CII.
“I, who this cause take on me to defend,
“Say (whether fairer or less fair I be)
“I came not as a woman, nor intend
“That now mine actions shall be womanly.
“But, saving I undress, who shall pretend
“To say I am or am not such as she?
“Neither should aught be said but what we know,
“And least of all what works another woe.
CIII.
“Many, as well as I, long tresses wear,
“Yet are not therefore women; if, as guest,
“I have admittance gained to your repair,
“Like woman or like man, is manifest:
“Then why should I the name of woman bear,
“That in my actions stand a man confest?
“’Tis ruled that woman should a woman chase;
“Not that a knight a woman should displace.
CIV.
“Grant we (what I confess not howsoe’er)
“That you the woman in my visage read;
“But that in beauty I am not her peer:
“Not therefore, deem I, of my valour’s meed
“Ye would deprive me, though in beauteous cheer
“The palm I to that damsel should concede.
“’Twere hard, because I yield to her in charms,
“That I should forfeit what I won in arms.
