STEPHEN HAWES
Reading edition
d. 1523
32.
The True Knight
FOR knighthood is not in the feats of warre, As for to fight in quarrel right or wrong, But in a cause which truth can not defarre: He ought himself for to make sure and strong, Justice to keep mixt with mercý among: And no quarrell a knight ought to take But for a truth, or for the common’s sake.
32. defarre] undo.
33.
An Epitaph
O MORTAL folk, you may behold and see How I lie here, sometime a mighty knight; The end of joy and all prosperitee Is death at last, thorough his course and might: After the day there cometh the dark night, For though the daye be never so long, At last the bells ringeth to evensong.