"And 't was forsooth for foolish ducal whim
That he must plod abroad in such vile trim!"
Revolving thus, his anger sudden woke,
And, scowling, to the unseen fish he spoke:
"A Duke! A Fool! A fool-duke, by my head!
Who, clad like Fool, like Fool will fain be wed,
For ass and dolt and fool of fools is he
Who'll live in bondage to some talk-full she.
Yet, if he'll wed, why i' the foul fiend's name,
Must he in motley seek the haughty dame?"
But now, while he did on this problem dwell,
Two unexpected happenings befell:
A fish to nibble on the worm began,
And to him through the green a fair maid ran.
Fast, fast amid the tangled brake she fled,
Her cheeks all pale, her dark eyes wide with dread;
But Pertinax her beauty nothing heeded,
Since both his eyes to watch his fish were needed;
But started round with sudden, peevish snort
As in slim hands his brawny fist she caught;
"Ha, maid!" he cried, "Why must thou come this way
To spoil my sport and fright mine fish away?"
"O man--O man, if man thou art," she gasped,
"Save me!" And here his hand she closer grasped,
But even now, as thus she breathless spake,
Forth of the wood three lusty fellows brake;
Goodly their dress and bright the mail they wore,
While on their breasts a falcon-badge they bore.
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