 | The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere |  |
Masque and dance
Lasted three days: then spake to him the King,
‘Cid—for that name by which all Spain reveres you,
Albeit a title not by me conferred,
I recognize well pleased—Donna Ximena,
Heiress of Gomez slain by you of old,
Warrior and counsellor dear to me and mine,
Stands sore imperilled through that righteous deed,
Her subjects in revolt and every knave
Flouting her princely right. Revolts spread fast;
Ere long my kingdom may lie meshed in such:
I see the hand that best can deal with treason!
My royal honour stands to her impledged
That you—first wedding her—her lands your own—
Should, in the embraces of your name and glory,
Foster the tender weakness of her greatness.
Wilt thou redeem that pledge?’
Lasted three days: then spake to him the King,
‘Cid—for that name by which all Spain reveres you,
Albeit a title not by me conferred,
I recognize well pleased—Donna Ximena,
Heiress of Gomez slain by you of old,
Warrior and counsellor dear to me and mine,
Stands sore imperilled through that righteous deed,
Her subjects in revolt and every knave
Flouting her princely right. Revolts spread fast;
Ere long my kingdom may lie meshed in such:
I see the hand that best can deal with treason!
My royal honour stands to her impledged
That you—first wedding her—her lands your own—
Should, in the embraces of your name and glory,
Foster the tender weakness of her greatness.
Wilt thou redeem that pledge?’
| The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere | |