117171But not content with this, he asked me likewise

7272If I did not him love and honor well.

7373"No cause," quod I, "there is I should your grace despise,

7474For nature so doth bind and duty me compel,

7575To love you, as I ought my father, well.

7676Yet shortly I may chance, if Fortune will,

7777To find in heart to bear another more good will."

127878Thus much I said of nuptial loves that ment

7979Not minding once of hatred vile or ire:

8080And partly taxing them, for which intent

8181They set my father's heart on wrathful fire.

8282"She never shall to any part aspire

8383Of this my realm," quod he, "amongst you twain,

8484But shall without all dowry aye remain."

138585Then to Maglaurus Prince, with Albany, he gave

8686My sister Gonerell, the eldest of us all,

8787And eke my sister Ragan to Hinnine to have,

8888And for her dowry Camber and Cornwall.

8989These after him should have his kingdom all.

9090Between them both he gave it frank and free,

9191But nought at all he gave of dowry me.

149292At last it chanced a prince of France to hear my fame:

9393My beauty brave, my wit was blazed abroad each where.

9494My noble virtues praised me to my father's blame,

9595Who did for flattery me less friendly favour bear,

9696Which when this worthy prince, I say, did hear,

9797He sent ambassage liked me more than life

9898And soon obtained me to be his wife.

159999Prince Aganippus reaved me of my woe,

100100And that for virtue's sake, of dowries all the best.

101101So I contented was to France my father fro'

102102For to depart, and hoped t'enjoy some greater rest.

103103Where living well beloved, my joys increased:

104104I got more favour in that prince his sight

105105Than ever princess of a princely wight.