Jerusalem Delivered - Book 05 - part 05
The princess, though her purpose would not frame,
As late she hoped, and as still she would,
Yet, for the lords and knights of greatest name
Became her prey, as erst you it told,
She , ere truth-revealing time or frame
Bewrayed her act, to lead them to some hold,
Where chains and band she meant to make them prove,
Composed by Vulcan not by gentle love. The duke advised them every one apart,
How light, how trustless was the Pagan's,
And told what policy, what, what art,
Avoids , which heedless men betray'th;
His speeches pierce their ear, but not their heart,
Love calls it folly, whatso saith:
Thus warned he leaves them to their wanton guide,
Who parts that night; such haste had she to ride. Thither he galloped fast, and drawing near
Rambaldo the knight, and loudly cried,
'Whence comes young Eustace, and what seeks he here?'
'I come,' quoth he, 'to serve the Queen Armide,
If she me, would we all were there
Where my good-will and might best be tried.'
'Who,' quoth the other, 'choseth thee to prove
This high exploit of hers?' He answered, 'Love.'