But[266] as I came a captiue with the rest, My countenaunce did shine as braue as Sunne: Ech one that sawe my natiue hue, were prest To yeeld them selues, by beames of beauty wonne. My fame strayght blowne, to gaze on me they runne, And sayd I past ech worldly wight, as farre As _Phœbus_ bright excelles the morning starre. 9. Like as you see in darkes,[267] if light appeare, Strayght way to that ech man directs his eye: Euen so among my captiue mates that were, When[268] I did speake, or make my playnts with cry, Then all on me they stared by and by, Bemoning of my fates and fortune, so, As they had bin partakers of my woe. 10. My forme did prayse my plea, my sighes they sued, My teares enti’st theyr hearts, some ruth to take: My sobbes in sight a seemely hue reneu’d, My wringing handes wan suiters shift to make, My sober southes did cause them for my sake Me to commend unto their noble King, Who wil’d they should me into presence bring. 11. Which when I came, in cordes as captiue bound, “O King (quoth I) whose power wee feele to strong, O worthy wight, whose fame to skyes doth sound, Doe pittie me, that neuer wisht thee wrong! Release me, one, thy captiues all among, Which from my friends by fraude am brought away, A Prince his daughter, drownde in deepe decay. 12. “Now as thou art a Prince thy selfe, of might, And mayst doe more then I doe dare desire, Let me (O King) finde fauoure in thy sight, Asswage somewhat thy deadly wrath and ire. No part of knighthoode[269] tis for to require A Ladyes death thee neuer did offend, Sith that thy foe hath brought her to this end. 13. “But let me rather safely be conuay’d, O gratious King, once home before I die. Or let me liue thy simple wayting mayde,[270] If it may please thy royall maiesty. Or let me raunsome pay for liberty. But if he[271] minde reuenge of vnwraught ill, Why spare you _Britannes_ this my corps to kill?” 14. With that the King: “Good Lady faire, what ist Thou canst desire or aske but must obtayne? Eke would to god with all my heart I wist Best way to ease thee of thy woefull payne. But if thou wilt, doe here with me remayne. If not content, conductours shalt thou haue, To bring thee home, and what thou else wilt craue.”[272] 15.