LX.
“The king, sore grieving for Geneura bright,
“For such is his unhappy daughter’s name,
“Proclaims by town and city, that the knight
“Who shall deliver her from death and shame,
“He to the royal damsel will unite,
“With dower, well suited to a royal dame;
“So that the valiant warrior who has stood
“In her defence, be come of gentle blood.
LXI.
“But if within a month no knight appear,
“Or coming, conquer not, the damsel dies.
“A like emprize were worthier of your spear
“Than wandering through these woods in lowly guise.
“Besides, the eternal trophy you shall rear,
“You by the deed shall gain a glorious prize,
“The sweetest flower of all the ladies fair[8]
“That betwixt Ind and Atlas’ pillars are.
LXII.
“And you with wealth and state shall guerdoned be,
“So that you evermore may live content,
“And the king’s grace, if through your means he see
“His honour raised anew, now well-nigh spent.
“Besides, you by the laws of chivalry
“Are bound to venge the damsel foully shent.
“For she, whose life is by such treason sought,
“Is chaste and spotless in the common thought.”
