'lute Grief his Steed cou'd guide Till as he wander'd meeting on the way A Faithless Sarazin clad in Armour gay Fiercely design'd all good Men to annoy And like his Soul by Name was call'd Sans-Foy
Mighty he shew'd in Limbs and every part Defying God and Man with his proud Heart With him a Lady did Companion ride Who comely cou'd her wanton Palfrey guide VVhose Bit with Golden Bells and Bosses rung Her Saddle Rich and with best Trappings hung Her Habit choisest Silk of Scarlet Red Purfl'd with Gold and Pearl and on her Head A Stately Persian Mitre studded o're VVith various figur'd Gem's she gayly wore Giv'n her by Lavish Lovers fond excess VVhilst goodly seem'd her Beauties Native dress And as this Amorous Couple forward went Their softest Gestures solac'd their intent But when he saw a Cavalier Advance And with his Spear oppose her dalliance She bade her Sarazin provide to Fight If his Arms durst oblige his Lady's sight At which on Spurs against his Foe he rides Whose stroaks drew streams of Blood from his Steeds sides Soon had the Red-Cross Chief his Fury spy'd VVho couching of his Spear did towards him ride VVhilst soon each other they so fierce assault That their Steeds stagger'd as their Riders fought Until astonish'd by the Blows they strook Their constrain'd Valours had some respite took As when two Ram's their pushing fury shew Striving to rule the Flock and fairest Ewe Amazed stand after their Horned shock And furious Brows 'gainst one another knock Thus stood these two until the Sarazin VVith his huge Sword do's fiercer Fight begin VVhose Foe not only did avoid the harm But Blows returns as if a Fury's Charm His Steel had guided or that some vast Oak He wou'd have hew'd to Shivers at each stroak Yet neither stirs tho' from their Blows each Shield Strikes Fire and wounds deep dye the verdant Field Curse said the Sarazin upon that Cross That saves from me thy Life 's designed Loss Dead else I 'm sure thou had'st been long ago And if thou canst stand safe from this rough blow I now thee give which forc'd against his Crest Hew'd part away and glanc'd upon the rest VVhich tho' the Red-Cross Chief had deeply felt Yet finding that of his no Blood was spilt To Heaven he first erects his thankful Eyes And next like Lightnings force by swift surprize His glittering Sword his Enemies Head does cleave And tumbling from his Horse him dead did leave VVho dying grudg'd to fall by human power That Mightiest Men had vanquish'd till that hour VVhose Bloody Mouth his Mother Earth next kiss'd VVhilst his Soul flew where Ghosts and Devils hiss'd The Lady when she saw her Champion's fall Like some vast remnant of a broken VVall Stay'd not to mourn his woful end with Tears But from his Victor hast's with busie fears VVhich by this Chief perceiv'd he bids his Dwarf Bring with him the vast Sarazin's Shield and Scarf As his won Trophies and next on his Steed He follows her and soon o'retakes her speed Inviting her by Courteous words to stay Since no Act he 'd attempt shou'd her dismay VVhen turning towards him with a sorrowful Brow ' She begg'd that Mercy he 'd vouchsafe to show Distressed VVoman of all aid bereft And to Implore his goodness solely left VVhich words deliver'd with an Humble Grace His Noble Soul grants pitty to her Case Saying your Fortune Madam I lament Nor was your Champion slain with my intent Your Tears shou'd follow wherefore let me know VVhat briefly may with yours his story show To whom she did Lamenting thus express Tho' low I am reduc'd by your Success And Fortune now commits me to your power The only Daughter of an Emperour VVhose Mighty Scepter the wide West do's Rule His Seat at Rome the VVorlds best Martial School But what avails my Birth alas to tell Or Fate that since on my Youth's flower befel Betroth'd unto a great Kings only Heir Of comely form and soul'd above compare Never lov'd VVoman Man more truly kind VVhen cruel Fate before our Marriage joyn'd Him by a Murderer's bloody Hand did slay For which I grieve to live until this Day His blessed Body spoyl'd of lively Breath From me conceal'd of whose most Innocent death VVhen Tydings came to me unhappy Maid VVith deepest sorrow then my Love assaid By search and Travel his dead Corps to find Feeling my wound as do's the striken Hind At last it chanc'd that in my wandring Course I was by this proud Sarazin seiz'd by force Yet never cou'd from me the Fort obtain VVhose vicious Loss giv's Virgin highest stain There lyes Sans-Foy and might my wish succeed His Impious Race as fatally should Bleed Two of his wicked Brothers yet remain Sans-Ioy one call'd Sans-Loy the tother's Name VVhilst I distress'd Fidessa truly tell The Casual Griefs my Love and Life befel May these your Pitty move and if not so Offer no harm if you no kindness show Deeply this Hero weigh'd what she had told Yet more desir'd her Feature to behold Saying that her concerns might surely find Compassion from a Soul then his less kind On which assurance she may safely rest Nay judge his Prowess for her Service Blest Which had defeated that vile Man's intent Whose rageing Lust design'd her ravishment What change then this cou'd more oblige her Eyes Or Man by Valour wou'd conspicuous rise Which sayd she downward cast her Blushing Face More to resemble Virgins Modest Grace Yet by her silence did enough Implye That her soft Genius least wou'd Love deny How coyly mingl'd e're her Looks did show As he did Courtly Mirth on her bestow And thus they forward rid till burning day Caus'd them to seek some shelter in their way When weary with long Travelling they found Two mighty Oaks whose Massy Limbs the Ground Far shaded tho' no fearful Shepherd there Durst with his merry Pipe rejoyce his Ear. Hither arriv'd they from their Steeds alight And with their best devoyres themselves delight Whilst this great Chief by his two kind mistake Thought Heaven of Mortals her did brightest make And as he thus Imploy'd his gentle Wit A Garland for her Brow resolv'd to fit With choicest Branches of these mighty Trees Which pluck'd from them like open'd Veins he sees Small drops of Blood to his amazement flow And next a dreadful Voice hears speak below Crying O Cease with guilty Hands to tear My tender sides much safer were your fear Of this sad place where Fate on me befel Who Lov'd a wretched Lady but too well Love truely dear since never death before Has Lovers cost the Change that we deplore Astonish'd at this Voice a while he stood Cold Horror having seiz'd his warmest Blood Or like to one that in a Trance do's speak Till by degrees his Soul is more awake Dubiously asks If Voice of Man or Ghost Did from that Tree his disturb'd Sense accost When with deep Groans the Voice reply'd again That no Fiend did within that Bark remain But me Frandabio turn'd into a Tree By a curst Witch my Fatal Enemye And standing thus Transform'd do suffer pains As hot and cold Extreams afflict my Veins Say on