Cant. II.
the Faery Queene.
217
To her I homage and my seruice owe,In number of the noblest knightes on ground,Mongst whom on me she deigned to bestoweOrder of Maydenhead, the most renownd,That may this day in all the world be found,An yearely solemne feast she wontes to makeThe day that first doth lead the yeare around;To which all knights of worth and courage boldResort, to heare of straunge aduentures to be told.
There this old Palmer shewd himselfe that day,And to that mighty Princesse did complaineOf grieuous mischiefes, which a wicked FayHad wrought, and many whelmd in deadly paine,Whereof he crau'd redresse. My Soueraine,Whose glory is in gracious deeds, and ioyesThroughout the world her mercy to maintaine,Eftsoones deuisd redresse for such annoyes;Me all vnfitt for so great purpose she employes,
Now hath faire Phebe with her siluer faceThrise seene the shadowes of the neather world,Sith last I left that honorable place,In which her roiall presence is entrold;Ne euer shall I rest in house nor hold,Till I that false Acrasia haue wonne;Of whose fowle deedes, too hideous to bee toldI witnesse am, and this their wretched sonne,Whose wofull parents she hath wickedly fordonne,
Tell on, fayre Sir, said she, that dolefull tale,From which sad ruth does seeme you to restraine,That we may pitty such vnhappie bale,And learne from pleasures poyson to abstaine:
Ill
