II.

Lo Prowess, who despoileth him straightway, And saith: "Friend, now beseems it thee to strip; For I will see men naked, thigh and hip, And thou my will must know and eke obey; And leave what was thy wont until this day, And for new toil, new sweat, thy strength equip; This do, and thou shalt join my fellowship, If of fair deeds thou tire not nor cry nay." And when she sees his comely body bare, Forthwith within her arms she him doth take, And saith: "These limbs thou yieldest to my prayer; I do accept thee, and this gift thee make, So that thy deeds may shine for ever fair, My lips shall never more thy praise forsake."