But whether it indeede be so or no, xiv This doe I say, that what so good or ill Or God or Fortune vnto me did throw, Not wronging any other by my will, I hold mine owne, and so will hold it still. And though my land he first did winne away, And then my loue (though now it little skill,) Yet my good lucke he shall not likewise pray; But I will it defend, whilst euer that I may. So hauing sayd, the younger did ensew; xv Full true it is, what so about our land My brother here declared hath to you: But not for it this ods twixt vs doth stand, But for this threasure throwne vppon his strand; Which well I proue, as shall appeare by triall, To be this maides, with whom I fastned hand, Known by good markes, and perfect good espiall, Therefore it ought be rendred her without deniall. When they thus ended had, the Knight began; xvi Certes your strife were easie to accord, Would ye remit it to some righteous man. Vnto your selfe, said they, we giue our word, To bide what iudgement ye shall vs afford. Then for assuraunce to my doome to stand, Vnder my foote let each lay downe his sword, And then you shall my sentence vnderstand. So each of them layd downe his sword out of his hand. Then _Artegall_ thus to the younger sayd; xvii Now tell me _Amidas_, if that ye may, Your brothers land the which the sea hath layd Vnto your part, and pluckt from his away, By what good right doe you withhold this day? What other right (quoth he) should you esteeme, But that the sea it to my share did lay? Your right is good (sayd he) and so I deeme, That what the sea vnto you sent, your own should seeme. Then turning to the elder thus he sayd; xviii Now _Bracidas_ let this likewise be showne. Your brothers threasure, which from him is strayd, Being the dowry of his wife well knowne, By what right doe you claime to be your owne? What other right (quoth he) should you esteeme, But that the sea hath it vnto me throwne? Your right is good (sayd he) and so I deeme, That what the sea vnto you sent, your own should seeme. For equall right in equall things doth stand, xix For what the mighty Sea hath once possest, And plucked quite from all possessors hand, Whether by rage of waues, that neuer rest, Or else by wracke, that wretches hath distrest, He may dispose by his imperiall might, As thing at randon left, to whom he list. So _Amidas_, the land was yours first hight, And so the threasure yours is _Bracidas_ by right.