Love.
So be it, thy desire fulfil.
The Author.
And so the rascal held his place.
He had a very traitor’s face,
Without, pure white, within, black hell:
Before Love on his knees he fell
And worshipped him with plenteous thanks.
Cried Love then, looking round his ranks:
Forward at once! let every man
Arm him forthwith as best he can.12680
The host makes ready
Then made him ready for the fight
Each one, with arms and armour dight.
And forth they sallied one and all,
Loud shouting, towards the castle wall,
Right manfully resolved that they
Would dearly sell their lives that day,
Or from the battlements would cry
In token of glad victory.
Then in four battles they divide,
Of which each marcheth towards the side12690
To it assigned, and thus the gates
Assail they, though before each waits
A stalwart guard prepared to fight
Nor yield to aught save death’s dark night;
Not weakly, sick, or slothful they,
But strong, and eager for the fray.
