But in the triall of true curtesie, v Its now so farre from that, which then it was, That it indeed is nought but forgerie, Fashion’d to please the eies of them, that pas, Which see not perfect things but in a glas: Yet is that glasse so gay, that it can blynd The wisest sight, to thinke gold that is bras. But vertues seat is deepe within the mynd, And not in outward shows, but inward thoughts defynd. But where shall I in all Antiquity vi So faire a patterne finde, where may be seene The goodly praise of Princely curtesie, As in your selfe, O soueraine Lady Queene, In whose pure minde, as in a mirrour sheene, It showes, and with her brightnesse doth inflame The eyes of all, which thereon fixed beene; But meriteth indeede an higher name: Yet so from low to high vplifted is your name[400]. Then pardon me, most dreaded Soueraine, vii That from your selfe I doe this vertue bring, And to your selfe doe it returne againe: So from the Ocean all riuers spring, And tribute backe repay as to their King. Right so from you all goodly vertues well Into the rest, which round about you ring, Faire Lords and Ladies, which about you dwell, And doe adorne your Court, where courtesies excell. FOOTNOTES: [398] 9 It] tI _1596_ [399] iii 5 Since] Sith _1609_ [400] vi 9 name] fame _edd._ _Cant. I._ [Illustration: _Calidore saues from Maleffort, A Damzell vsed vylde: Doth vanquish Crudor, and doth make Briana wexe more mylde._ ] Of Court it seemes, men Courtesie doe call, i For that it there most vseth to abound; And well beseemeth that in Princes hall That vertue should be plentifully found, Which of all goodly manners is the ground, And roote of ciuill conuersation. Right so in Faery court it did redound, Where curteous Knights and Ladies most did won Of all on earth, and made a matchlesse paragon. But mongst them all was none more courteous Knight, ii Then _Calidore_, beloued ouer all, In whom it seemes, that gentlenesse of spright And manners mylde were planted naturall; To which he adding comely guize withall, And gracious speach, did steale mens hearts away. Nathlesse thereto he was full stout and tall, And well approu’d in batteilous affray, That him did much renowme, and far his fame display.