The sight thereof so throughly him dismayed, And brought unto him swords, ropes, poison, fire, And bade him choose what death he would desire: For death was due to him, that had provoked God's ire. But whenas none of them he saw him take, And troubled blood through his pale face was seen At last, resolved to work his final smart, He lifted up his hand, that back again did start. THE CAVE OF MAMMON. That house's form within was rude and strong, Her cunning web, and spread her subtle net, Enwrapped in foul smoke, and clouds more black than jet. Both roof and floor and walls were all of gold, Does show to him that walks in fear and sad affright. And over all sad Horror, with grim hue, DESCRIPTION OF PRINCE ARTHUR. At last she chanced by good hap to meet That deadly dint of steel endanger may; Athwart his breast a baldrich brave he ware, [rare: That shined like twinkling stars, with stones most precious And in the midst thereof one precious stone, Of wondrous worth, and eke of wondrous might, Shaped like a ladies head, exceeding shone, Like Hesperus, amongst the lesser lights, And strove for to amaze the weaker sights; Thereby his mortal blade full comely hung In ivory sheath, ycarved with curious slights; Whose hilts were burnished gold, and handle strong, Of mother-pearl, and buckled with a golden tongue. His haughty helmet, horrid all with gold, Both glorious brightness and great terror bred; For all the crest a dragon did enfold With greedy paws, and over all did spread His golden wings: his dreadful, hideous head, Close couched on the beaver, seemed to throw From flaming mouth bright sparkles, fiery red, That sudden horror to faint hearts did show; And scaly tail was stretched down his back full low.. Upon the top of all his lofty crest, A bunch of hairs, discoloured diversely, On top of green Selinis, all alone, With blossoms brave bedecked daintily; Whose tender locks do tremble, every one, His warlike shield all closely covered was, Ne might of mortal eye be ever seen; Not made of steel, nor of enduring brass, (Such earthly metals soon consumed beene,) But all of diamond, perfect, pure, and clean It framed was, one massy, entire mould, Hewn out of adamant rocks with engine keen, That point of spear it never piercen could, Ne dint of direful sword divide the substance would. The same to wight he never would disclose, As when her face is stained with magic arts constraint. THE CAVE OF MERLIN. Forthwith themselves disguising, both in strange Of name, Cayr-Merdin called, they took their way : And if thou ever happen that same way To enter into that same baleful bower, For fear the cruel fiends should thee un'wares devour. But standing high aloft, low lay thine ear, And oftentimes great groans and grievous stounds, When too huge toil and labour them constrains; And oftentimes loud strokes and ringing sounds, From under that deep rock most horribly rebounds. |