She took the courser that was wont to bear

  Astolpho, and with him the lance of gold,

  By whose sole touch unhorsed all champions were.

  Needless anew I deem it to unfold

  Why by Astolpho given, and when and where,

  Or how that spear obtained the warrior bold.

  The lady took the lance, but nothing guessed

  Of the stupendous virtue it possessed.