Mai noght be gete of ydelnesse.[1273]
And that I take to witnesse 2040
An old Cronique in special,
The which into memorial
Is write, for his loves sake
Hou that a kniht schal undertake.
[Tale of Hercules and Achelons.]
Ther was a king, which Oënes[1274]
Was hote, and he under his pes
Hic dicit, quod Miles priusquam amoris amplexu dignus efficiatur, euentus bellicos victoriosus amplectere debet. Et narrat qualiter Hercules et Achelons propter[1275] Deianiram Calidonie Regis filiam singulare duellum adinuicem inierunt, cuius victor Hercules existens armorum[1276] meritis amorem virginis laudabiliter conquestauit.