EDMUND SPENSER. Born 1553. Died 1598. A UNA AND THE RED CROSS KNIGHT. GENTLE knight was pricking on the plain, And on his breast a bloody cross he bore, For whose sweet sake that glorious badge he wore, Upon his shield the like was also scored, For sovereign hope, which in his help he had: Upon a great adventure he was bound, (That greatest glorious queen of fairy lond,) Which of all earthly things he most did crave; A lovely lady rode him fair beside, Seemed in her heart some hidden care she had, So pure and innocent, as that same lamb, And by descent from royal lineage came Of ancient Kings and Queens, that had of yore Till that infernal fiend with foul uproar Forwasted all their land, and them expelled; Whom to avenge she had this knight from far compelled. Behind her far away a Dwarf did lag, Or wearied with bearing of her bag, Of needments at his back. Thus as they past, The day with clouds was sudden overcast, And angry Jove an hideous storm of rain Did pour into his leman's lap so fast, That every wight to shroud it did constrain ; And this fair couple eke to shroud themselves were fain. |