XXXIII.
“Then plainly, and by simple facts averred,
“How with Geneura stood his suit, avows;
“And how, engaged by writing and by word,
“She swore she would not be another’s spouse.
“How, if to him the Scottish king demurred,
“Virgin austerity she ever vows;
“And other bridal bond for aye eschewed,
“To pass her days in barren solitude.
XXXIV.
“Then added, how he hoped by worth, which he
“Had more than once avouched, with knightly brand,
“And yet might vouch, to the prosperity
“And honour of the king, and of his land,
“To please so well that monarch, as to be
“By him accounted worthy of the hand
“Of his fair child, espoused with his consent:
“Since he in this her wishes would content.
XXXV.
“Then so concludes—‘I stand upon this ground,
‘Nor I intruder fear, encroaching nigh;
‘Nor seek I more; ’tis here my hopes I bound;
‘Nor, striving for Geneura’s love, would I
‘Seek surer sign of it than what is found,
‘By God allowed, in wedlock’s lawful tie;
‘And other suit were hopeless, am I sure,
‘So excellent she is, and passing pure.’
