'The wreched woman, whom unhappy howre Hath now made thrall to your commandement, Before that angry heavens list to lowre, And Fortune false betraide me to your powre, Was, (O what now availeth that I was ?) Who thereat wondrous wroth, the sleeping Borne the sole daughter of an emperour, spark He that the wide west under his rule has, And high hath set his throne where Tiberis doth pas. XXIII 'He, in the first flowre of my freshest age, Betrothed me unto the onely haire Of a most mighty king, most rich and sage; mone. XXIV "His blessed body, spoild of lively breath, Was afterward, I know not how, convaid And fro me hid: of whose most innocent death When tidings came to mee, unhappy maid, O how great sorrow my sad soule assaid! Then forth I went his woefull corse to find, And many yeares throughout the world Í straid, A virgin widow, whose deepe wounded mind With love, long time did languish as the striken hind. XXV 'At last it chaunced this proud Sarazin To meete me wandring; who perforce me led With him away, but yet could never win The fort, that ladies hold in soveraigne dread. There lies he now with foule dishonor dead, |