At length they spide, where towards them with speed xxxviii A Squire came gallopping, as he would flie;[146] Bearing a litle Dwarfe before his steed, That all the way full loud for aide did crie, That seem’d his shrikes would rend the brasen skie: Whom after did a mightie man pursew, Ryding vpon a Dromedare on hie, Of stature huge, and horrible of hew, That would haue maz’d a man his dreadfull face to vew. For from his fearefull eyes two fierie beames, xxxix More sharpe then points of needles did proceede, Shooting forth farre away two flaming streames, Full of sad powre, that poysonous bale did breede To all, that on him lookt without good heed, And secretly his enemies did slay: Like as the Basiliske of serpents seede, From powrefull eyes close venim doth conuay Into the lookers hart, and killeth farre away. He all the way did rage at that same Squire, xl And after him full many threatnings threw, With curses vaine in his auengefull ire: But none of them (so fast away he flew) Him ouertooke, before he came in vew. Where when he saw the Prince in armour bright, He cald to him aloud, his case to rew, And rescue him through succour of his might, From that his cruell foe, that him pursewd in sight. Eftsoones the Prince tooke downe those Ladies twaine xli From loftie steede, and mounting in their stead Came to that Squire, yet trembling euery vaine: Of whom he gan enquire his cause of dread; Who as he gan the same to him aread, Loe hard behind his backe his foe was prest, With dreadfull weapon aymed at his head, That vnto death had doen him vnredrest, Had not the noble Prince his readie stroke represt. Who thrusting boldly twixt him and the blow, xlii The burden of the deadly brunt did beare Vpon his shield, which lightly he did throw Ouer his head, before the harme came neare. Nathlesse it fell with so despiteous dreare And heauie sway, that hard vnto his crowne The shield it droue, and did the couering reare, Therewith both Squire and dwarfe did tomble downe Vnto the earth, and lay long while in senselesse swowne. Whereat the Prince full wrath, his strong right hand xliii In full auengement heaued vp on hie, And stroke the Pagan with his steely brand So sore, that to his saddle bow thereby He bowed low, and so a while did lie: And sure had not his massie yron mace Betwixt him and his hurt bene happily, It would haue cleft him to the girding place, Yet as it was, it did astonish him long space.