IX.
“Hence, when concluded was the festal show,
“And to his home Zerbino was returned,
“If thou know’st what is love, thou well may’st know
“How night and day I for the warrior yearned;
“And was assured, no less on him did prey
“The flame, that in his constant bosom burned.
“He, save a way to have me with him, nought
“For solace of his restless passion sought.
X.
“For different faith forbade him (on my side
“I was a saracen, a Christian he)
“To ask me of my father as a bride,
“By stealth he purposed to elope with me.
“Amid green fields, our wealthy town beside,
“I had a garden, seated by the sea,
“Upon the pleasant shore; from whence the eye
“Might ocean and the hills about descry.
XI.
“A fitting place to effect what different creed
“And law forbade us, he esteemed this site,
“And showed the order taken for the deed,
“Which was to make our future life’s delight;
“And how, near Santa Martha, for our need,
“A bark was with arm’d men in ambush dight,
“Under Sir Odoric of Biscay’s command;
“A leader he, approved by sea and land!
