21141141Eke at what time he asked of them to have his guard

142142To guard his noble grace where so he went;

143143They called him "doting fool," all his requests debarred,

144144Demanding if with life he were not well content,

145145Then he too late his rigour did repent.

146146'Gainst me, my sisters fawning love that knew

147147Found flattery false, that seemed so fair in view.

22148148To make it short, to France he came at last to me,

149149And told me how my sisters evil their father used.

150150Then humbly I besought my noble king so free,

151151That he would aid my father thus by his abused.

152152Who not at all my humble he 'hest refused,

153153But sent to every coast of France for aid,

154154Whereby King Leir might home be well conveyed.

23155155The soldiers gathered from each quarter of the land

156156Come at length to know the noble prince's will,

157157Who did commit them unto captains every band.

158158And I likewise of love and reverent mere goodwill

159159Desired my lord, he would not take it ill

160160If I departed for a space withal,

161161To take a part, or ease my father's thrall.

24162162He granted my request, thence we arrived here,

163163And of our Britons came to aid likewise his right

164164Full many subjects, good and stout that were.

165165By martial feats, and force, by subjects sword and might,

166166The British kings were fain to yield to our right,

167167Which won, my father well this realm did guide

168168Three years in peace, and after that he died.

25169169Then I was crowned Queen this realm to hold . . .