And, though he nought could challenge me
Of treasonous plot or treachery.
He yet such cruel despite nursed
And fostered in his soul accurst.
That nought could soften, shake, or melt
His heart for all the woes I felt.
XXVII
This tells how Pity and Franchise went
Together, fraught with good intent,3390
To seek out Danger, and relate
The Lover’s woebegone estate.
Franchise and Pity
When life seemed lost, and effort vain,
God sent to aid me sisters twain,
Franchise and Pity, who their way
Betook towards Danger; grieved were they
To see the sad and doleful plight
Wherein I stood. First Franchise dight
Her speech with kindly sympathy.
Franchise.
“Danger,” she said, “as God hears me!3400
You do with menaces unmeet,
And harsh and bitter words, entreat
The Lover, who to you hath ne’er
Done one unkindly act, I swear.
If Cupid’s power his heart constrain
To love, wherefore should you complain
Thereof?
The God of Love hath made
This gentle youth his spoil, and laid
