Whilom, 278 as oldë stories tellen us, There was a duke that hightë 279 Theseus. Of Athens he was lord and governor, And in his timë such a conqueror That greater was there none under the sun. Full many a richë country had he won. What with his wisdom and his chivalry, He conquer’d all the regne of Feminie, 280 That whilom was y-cleped Scythia; And weddedë the Queen Hippolyta, And brought her home with him to his country With muchel 281 glory and great solemnity, And eke her youngë sister Emily, And thus with vict’ry and with melody Let I this worthy Duke to Athens ride, And all his host, in armës him beside.
The Knight’s Tale 277
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