The faireste, as Ovide saide,

Hic loquitur contra istos in amoris causa predones, qui cum in suam furtiue concupiscenciam aspirant, fortuna in contrarium operatur. Et narrat quod cum[468] Neptunus quamdam virginem nomine Cornicem solam iuxta mare deambulantem opprimere suo furto voluisset, superueniens Pallas ipsam e manibus eius virginitate seruata gracius liberauit.

Which was in hire time tho;

And sche was of the chambre also

Of Pallas, which is the goddesse

And wif to Marte, of whom prouesse 6150

Is yove to these worthi knihtes.[469]

For he is of so grete mihtes,

That he governeth the bataille;

Withouten him may noght availe