That for her sake he must perforce my ships [and me] forlay,

To win by fight or take by might the[579] Lady faire away.

7.

And when our nauies mette, he wilde me yeelde

This Lady straight, or else defend the cause:

A thing (quoth I) requested erst but seelde,

Against of Gods and men the sacred lawes:

It hath not erst bene harde amongst the wise men’s sawes,[580]

That any King should clayme the like with sword of stormie strife,

Or make assaulte in warlike sorte to winne a Prince’s wife.[581]