Then thy metal try
And by arms acquire.”
“Vif Désire” then armed “Cuer” with a blade of steel, keen and bright, a helmet stamped with amorous thoughts bearing the crest of hope, three blooms of “N’oubliez mye.” Then led gently forth, he meets “Franc Vouloir,” tall and strong, and fully armed for all emergencies; and putting spurs to his charger, he goes off at a gallop with his companions. Over hill and dale they dash, until they come in view of a lovely damsel—
“plaiesante et blonde
Et de tous biens la plus parfaict du monde.”
After passing through a weird forest, they emerge upon a smiling valley, where they behold a sumptuous palace. On approaching, they see a very splendid column of jasper, and after dismounting they read the inscription carved thereon:
“A vous, tous Cuers gentilz et gracieux,
Qui conquérir voulez pour valori mieulx
Du Dieu d’Amour et de vos Dames aussi
Doulce grace et eureuse mercy.