On which she saw six knights, that did darrain
Fierce battle against one, with cruel might and main.

Mainly they all at once upon him laid,
And sore beset on every side around,
That nigh he breathless grew, yet nought dismayed,
Nor ever to them yielded foot of ground
Although had he lost much blood through many a wound,
But stoutly dealt his blows, and every way
To which he turned in his wrathful stound,
Made them recoil, and fly from dread decay,
That none of all the six before, him dares assay.

Like dastard curs, that having at a bay
The savage beast embost in weary chase,
Dare not adventure on the stubborn prey,
Nor bite before, but roam from place to place,
To get a snatch, when turned is his face.

Book 3, Canto I