The Second Couple .

The L ORD S IRANGE ,

M ASTER T HOMAS G ERRARD .

The Earl of Derby's valiant son and heir,
Brave Ferdinand Lord Strange, strangely embark'd
Under Jove's kingly bird the golden eagle,
Stanley's old crest and honourable badge,
As veering 'fore the wind in costly ship,
And armour white and watchet buckled fast,
Presents himself; his horses and his men
Suited in satin to their master's colours,
Well near twice-twenty squires that went him by:
And having by his trounchman pardon craved,
Vailing his eagle to his sovereign's eyes,
As who would say, " Stoop, eagle, to this sun, "
Dismounts him from his pageant, and attonce,
Taking his choice of lusty stirring horse
Cover'd with sumptuous rich caparisons,
He mounts him bravely for his friendly foe;
And at the head he aims, and in his aim
Happily thrives, and breaks his azure staves.
Whom gentle Gerrard, all in white and green,
Colours belike best serving his conceit,
Lustily meets, mounted in seat of steel,
With flourishing plume and fair caparison;
And then at every shock the shivers fly,
That recommend their honours to the sky.