XLV.
“These have I sent into mine Africk reign;
“But this I promise thee, and pledge my fay;
“If, by strange fortune, thou thy seat maintain,
“And I shall be dismounted in the fray;
“Delivered, all, shall be the captive train,
“Within what time suffices to convey
“An order thither, that ‘they out of hand
“‘Should do what thou, if conqueror, may’st command.’
XLVI.
“But art thou undermost, as fitter were,
“And, as thou surely wilt be, I from thee
“Not therefore will thy forfeit armour tear,
“Nor shall thy name inscribed, as vanquished, be.
“To thy bright face, bright eyes, and beauteous hair,
“All breathing love and grace, the victory
“Will I resign; let it suffice that thou
“Then stoop to love me, as thou hatest now.
XLVII.
“To fall by me thou needest not disdain;
“I with such strength, such nerve am fortified.”
Somedeal she smiled; but smiled in bitter vein;
Savouring of anger more than aught beside.
She spake not to that haughty man again,
To the bridge-end returned the damsel,[9] plied
Her courser with the rowels, couched her spear,
And rode to meet the furious cavalier.
