To Conrad of Montferrat on His Gallant Defence of Tyre Against Saladin in 1187

I wot whose deeds do mankind most amaze,
'Mongst those that early rise fair fame to win,
It is Lord Conrad that on high we raise,
Who yonder succours Tyre 'gainst Saladin,
All his recreant host affrighting;
God grant him help, for other help delays,
Alone the toil is his, alone the praise.

Conrad, two faltering kings right well I know,
Who aid thee not, would'st thou their titles hear,
The one, King Philip, dreading sore his foe,
Richard the last, who him doth likewise fear.
May King Saladin fast hold them!
Since that for God they will not strike a blow,
Have ta'en the Cross yet onwards will not go.

Alone for thee, Lord Conrad, by my troth
I sing, of others little care I take,
Were't not to chide crusaders false to oath,
Who thus their holy journey do forsake,
Reckless of our Lord's displeasure.
Battening on lux'ry and living lives of sloth,
While thou dost toil, lo! they to go are loth.

Good Papiol, speed with all thy might.
Thee to Savoy and Brindisi I send,
Then o'er the seas to royal Conrad wend;

When there let nothing thee affright;
Say that, though yet for him I've struck no blow.
If kings do not deceive right soon I'll go;

Yet truly if my Lady bid me stay,
So fair she is that I must needs obey.