LI.
Before the lady and behind her ride
More squires and maids, a numerous company.
Fair Bradamant of one that past beside
Demanded, ‘who the stranger dame might be?’
“That lady to the king of France” (replied
The squire) “is sent upon an embassy
“From the lost isle, which lies mid seas that roll
“Their restless waves beyond the northern pole.
LII.
“Some the lost isle, some Iceland call the reign
“Whereof a royal lady fills the throne;
“Whose charms (before those charms all beauties wane)
“Are such as Heaven has dealt to her alone.
“The shield you see she sends to Charlemagne,
“But with the pact and purpose plainly shown,
“He should confer it on the knight, whose worth
“Is, in his judgment, fairest upon earth.
LIII.
“She, as she deems herself (and it is true
“She is the fairest of all womankind),
“A cavalier, that should in heart and thew
“Surpass all other warriors, fain would find;
“Resolved, should her a hundred thousand woo,
“None shall unfix the purpose of her mind;
“—But he, held worthiest by the world’s accord,
“Alone shall be her lover and her lord.
