XII.
“Unable in his person this to do,
“For by his father he was forced to wend
“In succour of the king of France, in lieu
“This Odoric for the purpose he would send;
“Chosen, of all his faithful friends and true,
“As his most faithful and his truest friend:
“And such had been, if benefits could bind
“And goodly deeds the friendship of mankind.
XIII.
“At the time fixed to bear me thence away,
“This chief would anchor on the destined ground.
“—And thus it was arrived the wished-for day,
“When I of them was in my garden found.
“Sir Odoric, at night, with fair array
“Of valiant men, by land and sea renowned,
“In the near river from his bark descends,
“And thence in silence to my garden wends.
XIV.
“To the pitched bark with me his party sped,
“Before the city knew what was at hand;
“Some of the house, disarmed and naked, fled,
“And some were slain; while of the helpless band,
“With me, another part was captive led.
“So was I severed from my native land,
“Hoping in brief Zerbino to possess,
“I cannot tell thee with what happiness.
