Chapter II: Book I: Gamuret (1)

If unfaith in the heart find dwelling, then the soul it shall
reap but woe;
And shaming alike and honour are his who such doubt shall
show,
For it standeth in evil contrast with a true man's dauntless
might,
As one seeth the magpie's plumage, which at one while is
black and white.
And yet he may win to blessing; since I wot well that in his
heart, 5
Hell's darkness, and light of Heaven, alike have their lot
and part
But he who is false and unsteadfast, he is black as the
darkest night,
And the soul that hath never wavered stainless _its_ hue and
white!

This my parable so fleeting too swift for the dull shall be,
Ere yet they may seize its meaning from before their face
'twill flee, 10
As a hare that a sound hath startled: yea, metal behind the
glass,
And a blind man's dream yield visions that as swift from the
eye do pass,
For naught shall they have that endureth! And at one while
'tis bright and sad,
And know of a truth that its glory but for short space shall
make ye glad.
And what man shall think to grip me, where no hair for his
grasp shall grow, 15
In the palm of mine hand? The mystery of a close clasp he
sure doth know!

If I cry aloud in such peril, it 'seemeth my wisdom well.
Shall I look for truth where it fleeteth? In the fire that
the stream doth quell,
Or the dew that the sun doth banish? Ne'er knew I a man so
wise,
But was fain to learn the wisdom my fable doth ill disguise, 20
And the teaching that springeth from it: for so shall he
ne'er delay
To fly and to chase as shall fit him, to shun and to seek
alway,
And to give fitting blame and honour. He who knoweth the
twain to tell,
In their changing ways, then wisdom has tutored that man
right well.
And he sits not o'er-long at leisure, nor his goal doth he
overreach, 25
But in wisdom his ways discerning, he dealeth with all and
each.
But his comrade, of heart unfaithful, in hell-fire shall his
portion be,
Yea, a hailstorm that dims the glory of a knightly fame is
he.
As a short tail it is, his honour, that but for two bites
holds good,
When the steer by the gad-fly driven doth roam thro' the
lonely wood. 30

And tho' manifold be my counsel not to _men_ alone I'ld
speak,
For fain would I show to women the goal that their heart
should seek.
And they who shall mark my counsel, they shall learn where
they may bestow
Their praise and their maiden honour; and the manner of man
shall know
Whom they freely may love and honour, and never may fear to
rue 35
Their maidenhood, and the true love they gave him of heart so
true.
In God's sight I pray all good women to keep them in wisdom's
way,
For true shame on all sides doth guard them: such bliss I for
them would pray.
But the false heart shall win false honour--How long doth the
thin ice last,
If the sun shineth hot as in August? So their praise shall be
soon o'erpast. 40

Many women are praised for beauty; if at heart they shall be
untrue,
Then I praise them as I would praise it, the glass of a
sapphire hue
That in gold shall be set as a jewel! Tho' I hold it an evil
thing,
If a man take a costly ruby, with the virtue the stone doth
bring,
And set it in worthless setting: I would liken such costly
stone 45
To the heart of a faithful woman, who true womanhood doth
own.
I would look not upon her colour, nor the heart's roof all
men can see,
If the heart beateth true beneath it, true praise shall she
win from me!

Should I speak of both man and woman as I know, nor my skill
should fail,
O'er-long would it be my story. List ye now to my
wonder-tale: 50
And this venture it telleth tidings of love, and anon of woe,
Joy and sorrow it bringeth with it. 'Stead of _one_ man if
_three_ ye know,
And each one of the three hath wisdom and skill that outweigh
my skill,
Yet o'erstrange shall they find the labour, tho' they toil
with a right good-will
To tell ye this tale, which I think me to tell ye myself,
alone, 55
And worn with their task and weary would they be ere the work
was done.

A tale I anew will tell ye, that speaks of a mighty love;
Of the womanhood of true women; how a man did his manhood
prove;
Of one that endured all hardness, whose heart never failed in
fight,
Steel he in the face of conflict: with victorious hand of
might 60
Did he win him fair meed of honour; a brave man yet slowly
wise
Is he whom I hail my hero! The delight he of woman's eyes,
Yet of woman's heart the sorrow! 'Gainst all evil his face he
set;
Yet he whom I thus have chosen my song knoweth not as yet,
For not yet is he born of whom men this wondrous tale shall
tell, 65
And many and great the marvels that unto this knight befell.

NOW they do to-day as of old time, where a foreign law holds
sway
(Yea, in part of our German kingdom, as ye oft shall have
heard men say),
Whoever might rule that country, 'twas the law, and none
thought it shame
('Tis the truth and no lie I tell ye) that the elder son
might claim 70
The whole of his father's heirdom--And the younger sons must
grieve,
What was theirs in their father's lifetime, they perforce at
his death must leave.
Before, all was theirs in common, now it fell unto one alone.
So a wise man planned in his wisdom, that the eldest the
lands should own,
For youth it hath many a fair gift, but old age knoweth grief
and pain, 75
And he who is poor in his old age an ill harvest alone doth
gain.
Kings, Counts, Dukes (and no lie I tell ye) the law holdeth
all as one,
And no man of them all may inherit, save only the eldest son,
And methinks 'tis an evil custom--So the knight in his
youthful pride,
Gamuret, the gallant hero, lost his Burg, and his fair lands
wide, 80
Where his father had ruled with sceptre and crown as a mighty
king,
Till knighthood, and lust of battle, to his death did the
monarch bring.

And all men were sore for his sorrow, who truth and unbroken
faith
Bare ever throughout his lifetime, yea even unto his death.
Then the elder son he summoned the princes from out his land, 85
And knightly they came, who rightly might claim from their
monarch's hand,
To hold, as of yore, their fiefdoms. So came they unto his
hall,
And the claim of each man he hearkened, and gave fiefs unto
each and all.

Now hear how they dealt--As their true heart it bade them,
both great and small,
They made to their king petition, with one voice from the
people all, 90
That to Gamuret grace and favour he would show with true
brother's hand,
And honour himself in the doing. That he drive him not from
the land
But give him, within his kingdom, a fair Burg that all men
might see,
That he take from that Burg his title, and he held of all
tribute free!--
Nor the king was ill-pleased at their pleading, and he quoth,
'A small grace, I trow, 95
Have ye asked, I would e'en be better than your prayer, as ye
straight shall know,
Why name ye not this my brother as Gamuret Angevin?
Since Anjou is my land, I think me the title we _both_ may
win!'

Then further he spake, the monarch, 'My brother in sooth may
seek
Yet more from my hand of favour than my mouth may as swiftly
speak, 100
With me shall he have his dwelling--I would that ye all
should see
How one mother alike hath borne us; his riches but small
shall be,
While I have enough; of free hand would I give him both lands
and gold,
That my bliss may be ne'er held forfeit by Him, Who can aye
withhold,
Or give, as He deemeth rightful!' Then the princes they heard
alway, 105
How the king would deal well with his brother, and they
deemed it a joyful day!

And each one bowed him low before him. Nor Gamuret long
delayed,
But he spake as his heart would bid him, and friendly the
words he said:
'Now hearken, my lord and brother, if vassal I think to be
To thee, or to any other, then a fair lot awaiteth me. 110
But think thou upon mine honour, for faithful art thou and
wise,
And give counsel as shall beseem thee, and help as thou shalt
devise.
For naught have I now save mine armour, if within it I more
had done,
Then far lands should speak my praises, and remembrance from
men were won!'
Then further he spake, the hero: 'Full sixteen my squires
shall be, 115
And six of them shall bear harness; four pages give thou to
me
Of noble birth and breeding, and nothing to them I'll spare
Of all that my hand may win them. Afar in the world I'ld
fare,
(Somewhat I ere now have journeyed,) if Good Fortune on me
shall smile,
I may win from fair women favour. If a woman I serve awhile, 120
And to serve her she hold me worthy, and my heart speaketh
not amiss,
True knight shall I be and faithful! God show me the way of
bliss!
As comrades we rode together (but then o'er thy land did
reign
The King Gandein, our father), and sorrow and bitter pain
We bare for Love's sake! At one while I knew thee as _thief_
and _knight_, 125
Thou couldst serve, and thou couldst dissemble, for the sake
of thy lady bright.
Ah! could I steal love as thou couldst, if my skill were but
like to thine,
That women should show me favour, then a blissful lot were
mine!'

'Alas! that I ever saw thee,' spake, sighing, the king so
true,
'Who lightly, with words of mocking, my heart would in pieces
hew 130
And would fain that we part asunder! One father hath left us
both
A mighty store of riches, I would share with thee, nothing
loth.
Right dear from my heart I hold thee; red gold and jewels
bright,
Folk, weapons, horse, and raiment, take thou as shall seem
thee right,
That thou at thy will mayst journey, and thy free hand to all
be known. 135
Elect do we deem thy manhood, didst thou Gylstram as
birthplace own,
Or thou camest here from Rankulat, yet still would that place
be thine,
Which thou boldest to-day in my favour; true brother art thou
of mine!'

'Sir King, thou of need must praise me, so great is thy
courtesy!
So, courteous, thine aid be given, if thou and my mother free 140
Will share with me now your riches, I mount upward, nor fear
to fall,
And my heart ever beateth higher--Yet I know not how I should
call
This life, which my left breast swelleth! Ah! whither wouldst
go mine heart?
I would fain know where thou shalt guide me--'Tis time that
we twain should part.'

And all did the monarch give him, yea, more than the knight
might crave, 145
Five chargers, picked and chosen, the best in his land he
gave
High-couraged, swift to battle; and many a cup of gold,
And many a golden nugget, for naught would his hand withhold.
Four chests for the road he gave him, with many a jewel rare
Were they filled. Then the squires he took him who should for
the treasure care, 150
And well were they clad and mounted; and none might his grief
withhold
When the knight gat him unto his mother, who her son in her
arms did fold.

Spake the woman, as woman grieving: 'Wilt thou tarry with me
no more,
King Gandein's son? Woe is me! yet my womb this burden bore
And the son of my husband art thou. Is the eye of God waxed
blind, 155
Or His ear grown deaf in the hearing, that my prayer doth no
credence find?
Is fresh sorrow to be my portion? I have buried my heart's
desire,
And the light of mine eyes; will He rob me, who have suffered
a grief so dire,
Who judgeth with righteous judgment? Then the tale it hath
told a lie,
That spake of His help so mighty, Who doth help unto me
deny!' 160

'God comfort thee,' quoth the hero, 'for the death of my
father dear,
For truly we both must mourn him--But I think from no lips to
hear
Such wailing for my departing! As valour shall show the way,
I seek knighthood in distant countries--So it standeth with
me to-day.'

Quoth the queen, 'Since to high love's service thou turnest
both hand and heart, 165
Sweet son, let it not displease thee to take of my wealth a
part
That may serve thee upon thy journey; let thy chamberlain
take from me
Four chests, each a pack-horse burden, and heavy their weight
shall be.
And within, uncut, there lieth rich silk of Orient rare,
No man as yet hath cut it, and many a samite fair. 170
Sweet son, I prithee tell me what time thou wilt come again,
That my joy may wax the greater, and I look for thee not in
vain!'

'Nay, that I know not, Lady, nor the land that shall see my
face,
But wherever I take my journey, thou hast shown unto me such
grace
As befitteth knightly honour: and the king he hath dealt with
me 175
In such wise that grateful service his rewarding shall ever
be.
And this trust have I, O Lady, that for this thou wilt love
him more
Henceforward, whate'er the future yet keepeth for me in
store.'
And as the venture telleth, to the hand of this dauntless
knight,
Thro' the favour he won from a woman, and the working of true
love's might, 180
Came a token fair, and its value was full thousand marks, I
trow,
E'en to-day an a Jew were craving a pledge, he would deem
enow
Such jewel, and ne'er disdain it--'Twas sent by his lady
true,
And fame did he win in her service, and her love and her
greeting knew,
Yet seldom his pain found easing--Then the hero he took his
leave 185
Of mother, brother, and brother's kingdom, and many I ween
must grieve
Since his eyes never more beheld them. And all who his
friends had been,
Ere he passed from the land of his fathers, tho' the grace
were but small, I ween,
He gave them of thanks full measure; he deemed they too much
had done,
And, courteous, little thought him, that of right he their
love had won! 190
Straighter his heart than straightness; did one of his
praises speak
In a full and fitting measure, then doubt were not far to
seek,
But ask ye of those his neighbours, or of men who in distant
lands
Had seen his deeds, then the marvel ye were swifter to
understand.

And Gamuret he trode ever where Temperance aye should guide, 195
And naught else might rule his doings, nor he boasted him in
his pride
But bare great honour meekly; from loose ways he e'er had
flown;
And he thought him, the gallant hero, that none bare on earth
a crown,
Were they King, or Queen, or Kaiser, whom he deemed of his
service worth
Were they not the mightiest reckoned of all monarchs that be
on earth. 200
This will in his heart he cherished--Then men spake, at
Bagdad did reign
A monarch so strong and powerful, that homage he well might
claim
From two-thirds or more of earth's kingdoms. The heathen his
name held great,
And they spake of him as the Baruch, and kings did on his
bidding wait,
And crownèd heads were his servants; and his office it lasts
to-day-- 205
See how Christian men baptizèd to Rome wend their pilgrim
way,
So there was the heathen custom. At Bagdad was their papal
right,
And the Baruch as 'seemed his office purged their sins with
his word of might.

From Pompey and Ipomidon, two brothers of Babylon,
Nineveh, the town of their fathers, the Baruch with force had
won, 210
And bravely 'gainst him they battled. Then came the young
Angevin,
And the Baruch he showed him favour, yea, he did to his
service win
Gamuret the gallant hero--And he deemed it were well he bore
Other arms than Gandein his father had given to him of yore.
Then the hero he well bethought him; on his charger's cloth
they laid 215
An anchor of ermine fashioned, and the same at his will they
made
For shield alike and vesture--And green as the emerald rare
Was his riding-gear, and 'twas fashioned and wrought of
Achmardi fair,
('Tis a silken stuff,) and he bade them to make of it at his
will
Both blazoned coat and surcoat, (than velvet 'tis richer
still;) 220
And he bade them to sew upon it the anchor of ermine white,
And with golden threads inwoven was the badge of this gallant
knight.

And his anchors they never tested or mainland or haven fair
And found in that place abiding--But the hero must further
bear
Thro' many a land, a brave guest, the load of this heraldry, 225
And behind the sign of this anchor but short space might his
resting be,
And nowhere he found abiding--The tale of the lands he saw,
And the vessels in which he sailed him? If the truth unto ye
I swore,
On mine own oath must I swear it, and my knightly honour true
In such wise as the venture told me; other witness I never
knew! 230

And men say that his manly courage held the prize in far
heathendom,
In Morocco's land, and in Persia, and elsewhere he high
honour won,
At Damascus and at Aleppo, and where knightly deeds should
be:
In Arabia and lands around it was he held of all conflict
free,
For no man might dare withstand him, he won him such crown of
fame; 235
And his heart for honour lusted, and all deeds were brought
to shame,
And became as naught before him, as all men bare witness true
Who a joust with him had ridden, and Bagdad of his glory
knew.

And his heart never failed or faltered, but onward his course
he bare
To Zassamank's land and kingdom; there all men wept that hero
fair, 240
Eisenhart, who in knightly service gave his life for a
woman's smile;
Belakané thereto constrained him, sweet maid she, and free
from guile.
(Since her love she never gave him, for love's sake did the
hero die,)
And his kinsmen would fain avenge him, and with force and
with subtlety
Their armies beset the maiden, but in sooth she could guard
her well 245
Ere Gamuret came to her kingdom, and her wrath on her foemen
fell.
For the Prince Friedebrand of Scotland, and his host that
against her came
By ship, ere he left her kingdom had she wasted with fire and
flame.

Now hear what befell our hero; storm-driven he was that day,
And scarce might he win to safety, and his boat in the haven
lay 250
Beneath the royal palace; and the folk they beheld him there,
And he looked around on the meadow, and he saw many tents
stand fair
Around the town, save the sea-coast, and two armies he
thought to see.
Then he bade them to tell the story, and whose that fair Burg
should be?
Since he knew it not, nor his shipmen--And an answer they
straightway gave, 255
'Twas Patelamunt; then the townsfolk a boon from the knight
would crave,
And their speech it was soft and friendly--In the name of
their gods they'ld pray
He should help them, so great their peril that in danger of
death they lay.

When the young Angevin had hearkened to the tale of their
bitter pain,
He proffered to them his service for such payment as knight
may gain, 260
(As it oft shall befit a hero)--They should say for what
goodly prize
He should dare the hate of their foemen? And they answered
him in this wise
With one mouth the hale and the wounded--Naught would they
from him withhold,
But lord should he be of their treasure, of their jewels
alike and gold,
A fair life should he lead among them!--But such payment he
little sought, 265
For many a golden nugget from Araby had he brought.
And dark as night were the people who in Zassamank dwelt
alway--
And the time it seemed long unto him that he need in their
midst must stay--
But he bade them prepare a lodging, and methinks it became
them well
The best of their land to give him, since awhile he with them
would dwell. 270
And the women they looked from the windows, and they gazed on
the noble knight,
And they looked on his squires, and his harness, how 'twas
fashioned for deeds of might.
Then they saw how the knight, free-handed, on his shield of
ermine bare
Full many a pelt of sable; the Queen's Marshal he read it
fair,
The badge, for a mighty anchor, and little he rued the sight, 275
If his eye spake the truth unto him ere this had he seen the
knight,
Or one who bare his semblance--At Alexandria it needs must
be,
When the Baruch besieged the city--and unequalled in strife
was he!

So rode the gallant hero, in stately guise and meet;
Ten pack-horses heavy-laden they led first adown the street, 280
And twenty squires behind them; and his people they went
before,
And lackeys, cooks, and cook-boys, at the head of the train
they saw.
And stately I ween his household, twelve pages of lineage
high
Rode next to the squires, well-mannered, and trained in all
courtesy,
And Saracens were among them; and behind them in order fair 285
Came chargers eight, and a covering of sendal did each one
bear.
But the ninth it bore a saddle, and the shield ye have known
ere now
Was borne by a squire beside it, and joyful his mien, I trow.
And trumpeters rode behind it, for in sooth they must needs
be there,
And a drummer he smote his tambour, and swung it aloft in
air. 290
And as naught had the hero deemed it, this pomp, if there
failed to ride
Men who on the flute were skilful, and three fiddlers were at
their side,
And they hasted not nor hurried; and behind them the hero
came,
And his shipman he rode beside him, a wise man of goodly
fame.

And much folk was within the city, and Moors were both man
and maid. 295
Then the hero he looked around him, and, lo! many a shield
displayed,
Battle-hewn and with spear-thrust piercèd they hung on each
wall and door.
And wailing and woe was their portion; for the knight at each
window saw
Many men lie sorely wounded, who to breathe the air were
fain,
And e'en tho' a leech might tend them no help might they
think to gain 300
Who were hurt too sore for healing--In the field had they
faced the foe,
And such shall be their rewarding who in conflict no flight
will know--
Many horses were led towards him, sword-hewn and with lance
thrust through;
And on each side stood dusky maidens, and black as the night
their hue.

Then his host gave him kindly greeting--and of joy did he
reap his meed-- 305
A rich man was he and mighty, and many a knightly deed
With thrust and blow had his hand wrought when his post at
the gate he found;
And many a knight was with him, and bandaged their heads and
bound,
And their hands in slings were holden; yet tho' sorely
wounded still
They did many deeds of knighthood, nor were lacking in
strength and skill. 310

Then the Burg-grave of the city, with fair words did he pray
his guest
To deal with him and his household in such wise as should
seem him best.
And the host, he led the hero to his wife, and courteously
Did Gamuret kiss the lady, small joy in the kiss had he!
Then they sat them down to the table, and e'en as the feast
was o'er, 315
The Marshal he gat him swiftly to the queen, and the tidings
bore,
And craved from her goodly payment, as to messenger shall be
due.
And he spake, 'It shall end in gladness, the grief that
erewhile we knew,
We have welcomed here, O Lady, a knight of such gallant mien,
We must thank the gods who have sent him, for our need they
have surely seen.' 320

'Now tell me upon thine honour who this gallant knight may
be?'
'Lady, a dauntless hero, and the Baruch's man is he,
An Angevin he, of high lineage; Ah me! little did he spare
Himself, when his foemen seeking he forth to the field would
fare.
How wisely, with skill and cunning, he avoided the
threatening blow, 325
And turned him again to the onslaught! Much sorrow he wrought
his foe--
Ere this have I seen him battle, when the princes of Babylon
Their city of Alexandria had fain from the Baruch won,
And with force from its walls would drive him, and many a man
lay dead
In the overthrow of their army, for their venture was but
ill-sped. 330
And such deeds did he do, this hero, that no counsel was
theirs but flight:
And there did I hear his praises, for all spake of this
gallant knight
As one who, without denial, had won him, in many a land,
The crown of true knightly honour, by the strength of his own
right hand.

'Now fain would I speak with the hero, see thou to the time
and way; 335
E'en now might he ride to the castle, for peace shall be kept
to-day.
Were it better that I should seek him? He is other than we in
face,
Pray Heaven it not displease him, but our need with the
knight find grace!
I would that I first might know this, ere the rede from my
folk I hear
That I show to this stranger honour--If it pleaseth him to
draw near, 340
Say, how shall I best receive him? Shall the knight be so
nobly born
That my kiss be not lost, if I kiss him?' 'Nay, hold me of
life forsworn
If he be not of kings the kinsman! Lady, this word I'll bear
To thy princes, that they shall clothe them in raiment both
fit and fair,
And stand before thee, in due order, ere yet to thy court we
ride, 345
And the same shalt thou say to thy ladies--In the city he
doth abide;
I will ride below, and will bring him to thy palace, a worthy
guest,
For no fair or knightly virtue shall be lacking that noble
breast.'

But little space they delayed them, for the Marshal, with
ready skill,
Strove that all in such wise be ordered as should pleasure
his lady's will. 350
But soon did they bear to the hero rich garments, he did them
on,
And this hath the venture told me that their cost should be
hardly won;
And thereon lay the anchors, heavy, and wrought of Arabian
gold,
For so had he willed. Then the hero, who fair payment for
love had told
A charger bestrode that 'fore Babylon a knight rode, for
jousting fain, 355
From the saddle did Gamuret smite him, and I wot it hath
wrought him pain.

If his host thought to ride beside him? He and his gallant
knights?
Yea, in sooth they would do so, gladly--So wended they up the
height,
And dismounted before the palace; and many a knight stood
there,
And each, as was fit, had clothed him in raiment both rich
and fair. 360
And his pages they ran before him, and each twain they went
hand in hand,
And in marvellous fair arraying he saw many ladies stand.
And the queen, her eyes brought her sorrow as she looked on
the Angevin,
So lovely was he to look on that he needs must an entrance
win
Thro' the gates of her heart, if 'twere anguish or joy that
within he bore, 365
Tho' her womanhood 'gainst all comers had held them fast
closed before.

Then a space did she step towards him, and a kiss from her
guest she prayed;
And, herself, by the hand she took him and they sat them,
both man and maid
In a window wide, that looked forth from the palace upon the
foe,
And a covering of wadded samite was spread o'er the couch
below. 370
Is there aught that than day is lighter? Then it likeneth not
the queen!
Yet else was she fair to look on, as a woman should be, I
ween,
But unlike to the dew-dipped roses was her colour, yea, black
as night.
And her crown was a costly ruby, and thro' it ye saw aright
Her raven head. Then as hostess she spake to her guest this
word, 375
That greatly she joyed at his coming, 'Sir, Knight, I such
tale have heard
Of thy knightly strength and prowess--Of thy courtesy, hear
me fair,
For fain would I tell of my sorrow, and the woe that my heart
doth bear!'

'My help shall not fail thee, Lady! What hath grieved, or
doth grieve thee now,
I think me aside to turn it, to thy service my hand I vow! 380
I am naught but one man only--Who hath wronged or now
wrongeth thee
My shield will I hold against him--Little wroth shall thy
foeman be!'

Then a prince he spake out courteous, 'The foe would we
little spare,
Did our host not lack a captain, since Friedebrand hence must
fare.
He defendeth afar his kingdom--A king, one Hernant by name 385
(Whom he slew for the sake of Herlindè) his kinsmen against
him came,
And evil enow have they wrought him, nor yet from their
strife forbear--
Yet he left here full many a hero, and among them, Duke
Heuteger
With his gallant deeds of knighthood, and his army, hath
pressed us sore,
They have skill and strength for the conflict. And many a
soldier more 390
With Gaschier of Normandy came here, and a hero wise is he.
Many knights hath he brought to this country (and wrathful
guests they be):
Kailet of Hoscurast. All these hath he brought upon our fair
land
With his comrades four, and his soldiers, the Scottish king
Friedebrand!
And there, to the West, by the sea-coast doth Eisenhart's
army lie, 395
And their eyes shall be fain for weeping; nor in secret, nor
openly
Hath one seen them, and failed to marvel at their grief and
their sorrow sore,
Since their lord hath been slain in battle with the heart's
rain their eyes run o'er.'

Then the guest courteous spake to his hostess, 'I would, an
it seem thee right,
Thou shouldst say why thy foeman threaten, why they seek thee
with war-like might! 400
Thou hast here many gallant heroes, it grieveth me sore to
see
Thy land thus with hate o'erladen, for woe must it bring to
thee.'

'Wouldst thou know? Then, Sir Knight, I will tell thee--A
knight did me service true,
And the fruit of all manly virtue his life as its decking
knew,
And gallant and wise was the hero, and his faith as a goodly
tree 405
Was fast-rooted, and none so courteous but were shamed by his
courtesy.
And modest was he as a woman, tho' dauntless and strong, I
trow,
And a knight e'en as he free-handed ere his day never land
might know.
(But they that shall come hereafter, other folk shall their
doings see.)
A fool was he in false dealing, and a Moor, as myself shall
be; 410
And his father's name was Tánkaneis, a king of a kingly
heart,
And his son, he who was my lover, men knew him as Eisenhart.
That for love's sake I took his service, as a woman I did not
well,
It hath brought me but lasting sorrow since no joy to his
portion fell,
They deem I to death betrayed him! Yet such treason were far
from me, 415
Tho' his folk bring such charge against me; and dear to my
heart was he,
Far dearer than _they_ e'er held him. Nor witnesses here
shall fail
To speak to the truth of my saying, if it please them to tell
the tale.
His gods and mine, they know it, the truth--I must sorrow
deep
Since my womanly shame hath brought him a guerdon I needs
must weep! 420

'Thus he won in my maiden service much honour by knighthood
fair,
I thought thus to prove my lover; his deeds did his worth
declare.
For my sake he put off his harness (that which like to a hall
doth stand
Is a lofty tent, the Scotch folk they brought it into this
land),
Then e'en tho' he bare no armour his body he little spared, 425
For he held his life as worthless, many ventures unarmed he
dared.
As the matter so stood between us, a prince who my man should
be,
Prothizilas did men call him, a bold knight, from all
cowardice free,
Rode forth in search of venture, and evil for him that day
For there, in Assagog's forest, his death in waiting lay. 430
In a knightly joust he met it, and there too he found his end
The gallant knight who faced him--'Twas Prince Eisenhart my
friend.
For both of the twain were piercèd with a spear thro' heart
and shield,
And I, alas! poor woman, must weep for that fatal field.
And ever their death doth grieve me, and sorrow from love
shall grow, 435
And never henceforth as my husband a man do I think to know.'

Then e'en tho' she was a heathen Gamuret he bethought him
well,
That a heart more true and tender ne'er in woman's breast
might dwell.
Her purity was her baptism, and as water that washed her o'er
Was the rain that streamed from her eyelids o'er her breast,
and the robe she wore; 440
All her joy did she find in sorrow, and grief o'er her life
did reign--
Then the queen she looked on the hero, and in this wise she
spake again:

'With his army the king of Scotland hath sought me across the
sea,
For the knight was son to his uncle; yet no ill can he do to
me,
If here the truth be spoken, that is worse than the grief I
knew 445
For Eisenhart's death!' and sorely she sighed that lady true;
And many a glance thro' her tear-drops on Gamuret shyly fell,
And her eyes to her heart gave counsel, and his beauty it
pleased her well,
(And she knew how to judge a fair face, since fair heathen
she oft had seen,)
And the root of true love and longing it sprang up the twain
between. 450
She looked upon him, and his glances, they answering sought
her own--
Then she bade them to fill the wine-cup, had she dared, it
were left undone,
And she grieved she might not delay it, since to many a hero
brave
Who spake with the maids this wine-cup the signal of parting
gave.
Yet her body was e'en as his body, and his look did such
courage give 455
To the maid, that she thought henceforward in the life of the
knight to live.

Then he stood upright, and he spake thus, 'Lady, I weary
thee,
Too long methinks do I sit here, I were lacking in courtesy!
As befitting true knight and servant I mourn for thy woe so
great,
Lady, do thou command me, I will on thy bidding wait. 460
Wherever thou wilt, there I wend me. I will serve thee in all
I may!'
And the lady she quoth in answer, 'I believe thee, Sir
Knight, alway!'

Then his kindly host the Burg-grave, of his labour would
nothing spare
Lest the hours of his stay be heavy; and he asked if he forth
would fare,
And ride round the walls of the city? 'The battle-field shalt
thou see, 465
And how we would guard our portals!' then Gamuret courteously
Made answer, he fain would see it, the field where they late
had fought,
And the place where brave deeds of knighthood had by gallant
hands been wrought.

And noble knights rode with him adown from the palace hall,
Some were wise, some were young and foolish,--So rode they
around the wall 470
To sixteen gates, and they told him not one of them might
they close
Since Eisenhart's death called for vengeance--'So wrathful
shall be our foes
Our conflict it resteth never, but we fight both by night and
day,
Nor our portals since then we fasten, but open they stand
alway.
At eight of our gates they beset us, true Eisenhart's gallant
knights, 475
And evil shall they have wrought us; spurred by anger each
man doth fight,
The princes of lofty lineage, the king of Assagog's ban!'
And there floated before each portal a banner, so pale and
wan,
With a piercèd knight upon it. When Eisenhart lost his life
His folk chose to them this symbol, as badge in the coming
strife. 480
'But against these arms have we others, wherewith we their
grief would still,
And thus shalt thou know our banner; 'twas wrought at our
lady's will,
Two fingers in oath she stretcheth, that never such grief she
knew
As Eisenhart's death hath brought her (true sorrow for heart
so true),
And so doth it stand the semblance of our queen, on a samite
white 485
Belakané in sable fashioned,--Since against us they came in
might,
(To avenge him for whom she sorrows) so she looks from our
portals high.
And proud Friedebrand's mighty army doth to eight of our
gates stand nigh,
Baptized men, from o'er the waters. A prince doth each portal
hold,
And forth from the gate he sallies, with his banners and
warriors bold.' 490

'From the host of Gaschier the Norman, a count have we
captive ta'en,
And heavy methinks the ransom we may hope from that knight to
gain;
He is sister's son to Kailet, and the harm _he_ to us hath
done
His nephew I ween shall pay for! Yet such prize have we
seldom won.
Here have we no grassy meadow, but sand, thirty gallops wide 495
Betwixt the tents and the trenches; here many a joust we
ride.

And further his host would tell him, 'One knight, he doth
never fail
To ride forth, a fair joust seeking. (If his service shall
nought avail
With her who hath sent him hither, what boots it how well he
fight?)
Proud Heuteger is the hero, of him may I speak with right 500
For since our besiegers threaten there dawneth never a day
But before the gates 'neath the castle, that knight doth his
charger stay.
And oft from that dauntless hero many tokens we needs must
bear,
That he smote through our shields at his spear-point, and
costly their worth and rare
When the squire from the shield doth break them. Many knights
'fore his joust must fall; 505
He would that all men may behold him, and our women they
praise him all.
And he who is praised of women, one knoweth that he doth hold
The prize in his hand, and his heart's joy in full measure
shall aye be told!'

But now would the sun, grown weary, its wandering rays
recall;
'Twas time that the ride was ended--Then he sought with his
host the hall, 510
And the evening meal was ready; and I needs of that feast
must tell,
'Twas laid in a fitting order, and knightly 'twas served, and
well.
And the queen with mien so stately she unto his table came,
(Here stood the fish, there the heron) and she counted it not
for shame
To ride adown from her palace, that herself she might be
aware 515
If they cared for the guest as 'twas fitting, and with her
rode her maidens fair.
Low she knelt (and but ill it pleased him) and cut as it
seemed her best
For the knight a fitting portion; she was glad in her goodly
guest.
And she filled for him the wine-cup, and care for his needs
would take,
And well did he mark, the hero, her mien, and the words she
spake. 520
And his fiddlers sat at the table, and over against the
knight
Was his chaplain: with shy looks shamefast, he spake to the
lady bright:

'I looked not to find such welcome as, Lady, thou gavest me,
Too much must I deem the honour! If rede I might give to
thee,
Then to-day I had claimed naught from thee save was due to my
worth alone, 525
Nor adown the hill hadst thou ridden, nor such service to me
hadst shown.
And, Lady, if I may venture to make unto thee request,
Let me live but as best befits me, thou dost honour o'ermuch
thy guest!'

Yet her kindly care she stayed not; for she stept to his
page's seat
And with gentle words and friendly she prayed them to freely
eat, 530
This she did her guest to honour: and the noble lads, I trow,
Bare goodwill to the royal lady. Nor the queen methinks was
slow
To pass where the host was seated and his lady, the
Burg-gravine,
And she raised the golden goblet, and she spake as should fit
a queen:
'Now unto your care I give him, our guest, and I rede ye both 535
Since the honour is yours, to hearken, and do my will nothing
loth!'
And she bade them farewell, and she turned her, and passed to
her guest once more,
Whose heart for her sake was heavy; and such sorrow for him
she bore,
And her heart and her eyes they answered, and they spake to
her sorrow yea!
And courteous she spake, the lady, 'Sir Knight, thou the word
shalt say, 540
And whate'er be thy will, I will do it, for I hold thee a
worthy guest.
Now give me, I pray, dismissal; if here thou in peace shalt
rest,
Of that shall we all be joyful.' Her torch-holders were of
gold,
And four tapers they bare before her, so she rode to her
fortress-hold.

Nor long at the board they lingered--The hero was sad, and
gay, 545
He was glad for the honour done him, yet a sorrow upon him
lay,
And that was strong Love's compelling, that a proud heart and
courage high
Can bend to her will, and gladness shall oft at her bidding
fly.

Then the hostess she passed to her chamber, yea, e'en as the
meal was o'er;
And a couch did they spread for the hero, and love to the
labour bore. 550
And the host to his guest spake kindly, 'Now here shall thy
sleep be sweet,
Thou shalt rest thro' the night that cometh, to thy need
shall such rest be meet.'
Then he spake to his men, and he bade them they should hence
from the hall away,
And the noble youths his pages, their couches around his lay
Each one with the head toward his master, for so was the
custom good; 555
And tapers so tall and flaming alight round the chamber
stood.
Yet ill did it please the hero that so long were the hours of
night,
For the Moorish queen so dusky, had vanquished his heart of
might.
And he turned as a willow wand bendeth, till his joints they
were heard to crack,
The strife and the love that he craved for he deemed he
o'er-long did lack. 560
And his heart-beats they echoed loudly, as it swelled high
for knighthood fain,
And he stretched himself as an archer who bendeth a bow
amain.
And so eager his lust for battle that sleepless the hero lay
Till he saw the grey light of morning, though as yet it
should scarce be day.
And his chaplain for Mass was ready, and to God and the
knight they sing, 565
For so did he give commandment. Then he bade them his harness
bring,

And he rode where a joust should wait him, and that self-same
hour would ride
A horse that could charge the foeman, and turn swiftly to
either side,
And answer to bit and bridle if its rider would backward
draw.
And the watchers, both man and woman, his helm in the gateway
saw, 570
And the anchor shone fair upon it; and no man ere this might
see
So wondrous fair a hero, for like to a god was he!

And strong spears they bare for his using--How then was he
decked, the knight?
With iron was his charger covered, as should serve for a
shield in fight,
And above lay another covering, nor heavy methinks it
weighed, 575
'Twas a samite green; and his surcoat and blazoned coat were
made
Of Achmardi, green to look on, and in Araby fashioned fair,
And no lie I tell, but the shield-thongs that the weight of
the shield should bear
Were of silk and gold untarnished, and jewel-bedecked their
pride,
And the boss of the shield was covered with red gold, in the
furnace tried. 580
He served but for love's rewarding; sharp conflict he held it
light;
And the queen she looked from her window, with many a lady
bright.
And see, there Heuteger held him, who the prize ne'er had
failed to gain;
When he saw the knight draw nearer, in swift gallop across
the plain,
He thought, 'Now whence came this Frenchman? Who hither this
knight hath sent? 585
If a _Moor_ I had thought this hero, my wit were to madness
bent!'

No whit they delayed the onslaught, from gallop to swifter
flight
Each man spurred amain his charger; and as fitting a valiant
knight
Nor one would evade the other, but would meet him in jousting
fair,
From brave Heuteger's spear the splinters flew high thro' the
summer air, 590
But his foeman so well withstood him that he thrust him from
off his steed
Adown on the grass; but seldom might he win for his joust
such meed!
And his foe in his course rode o'er him, and trode him unto
the ground,
Yet he sprang up again, and valiant, fresh lust for the
strife he found,
But Gamuret's lance had pierced him thro' the arm, and he
bade him yield, 595
And he knew he had found his master, and he spake from the
foughten field,
'Now who shall have o'erthrown me?' and the victor he swiftly
spake,
'Gamuret Angevin do men call me!' then he quoth, 'Thou my
pledge canst take!'

Then his pledge the knight took, and straightway he sent him
within the wall,
And much praise did he win from the women who looked from the
castle hall. 600
And swiftly there came towards him, Gaschier of Normandy,
A proud and wealthy hero and mighty in strife was he.
And Gamuret made him ready, for a second joust he'ld ride,
And strong and new was his spear-shaft, and the iron was both
sharp and wide,
And the strangers they faced each other--But unequal their
lot, I trow, 605
For Gaschier and his gallant charger full swiftly were they
laid low,
And the knight with his arms and harness he fell in the shock
of strife;
If he thought it for good or for evil, by his pledge must he
win his life.

Then Gamuret quoth, the hero, 'Thou hast pledged unto me
thine hand,
Yet the weapon it well hath wielded! Ride thou to the
Scottish band, 610
And bid them to cease from troubling; if they to thy will are
fain,
Thou canst follow me to the city.' Then the knight hied him
o'er the plain.
If he prayed them, or gave commandment, they did at the last
his will,
And the Scottish host they rested, and from conflict they
held them still.

Then Kailet spurred swift towards him, but Gamuret turned his
rein, 615
His cousin he was, and near kinsman, why then bring him grief
and pain?
And the Spaniard cried loudly on him; on his helm he an
ostrich bare,
And so far as I know to tell ye the knight he was decked so
fair
With silken raiment goodly, and long were his robes and wide,
And the plain rang clear with the chiming of sweet bells as
he o'er it hied. 620
The flower he of manly beauty, and his fairness it held the
field,
Save for two who should come hereafter, and his fame unto
theirs must yield;
But Parzival and brave Beaucorps, King Lot's son, they are
not here,
Not yet were they born, but hereafter for their beauty men
held them dear!

Then Gaschier he grasped his bridle. 'Now checked will it be
thy race, 625
So I tell thee upon mine honour, if the Angevin thou shalt
face
Who there my pledge hath taken. Sir Knight, thou shalt list
my prayer
And hearken unto my counsel; in Gamuret's hand I sware
From strife aside to turn thee: stay thy steed then for my
sake,
For mighty is he in conflict!' Then aloud King Kailet spake, 630
'Is he Gamuret my cousin, and son unto King Gandein?
Then I care not with him to battle, no foe shall he be of
mine!
Take thine hand from off my bridle'--'Nay, further thou shalt
not fare
Till mine eyes have first beheld thee, with thine head of the
helmet bare,
For _mine_ with blows is deafened!' Then his helmet the
prince unbound. 635
And yet, tho' with him he fought not, Gamuret other foemen
found.

And the day had grown to high morning--And the folk who the
joust might see
Were glad at heart, and they gat them to their bulwarks right
speedily,
For he was as a net before them, and none might escape his
hold.
And he chose him another charger, so the tale unto me was
told, 640
And it flew, and the earth it spurnèd, and its work could
aright fulfil,
Bold when the knight would battle, yet its speed could he
check at will.
And what would he do the rider? His valour I praise alway,
For he rode where the Moorish army to the west by the
sea-coast lay.

Thence a prince, Rassalig men called him, forgat not each
coming morn 645
(He was Assagog's richest hero, to riches and honour born
Since he came of a royal lineage) to take from the camp his
way
He would fain joust before the city--But his strength it was
quelled that day
By Anjou's dauntless hero; and a dusky maid made moan
(Since 'twas she who sent him hither) that her knight should
be thus o'erthrown. 650
For a squire brought, without his bidding, to his master,
brave Gamuret,
A spear, with light reed-shaft fashioned, and its point
'gainst the Moor he set,
And with it he smote the paynim from his steed down upon the
sand,
Nor longer he bade him lie there than as surety he pledged
his hand.
So the strife it had found its ending, and the hero had won
him fame; 655
Then Gamuret saw eight banners toward the city that onward
came,
And he bade the conquered hero the force with his word to
stay,
And follow him to the city. And that word must he needs obey.