⁠From France to bring the queen,
The Lady Blanche, but he allow'd
⁠A year to intervene.
With her in Narbonne he delay'd,
⁠And rumours thus of those,
Which whether true or false alike
⁠Are poisonous, arose.
And in Medina's tower the price
⁠The Lady Blanche now pays,
Of all the palace whisperings,
⁠And journey's long delays.
And on his shoulders yet untouch'd
⁠His head Fadrique wears,
Because of his great wealth and power
⁠And honour'd name he bears.
But, woe for him! the ladies all
⁠Him as their idol own,
For his gay port and gallant mien,
⁠And manly courage known.
And if he cause the throne no fear,
⁠In his fidelity,
He gives what's worse, though that were bad,
⁠The heart strong jealousy.

Meanwhile the fair Padillia,