XC.
‘And, should Sir Clodion grieve beneath the tree
‘To lodge alone, and company demand;
‘Although less beautiful, I have with me
‘A fair and youthful damsel, here at hand,
‘Who, I am well content, his mate shall be,
‘And do in all things, as he shall command.
‘But she that is most fair to the most strong,
‘Meseemeth, in all justice should belong.’
XCI.
“Shut out all night, the moody Clodion strayed,
“Puffing and pacing round his lofty tower,
“As if that prince the sentinel had played
“On them, that slept at ease in lordly bower:
“Him, sorer far than wind and cold dismayed
“That lovely lady’s loss in Tristram’s power:
“But he, with pity touched, upon the morrow,
“Rendered her back, and so relieved his sorrow.
XCII.
‘Because,’ he said, and made it plain appear,
‘Such as he found her, he returned the fair;
‘And though for his discourtesy whilere,
‘Clodion had every scorn deserved to bear,
‘He was content with having made the peer
‘Outwatch the weary night in open air.
‘Accepting not that cavalier’s excuse,
‘Who would have thrown on Love his castle’s use.
