defend the cause of another. This term, adopted by several other nations, has been for many ages familiar to the English ear, as each succeeding monarch upon his coronation has been supported by his champion knight, armed cap-a-pie, who, entering Westminster hall on horseback, by sound of trumpet and by the voice of his herald dares any one to contest the monarch's just right to the crown. CANTO VII. ARGUMENT. HOW DUNOIS RESCUED DOROTHY CONDEMNED TO DEATH BY THE INQUISITION. WHEN, in the springtide of my youth, some fair My wounded heart indignant spurned love's reign, 225 To drown his savage passion thus had strove; Soon had Dunois the fair afflicted maid "Oh thou!" she cried, with lovely eyes low bent, "Angel, despatched to stay fell punishment; Thou, from on high descended, knowest full well My mind unshackled is by guilty spell." "By some strange chance unknown," Dunois replied, "I come, though not with heavenly powers supplied, To shield thy life from Death's relentless dart, Omnipotence alone can read the heart; Thy soul methinks bears virtue's purest seal, Fair Dorothy, from eyes of heavenly blue wrought; "Knowest thou Trimouille? 'Twas he the lesson taught." "Yes," cried Dunois, "he ranks my best of friends, Each virtue in his soul heroic blends; My king a braver soldier cannot boast, Nor is there fiercer foe to England's host; Than him no knight can more inspire love's flame." "Ah! that's too true," she cried, 'tis sure the same; 66 Scarce hath a year elapsed-ah! woe the day, Quoth Dunois: "For his faith ne'er feel alarms, Dunois was mute, and straight the sufferer cried: "Thy words, my champion, cannot be denied; Thrice bless'd the hour when first my love-struck gaze Yielded at once to bright perfection's blaze; Gave up a heart that felt in him combined 'Twas at the Archbishop's board - entrancing hour, He made confession of Love's conquering power; Ah! then an unknown fever seized my blood, And through my veins rushed on the crimson flood; |