This gentle Duke down from his courser start With heartë piteous, when he heard them speak. Him thoughtë that his heart would all to-break, When he saw them so piteous and so mate, 301 That whilom weren of so great estate. And in his armës he them all up hent, 302 And them comfórted in full good intent, And swore his oath, as he was truë knight, He wouldë do so farforthly his might 303 Upon the tyrant Creon them to wreak, 304 That all the people of Greecë shouldë speak, How Creon was of Theseus y-served, As he that had his death full well deserved. And right anon withoutë more abode 305 His banner he display’d, and forth he rode To Thebes-ward, and all his host beside: No ner 306 Athenës would he go nor ride,