XXIV.
‘Nor like consideration would appear
‘Worthy to stop him, but that he possessed
‘A son, and for such charge that cavalier,
‘Measured by wit and force, was worthiest.
‘Though not within the kingdom was the peer,
‘It was his hope (as he assured his guest)
‘He would, while yet preparing was the band,
‘Return, and find it mustered to his hand.’
XXV.
So sent through all his realm, with expedition,
His treasurers, to levy men and steeds;
And ships prepared, and warlike ammunition,
And money, stores and victual for their needs.
Meantime the good Rinaldo on his mission,
Leaving the courteous king, to England speeds;
He brought him on his way to Berwick’s town,
And was observed to weep when he was gone.
XXVI.
The wind sat in the poop; Rinaldo good
Embarked, and bade farewell to all; the sheet
Still loosening to the breeze, the skipper stood,
Till where Thame’s waters, waxing bitter, meet
Salt ocean: wafted thence by tide of flood,
Through a sure channel to fair London’s seat,
Safely the mariners their course explore,
Making their way, with aid of sail and oar.
