LXIX.
Though Rabican’s good paces merit praise,
To hurry him the damsel has no skill,
By those so passing foul and broken ways,
(By season somewhat rainy rendered ill)
So, as to reach the tower, ere Night o’er lays
The world, whose every nook dark shadows fill.
Arrived, that lady finds the portal barred,
And ‘that she seeks a lodging’ tells the guard.
LXX.
He answers, ‘that the place is occupied
‘By dame and knight already housed, who, met
‘About the fire, in that chill evening-tide,
‘Wait till their supper he before them set.’
To him that maid; “The board is not supplied,
“I deem, for them, unless the meal be eat.
“Now, say I wait their coming," (she pursues,)
“Who know and will observe your castle’s use.”
LXXI.
The guard his message bore, where at their ease
Reposed the weary cavaliers; his tale
Not overlikely was those kings to please;
For cold and peevish blew the wintry gale,
And now fast fell the rain; yet, forced to seize
Their arms, they slowly don the martial mail.
The rest remain within; while they proceed
Against the damsel, but with little speed.
