XII.
“After some days, of fair Geneura he
“A suitor showed himself; I cannot say
“If this began before he sighed for me,
“Or, after, of this love he made assay:
“But judge, alas! with what supremacy
“He ruled my heart, how absolute his sway!
“Since this he owned, and thought no shame to move
“Me to assist him in his second love.
XIII.
“Unlike what he bore me, he said, indeed,
“That was not true which he for her displayed:
“But so pretending love, he hoped to speed,
“And celebrate due spousals with the maid.
“He with her royal sire might well succeed,
“Were she consenting to the boon he prayed;
“For after our good king, for wealth and birth
“In all the realm, was none of equal worth.
XIV.
“Me he persuades, if through my ministry
“He the king’s son-in-law elected were,
“For I must know he next the king would be
“Advanced as high, as subject could repair,
“The merit should be mine, and ever he
“So great a benefit in mind would bear;
“And he would cherish me above his bride,
“And more than every other dame beside.
