‘Never was king so valiant unto this day seen,’ they cry.
Through all my land thy glory is blown upon rumour’s wind.
No rest may my spirit give me till the truth hereof I find.
Lo, I withal am a warrior; a crown must I wear one day;
And fain am I that all men of me in that hour should say
That I take the folk and the kingdom of right for mine heritage.
Lo, mine head and mine honour, I lay them in the lists for battle’s gage.
Thou then, if thou be so valiant as is sung by the lips of fame—
I ask no man of my challenge, if he joy or chafe at the same—
I challenge thee here, do battle for all thou accountest thine!