LXXV.
He bowned him for the tournay, on his side,
But first saluted her and she the knight.
“If ’tis allowed to ask,” (the lady cried,)
“Tell me in courtesy how ye are hight.”
In this Ferrau the damsel satisfied,
Who rarely hid himself from living wight.
“Ye will I not refuse,” (subjoined the dame,)
“Albeit I to meet another came.”
LXXVI.
—“And who?” the Spaniard said;—the maid replied,
“Rogero;” and pronounced the word with pain.
And, in so saying, her fair face was dyed
All over with the rose’s crimson grain.
She after added, “Hither have I hied,
“To prove how justly famed his might and main.
“No other care have I, no other call,
“But with that gentle youth to try a fall.”
LXXVII.
She spoke the word in all simplicity,
Which some already may in malice wrest.
Ferrau replied, “Assured I first must be
“Which of us two is schooled in warfare best.
“If what has chanced to many, falls on me,
“Hither, when I return, shall be addrest,
“To mend my fault, that gentle cavalier,
“With whom you so desire to break a spear.”
