But sith ye please, that both our blames shall die, xiv Amends may for the trespasse soone be made, Since[323] neither is endamadg’d much thereby. So can they both them selues full eath perswade To faire accordaunce, and both faults to shade, Either embracing other louingly, And swearing faith to either on his blade, Neuer thenceforth to nourish enmity, But either others cause to maintaine mutually. Then _Artegall_ gan of the Prince enquire, xv What were those knights, which there on ground were layd, And had receiu’d their follies worthy hire, And for what cause they chased so that Mayd. Certes I wote not well (the Prince then sayd) But by aduenture found them faring so, As by the way vnweetingly I strayd, And lo the Damzell selfe, whence all did grow, Of whom we may at will the whole occasion know. Then they that Damzell called to them[324] nie, xvi And asked her, what were those two her fone, From whom she earst so fast away did flie; And what was she her selfe so woe begone, And for what cause pursu’d of them attone. To whom she thus; Then wote ye well, that I Doe serue a Queene, that not far hence doth wone, A Princesse of great powre and maiestie, Famous through all the world, and honor’d far and nie. Her name _Mercilla_ most men vse to call; xvii That is a mayden Queene of high renowne, For her great bounty knowen ouer all, And soueraine grace, with which her royall crowne She doth support, and strongly beateth downe The malice of her foes, which her enuy, And at her happinesse do fret and frowne: Yet she her selfe the more doth magnify, And euen to her foes her mercies multiply. Mongst many which maligne her happy state, xviii There is a mighty man, which wonnes here by[325] That with most fell despight and deadly hate, Seekes to subuert her Crowne and dignity, And all his powre doth thereunto apply: And her good Knights, of which so braue a band Serues her, as any Princesse vnder sky, He either spoiles, if they against him stand, Or to his part allures, and bribeth vnder hand. Ne him sufficeth all the wrong and ill, xix Which he vnto her people does each day, But that he seekes by traytrous traines to spill Her person, and her sacred selfe to slay: That O ye heauens defend, and turne away From her, vnto the miscreant him selfe, That neither hath religion nor fay, But makes his God of his vngodly pelfe, And Idols serues; so let his Idols serue the Elfe.