XXVIII

He thereto meeting said, My dearest Dame,

Farre be it from your thought, and fro my will,

To thinke that knighthood I so much should shame,

As you to leave, that have me loved still,

And chose in Faery court[°] of meere goodwill,

Where noblest knights were to be found on earth:

The earth shall sooner leave her kindly skill,[°]

To bring forth fruit, and make eternall derth,

Then I leave you, my liefe, yborne of heavenly berth.