The Carussel (War Chariot)

Fierce to battle sally
The dames of all the land,
Round their leaders rally,
And like the churls make stand;
In the pass or valley
To build a town they plann'd,
And tower;
Yet, such the fair foe's power,
She doth no wise dally
To bring to shame the band.
The flower
Of beauty for her dower
Hath Beatrice, 'gainst whom their flag unfurling,
And at her worth full many a foul threat hurling,
They war, while smoke and dust are round them whirling.

And the town united
Dig moats, and ramparts raise;
Dames, all uninvited.
Pour in through many ways,
Though thereby be slighted
Their beauty, youth, and praise.
I ween.
To fighting will be seen,
Beatrice incited,
Whose virtues all amaze;
Who queen
Of beauty e'er hath been,
And, for her worth all other worth excelleth,
E'en as her sire his enemies repelleth,
So she short time, I ween, all unresisting dwelleth.

Fast Beatrice fareth,
Her goodly virtues dight,
Armour none she weareth
Strong goeth to the fight;
Those 'gainst whom she beareth
Are in an evil plight;
Small fear
Hath she of far or near,
And the few she spareth,
Betake them soon to flight,
Severe,
She hath reft them of their gear,
Their chariot of war asunder riven,
And to the commons such defeat hath given,
That they full helpless back to Troy are driven.