CXXIII That vessel of all filthy vices, he, Made answer: "Mighty sir, I cannot say Who is the stranger, that fell in with me Journeying from Antioch hither, by the way: But him I worthy of my company Deemed, by his warlike semblance led astray. I nothing of his deeds have heard or seen, Save what ill feats to-day have witnessed been; CXXIV "Which moved me so, it little lacked but I, For punishment of his unworthy fear, Had put him out of case again to ply, In martial tournament, the sword or spear; And, but in reverence to your majesty And presence, I forbore by hand to rear, Not for his sake: -- nor by thy mercy showed On him, as my companion on the road; CXXV "Whose former fellowship appears a stain; And ever 'twill sit heavy at my heart, If I, uninjured, see the wretch again 'Scape, to the scandal of the warlike art. 'Twere better he from tower, a worthy pain, Were gibbeted, than suffered to depart: Hung as a beacon for the coward's gaze. Such were a princely deed, and worthy praise." CXXVI A voucher he in Origilla had, Who well, without a sign, his purpose read. "I deem not," cried the king, "his works so bad, That they should cost the stranger knight his head: Enough that he again the people glad, For penance of his weighty sin." This said, He quickly called a baron of his crew, And him enjoined the deed he was to do. CXXVII With many armed men that baron fares, And to the city-gate descending, here Collects his troop, and for the attempt prepares, Waiting the coming of the cavalier; And him surprises so at unawares, He, softly, 'twixt two bridges, takes the peer; And him detains, with mockery and scorn, In a dark chamber, till returning morn. CXXVIII The early sun had scarce his golden hair Uplifted from his ancient nurse's breast, Beginning, upon Alpine regions bare, To chase the shades and gild the mountain-crest, When Martan', fearing Gryphon might declare His wrong, and to the king the truth attest, Retorting upon him the slander cast, Took leave, and thence upon his journey past. CXXIX His ready wit a fit excuse supplies Why he stays not, to see the recreant shown. He is with other gifts, beside the prize, Rewarded for the victory, not his own, And letters patent, drawn in ample wise, Wherein his lofty honours wide are blown. Let him depart; I promise he shall meet A guerdon worthy of his treacherous feat. CXXX Gryphon is brought with shame into the square, When it is fully thronged with gazing wight, Whom they of cuirass and of helmet bare, And leave in simple cassock, meanly dight; And, as to slaughter he conducted were, Place on a wain, conspicuous to the sight; Harnessed to which two sluggish cows are seen, Weary and weak, and with long hunger lean.