Classic Poem

[SCENE IX.]

Enter B RYAN S ANS-FOY having C LAMYDES his
apparel on, his shield, and the serpent's head.

B. Sans-foy. Ah sirrah,
Now are the ten days full expired wherein Clamydes he
Shall wake out of his charmèd sleep, as shortly you shall see.
But here I have what I desired, his shield, his coat, and head:
To Denmark will I straight prepare, and there present with speed
The same to Juliana's grace, as in Clamydes' name,
Whereby I am assured I shall enjoy that noble dame;
For why Clamydes he is safe for ever being free,
And unto Knowledge is he left here guarded for to be.
But no man knows of my pretence ne whither I am gone;
For secretly from castle I have stoln this night alone,
In this order as you see, in the attire of a noble knight;
But yet, poor Bryan, still thy heart holds courage in despite.
Well, yet the old proverb to disprove I purpose to begin,
Which always saith that cowardly hearts fair ladies never win:
Shall I not Juliana win, and who hath a cowardlier heart?
Yet for to brag and boast it out, I'll will none take my part;
For I can look both grim and fierce as though I were of might,
And yet three frogs out of a bush my heart did so affright
That I fell dead almost therewith: well, cowardly as I am,
Farewell, forest, for now I will, in Knight Clamydes' name,
To Denmark to present this head to Juliana bright,
Who shall a cowardly dastard wed instead of a worthy knight.