LVII.
‘To Charlemagne, whom I esteem and hold
‘As wisest among reigning kings, by me
‘Shall be dispatched a costly shield of gold,
‘On pact and on condition, that it be
‘Bestowed on him, deemed boldest of the bold,
‘Amid the martial ranks of chivalry.
‘Serves he king Charlemagne or other lord,
‘I will be governed by that king’s award.
LVIII.
‘If when King Charles the buckler shall receive
‘And give to one so stout, that best among
‘All others he that warrior shall believe,
‘Do they to his or other court belong,
‘For me the golden buckler shall retrieve
‘One of you three, in his own virtue strong;
‘My every love and thought shall he possess;
‘Him for my spouse and lord will I confess.’
LIX.
“Moved by these stirring speeches, hither hie
“From that wide-distant sea, those monarchs bold,
“Resolved to win the buckler, or to die
“Beneath his hand who has that shield of gold.”
Bradamant ponders much the squire’s reply:
He gives his horse the head—his story told—
And plies him so with restless heel and hand,
He overtakes the damsel’s distant band.
