"Par Dex!" he growled, "'Tis shame that they should run
Ere that to fight the rogues had scarce begun!"
So back he came, his rod and line he took,
And gloomed to find no worm upon his hook.
But now the maiden viewed him gentle-eyed;
"Brave soldier, I do thank thee well!" she sighed,
"Thou, like true knight, hast fought for me today--"
"And the fish," sighed he, "have stole my worm away,
Which is great pity, since my worms be few!"
And here the Knight's despond but deeper grew.
"Yon rogues," he sighed, "no stomach had for fight,
Yet scared the fish that had a mind to bite!"
"But thou hast saved me, noble man!" said she.
"So must I use another worm!" sighed he.
And straightway with his fishing he proceeded
While sat the maid beside him all unheeded;
Whereat she frowned and, scornful, thus did speak
With angry colour flaming in her cheek:
"What man art thou that canst but fight and fish?
Hast thou no higher thought, no better wish?"
"Certes," quoth he, "I would I had indeed
A goodly pot of foaming ale or mead.
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