17. "Help, gracious lord," they weeping said,
And knelt, as it was meet;
"From Artois Forest we are come,
With weak and weary feet.
18. "Within those deep and dreary woods
There dwells a savage boy,
Whose fierce and mortal rage doth yield
Thy subjects dire annoy.
19. "To more than savage strength he joins
A more than human skill;
For arms no cunning may suffice
His cruel rage to still."
20. Up then rose Sir Valentine
And claimed that arduous deed.
"Go forth and conquer," said the king,
"And great shall be thy meed."
21. Well mounted on a milk-white steed,
His armor white as snow,
As well beseemed a virgin knight,
Who ne'er had fought a foe—
22. To Artois Forest he repairs,
With all the haste he may,
And soon he spies the savage youth
A-rending of his prey!
23. His unkempt hair all matted hung
His shaggy shoulders round;
His eager eye all fiery glowed,
His face with fury frowned.
24. Like eagle's talons grew his nails,
His limbs were thick and strong,
And dreadful was the knotted oak
He bare with him along.
25. Soon as Sir Valentine approached,
He starts with sudden spring,
And yelling forth a hideous howl,
He made the forest ring.
26. As when a tiger fierce and fell
Hath spied a passing roe,
And leaps at once upon his throat,
So sprang the savage foe.