 | Argalvs and Parthenia |  |
But now Amphialus (in whom griefe and shame
Of this vnlucky victorie, did claime
An equall interest) prostrate on the earth,
Accurs'd his sword, his arme, his houre of birth;
Casting his Helmet, and his gauntlet by,
His vndissembled teares did testifie,
What words could not: But finding her estate
More apt for helpe, then griefe, (though both too late)
Crept on his knees, and begging pardon of her,
His hands (his often cursed hands) did proffer
Their needlesse helpe, and with his life to shew
What honour a deuoted heart could doe.
Whereto Parthenia (whose expiring breath
Gaue speedy signes of a desired death)
Turning her fixt (but oft recalled eyes)
Vpon Amphialus, faintly thus replies:
Of this vnlucky victorie, did claime
An equall interest) prostrate on the earth,
Accurs'd his sword, his arme, his houre of birth;
Casting his Helmet, and his gauntlet by,
His vndissembled teares did testifie,
What words could not: But finding her estate
More apt for helpe, then griefe, (though both too late)
Crept on his knees, and begging pardon of her,
His hands (his often cursed hands) did proffer
157
What honour a deuoted heart could doe.
Whereto Parthenia (whose expiring breath
Gaue speedy signes of a desired death)
Turning her fixt (but oft recalled eyes)
Vpon Amphialus, faintly thus replies:
| Argalvs and Parthenia | |