"God, in my need, to me be true,
As I wreak this on Roderick Dhu."
686. Favor. The token of the next line; referring to the knightly custom
of wearing such a gift of lady-love or mistress. Cf. Rich. II. v. 3. 18:
"And from the common'st creature pluck a glove,
And wear it as a favour," etc.
See also the Lay, iv. 334:
"With favor in his crest, or glove,
Memorial of his layde-love."
691. At bay. See on i. 133 above; and for the dangerous foe, cf. the
note on i. 137.