To whatsoever evil tongue can tell Of womankind King Rodomont gives ear;
Then journeys homeward; but that infidel Finds by the way a place he holds more dear.
Here him new love inflames for Isabel;
But so the wishes of the cavalier A friar impedes, who with that damsel wends, Him by a cruel death the felon ends.
Orlando Furioso
Ladies, and all of you that ladies prize, Afford not, for the love of heaven, an ear To this, the landlord's tale, replete with lies, In shame and scorn of womankind; though ne'er Was praise or fame conveyed in that which flies From such a caitiff's tongue; and still we hear The sottish rabble all things rashly brand, And question most what least they understand.
