The lyon would not leave her desolate,
But with her went along as a strong gard
Of her chast person, and a faithfull mate
Of her sad troubles and misfortunes hard;
And over her he kept both watch and ward,
With the assistance of two valiant knightes,
Prince ARTHURE, and the Red Crosse Paladin,
A pair of brotherlie and doughtie wightes,
Though erst had they indulged in mutual flouts and spites.
For loe! a divelish dragon didde infest