A marquis whilom lord was of that land, As were his worthy elders 2438 him before, And obedient, aye ready to his hand, Were all his lieges, bothë less and more: Thus in delight he liv’d, and had done yore, 2439 Belov’d and drad, 2440 through favour of fortúne, Both of his lordës and of his commúne. 2441

Therewith he was, to speak of lineage, The gentilest y-born of Lombardy, A fair persón, and strong, and young of age, And full of honour and of courtesy: Discreet enough his country for to gie, 2442 Saving in some things that he was to blame; And Walter was this youngë lordë’s name.