Already so well-grown and widely spread

  Were the bright tresses which the hermit shore,

  These, gathered in a knot, behind her head,

  Though shorter than their wont, the damsel wore;

  And he, that castle's master, plainly read,

  (Who often had beheld her face before)

  That this was Bradamant; and now he paid

  Yet higher honours to the martial maid.