So rudely handled by her foe he saw,
With gaping jawes full greedy at him came,
And, ramping on his shield, did weene the same
Have reft away with his sharp rending clawes.
But it was a losing battle. The lion’s sudden fierceness was all in vain.
O then, too weake and feeble was the forse
Of salvage beast.
Now that her defender is slain, what is to become of Lady Truth?
Who now is left to keepe the forlorn maid
From raging spoile of lawless victor’s will?