CXX.
And, taken for the man whose crest he wears,
In dame and knight moves laughter, through the ring.
The vile Martano, as a man who shares
The royal grace, sits next below the king;
And next, she, whom her love so fitly pairs;
Whom Norandino gaily questioning,
Demands of them, who is the coward knight,
That of his honour makes so passing light;
CXXI.
Who, after feat so base and foul, anew
Approaches, with such front and shameless cheer,
—And cries, “It seems a thing unheard, that you,
“An excellent and worthy cavalier,
“Should take this man for your companion, who
“Has not in all our wide Levant his peer.
“Did you with him for contrast-sake combine,
“That so your valour might more brightly shine?
CXXII.
“—But did not love for you my will restrain,
“By the eternal gods, I truly swear,
“He should endure such ignominious stain,
“As I am wont to make his fellows share:
“Him would I make of my long-nursed disdain
“Of cowardice perpetual record bear.
“To you, by whom he hither was conveyed,
“If now unpunished, let his thanks be paid.
