That Girl is Mine

'Now certes, false Arcite, throw shalt nat so!

I loved hir first, and tolde thee my wo 

As to my counseil and my brother sworn,

To forthre me, as I have told biforn.

For which thou art ybounden as a knight

To helpe me, if it lay in thy might,

Or elles artow fals, I dar wel sayn!'

This Arcite ful proudly spak agein:

'Thou shalt', quod he, 'be rather fals than I.

And thou art fals, I telle thee outrely;

For par amour I loved hire first er thow. (1145-1155)