There stands the Prince. "How now? My Duke's-crown wrecked?

What may this mean?" The answer René gave

Was—handing him the verses, with the due

Incline of body: "Sir, God's word to you!"

XLII

The Prince read, paled, was silent; all around,

The courtier-company, to whom he passed

The paper, read, in equal silence bound.

René grew also by degrees aghast