Classic Poem

[SCENE XX.]

Enter N ERONIS like the page .

Nero. Ah weary paces that I walk with steps unsteady still!
Of all the gripes of grisly griefs Neronis hath her fill:
And yet amids these miseries which were my first mishaps,
By bruit I hear such news, alas, as more and more enwraps
My wretched corps with thousand woes more than I may support;
So that I am to be compared unto the scalèd fort,
Which doth, so long as men and might and sustenance prevail,
Give to the enemies repulse that cometh to assail,
But when assistance 'gins to fail, and strength of foes increase,
They forcèd are through battering blows the same for to release:
So likewise I, so long as hope my comfort did remain,
The grisly griefs that me assail'd I did repulse again,
But now that hope begins to fail, and griefs anew do rise,
I must of force yield up the fort, I can no way devise
To keep the same; the fort I mean it is the weary corse
Which sorrows daily do assail and siege without remorse
And now, to make my griefs the more, report, alas, hath told
How that my father's agèd bones are shrinèd up in mould,
Since Norway King did me betray, and that my mother she
Through Duke Mustantius uncle mine in great distress to be
For swaying of the sceptre there: what should I herein say?
Now that I cannot find my knight, I would at combat-day
Be gladly there, if case I could with some good master meet,
That as his page in these affairs would seem me to entreat:—
And in good time here cometh one; he seems a knight to be;
I'll proffer service, if in case he will accept of me.

Enter C LYOMON with his shield covered, strangely
disguised .

Clyo. Well, now, as one unknown, I will go combat for the queen:
Who can bewray me since my shield is not for to be seen?
But stay, who do I here espy? of truth a proper boy:
If case he do a master lack, he shall sustain no noy,
For why in these affairs he may stand me in passing steed
Nero. [ aside .] Well, I see to pass upon my way this gentleman's decreed:
To him I will submit myself in service for to be,
If case he can his fancy frame to like so well on me.—
Well met, sir knight, upon your way.
Clyo. My boy, gramercies; but to me say
Into what country is thy journey dight?
Nero. Towards the Strange Marshe[s], of truth, sir knight.
Clyo. And thither am I going; high Jove be my guide!
Nero. Would gods I were worthy to be your page by your side!
Clyo. My page, my boy! why, what is thy name? that let me hear.
Nero. Sir knight, by name I am callèd Cœur-d'acier.
Clyo. Cœur d'acier! what, Heart of Steel? now, certis, my boy,
I am a gentleman, and do entertain thee with joy;
And to the Strange Marshes am I going, the queen to defend:
Come, therefore, for, without more saying, with me thou shalt wend.
Nero . As diligent to do my duty as any in this land.
Ah Fortune, how favourably my friend doth she stand!
For thus, no man knowing mine estate nor degree,
May I pass safely a page as you see.