The Tale

There was, as telleth Titus Livius, 3420 A knight, that called was Virginius, Full filled of honoúr and worthiness, And strong of friendës, and of great richéss. This knight one daughter haddë by his wife; No children had he more in all his life. Fair was this maid in excellent beautý Aboven ev’ry wight that man may see: For nature had with sov’reign diligence Y-formed her in so great excellence, As though she wouldë say, “Lo, I, Natúre, Thus can I form and paint a creatúre, When that me list; who can me counterfeit? Pygmalion? not though he aye forge and beat, Or grave or paintë: for I dare well sayn, Apelles, Zeuxis, shouldë work in vain, Either to grave, or paint, or forge, or beat, If they presumed me to counterfeit. For he that is the former principal, Hath madë me his vicar-general To form and painten earthly creatúrës Right as me list, and all thing in my cure 3421