He ftruck foe hard, the bason broke; Sir knight, then fayd Sir Lancelott, For, as I understand, thou haft, If thou be of the Table Round, That's over much, quoth Lancelott; Defend thee by and by. They fett their fpears unto their steeds, And each att other flye. They coucht their spears, (their horses ran Their horfes backes brake under them, The knights were both astound: They tooke them to their shields full fast, Their fwords they drew out than, With mighty ftrokes most eagerlye Eache at the other ran. They wounded were, and bled full fore, And tell to me what I fhall afke. Thou art, quoth Tarquine, the best knight And like a knight, that I did hate: Soe that thou be not hee, I will deliver all the reft, And eke accord with thee. That is well fayd, quoth Lancelott; But fith it must be foe, What knight is that thou hateft thus? His name is Lancelott du Lake, He flew my brother deere ; Him I fufpect of all the reft: I would I had him here. Thy wish thou haft, but yet unknowne, Now knight of Arthurs Table Round; And I defire thee do thy worst. If thou be Lancelott du Lake, They buckled then together so, Like unto wild boares rufhing, And with their fwords and fhields they ran At one another flashing: The ground besprinkled was with blood: Tarquin began to yield, For he gave backe for wearineffe, And lowe did beare his shield. E This foone Sir Lancelott efpyde, He leapt upon him then, He pull'd him downe upon his knee, Forthwith he ftrucke his necke in two, From prison threescore knights and four THE PASSIONATE SHEPHERD TO HIS L LOVE. IVE with me, and be my love, There will we fit upon the rocks, There will I make thee beds of rofes A gown made of the finest wool, A belt of ftraw, and ivie buds, The shepherd fwains fhall dance and fing THE NYMPH'S REPLY. F that the World and Love were young, But time drives flocks from field to fold, |