The Tale 4945

When Phoebus dwelled here in earth adown, As oldë bookës makë mentioún, He was the mostë lusty 4946 bachelér Of all this world, and eke the best archér. He slew Python the serpent, as he lay Sleeping against the sun upon a day; And many another noble worthy deed He with his bow wrought, as men mayë read. Playen he could on every minstrelsy, And singë, that it was a melody To hearen of his clearë voice the soun’. Certes the king of Thebes, Amphioún, That with his singing walled the citý, Could never singë half so well as he. Thereto he was the seemliestë man That is, or was since that the world began; What needeth it his features to descrive? For in this world is none so fair alive. He was therewith full fill’d of gentleness, Of honour, and of perfect worthiness.