XXXIX.
“Since on the issue of the earliest fray,
“When in the rout one hapless brother fell,
“I had dispatched a courier to Biscay,
“Who the sad news should to Bireno tell:
“While he toils sore his squadron to array,
“Proud Friesland’s arms our wretched remnant quell.
“Bireno, who knew nought of this, had weighed,
“And with his barks put forth to bring us aid.
XL.
“These tidings told to Friesland’s monarch, he
“Confiding to his son the wedding’s care,
“To meet Bireno’s squadron puts to sea,
“And (so chance willed) burns, sinks, or routs them there,
“Leading him off into captivity;
“But none to us as yet the tidings bear.
“This while I to the amorous youth am wed,
“Who, when the sun sought his, would seek my bed.
XLI.
“Behind the curtains, I had hid the tried
“And faithful follower, of whom I said,
“Who moved not till the bridegroom he descried,
“Yet waited not till he in bed was laid:
“But raised a hatchet, and so well applied
“Behind the stripling’s head the ponderous blade,
“Of speech and life it reft him; I, who note
“The deed, leap lightly up and cut his throat[7].
