Chapter IV: Book II: Herzeleide

Now there in the Spanish country he thought him the king to
greet,
His kinsman and cousin Kailet, and he followed with footsteps
fleet
To Toledo, but thence had he ridden unto deeds of knighthood
fair,
Where many a spear should be splintered, and men thought not
their shields to spare.
Then he thought him to make him ready (so the venture doth
tell I ween) 5
With many a blazoned spear-shaft, and many a sendal green;
For each spear it bare a pennon, with the anchor in ermine
white,
And well was it wrought, the symbol, and costly in all men's
sight.
And long and broad were the pennons, and e'en to the hand
hung low
When men on the spear-blade bound them, a span-breadth the
point below. 10
And a hundred spears were ready for that true and gallant
knight,
And his cousin's folk they bare them, and with him went forth
to fight;
And honour and loyal service they showed him as fit and fair,
Nor I think had their lord been wrathful that his kinsman
their love should share.

I know not how long he sought him, till shelter at length he
found 15
In the Waleis land: 'fore Kanvoleis were pitched on the open
ground
Many tents so fair and knightly; (I speak not from fancy
light
But sooth are the words I tell ye if the tale ye would hear
aright)
Then he bade his folk to halt there, and he sent on before
his face
The chief of his squires, and he bade him to seek them a
resting-place. 20
He would fain do his master's bidding, and swift to the town
he sped,
And many a pack-horse laden his comrades behind him led.
And never a house he saw there but its roof was a shield I
trow,
And the walls were hung and circled with spears in a goodly
row,
For the queen of the Waleis country had ordered at Kanvoleis 25
That a Tourney fair be holden, and they ordered it in such
wise
That a coward had little liked it--for whoever would seek
such strife
At his will doth it chance but seldom! She was maiden, not
yet a wife,
And herself and two lands she offered to him who the prize
should hold;
And many to earth had fallen in whose ear had this tale been
told, 30
And he who such fall must suffer he held that his chance was
o'er.
And many a dauntless hero showed knighthood those walls
before,
And many a horse rushed onward as the knight spurred to
onslaught fierce,
And the sword-blades rang clear on each other, and spears did
the shield rims pierce.

A bridge from the plain was builded that crossed o'er the
river's flow, 35
And 'twas closed by a tower-portal; nor the squire at his
task was slow,
But he opened the gates, unwearied, when one would an
entrance win.
And above it there stood the palace, and the queen sat the
hall within,
And she gazed from the high hall window with many a maiden
fair,
And they looked on the squires beneath them to see what had
brought them there. 40
'Twixt themselves had they taken counsel, and a tent did they
rear on high
For the winning of love ungranted a king wrought it in days
gone by,
('Twas in service of Queen Belakané). The squires laboured
with might and main
Till the burden of thirty pack-steeds they raised on the
grassy plain,
A pavilion rich to look on, and the meadow it was so wide 45
That the silken ropes that held it might stretch forth on
either side.
And Gamuret, their master, ate without in the open air--
And then for his courtly entrance with skill would the knight
prepare,
Nor longer might be delaying--His squires take the spears
straightway,
And they bind them fast together, and five in each band they
lay, 50
And the sixth in their hand they carry, with its pennon and
anchor white;
So proudly into the city came riding this gallant knight.

Then the queen she heard the tidings that a noble guest was
come
From a far-off land and distant, and in sooth was he known to
none.
'And courteous his folk in bearing; both heathen and French I
trow, 55
And Angevin, some among them if their speech I aright may
know;
And their courage is high, and their raiment both rich and
well shaped shall be.
But now was I with his people, and they seem me from
falsehood free,
And they say, 'Who hath lust for riches, if he to our lord
shall seek
He will free him from fear of scarceness!' The while I with
them did speak, 60
I asked them to tell of their master, and they thought not to
hide the thing,
But spake of a true heart freely, 'Of Zassamank is he king.'

'Twas a page who brought the tidings--'Ah me! that pavilion
fair!
Wouldst thou pledge thy crown and thy kingdom not half of its
cost were there!'
'Thou needst not to praise so highly, my mouth ne'er shall
say thee nay, 65
A rich man shall be its owner, no lack doth he know alway.'
And in this wise she spake, the lady, the fair and gracious
queen,
'Why cometh he not to the castle? For fain I his face had
seen.'

This she bade her page to ask him--Then the hero was fain to
make
Brave entry into the city, and the sleepers must needs awake. 70
Many shields he saw fair shining--The blast of the trumpets
clear
Rang loud and long before him, and two drummers ye needs must
hear
As they tossed and smote their tambours, and the walls echoed
back the sound,
With the notes of the flutes 'twas mingled as the train
through the city wound,
'Twas a march that they played so gaily--Nor forget we how he
must ride 75
Their master and lord, he followed with the fiddlers his rein
beside.

Then he threw his leg o'er his charger, that hero so bold and
fair,
And boots did he wear of leather, or else had his limbs been
bare.
And his mouth it was e'en as a ruby, and red, as a fire doth
burn,
And full, not too thin; fair his body wherever the eye might
turn; 80
And fair was his hair and curling, and wherever one saw the
skin
I ween 'twas as costly cover as ever a head might win.
And of samite green was his mantle, and the sable shone dark
thereon
Tho' white was his vest, and the gazers they came in a goodly
throng.
And many must ask the question, 'Who was he, the beardless
knight 85
Who rode with such pomp of riches?' Then the tale it was
spread aright,
For they spake it as truth who knew it--So they drew to the
bridge anear
The folk of the town, and his people; and so bright was the
radiance clear
That shone from the queen that it thrilled him thro' his
strong limbs, that goodly knight,
And he braced himself as a falcon that plumeth its wings for
flight, 90
And the lodging he deemed it goodly; so thought he that hero
wise;
And his hostess with joy beheld him, the lady of fair Waleis!

Then the king of Spain he heard it, how there stood on the
open plain
The tent that at Rassalig's bidding Gamuret as his prize did
gain
At Patelamunt, and the tidings a knight to his lord would
bring-- 95
Then he sped as a deer, joy's vassal I ween was the gallant
king!
And thus spake the knight, 'Thy kinsman, and the son of thine
aunt I saw,
And with pomp and in state as aforetime, so to-day doth he
hither draw;
There are floating a hundred pennons full fair by his
knightly shield,
And around his high pavilion they stand on the grassy field, 100
And green as the grass the pennons, and the hero bold doth
bear
Three anchors of snow-white ermine on every sendal fair.'

'Hath he come here arrayed for battle? Ah! then shall men see
straightway
How he spurreth him swift to the onslaught, how he striveth
in knightly fray!
Long time hath the proud King Hardeiss his anger against me
shown, 105
Here in joust shall Gamuret fell him, and good fortune shall
be mine own!'

Then straightway he sent a message to Gaschier, the Norman
knight,
Where he lay with many a vassal; and Killirjacac the fair and
bright,
For here had they come at his bidding--The twain at King
Kailet's side
Towards the fair pavilion with a goodly following hied. 110
And Zassamank's king was joyful, for he held them dear at
heart:
And the time over-long had seemed them since they must from
each other part,
This they spake of a true heart truly--And the king he was
fain to know
What knights should be here for the Tourney, who valour and
skill should show.
Then spake unto him his kinsmen, 'From distant lands they
came, 115
The knights whom love's power hath brought here, many heroes
of dauntless fame.'

'Here Uther Pendragon fighteth, and with him his Breton host;
One grief as a thorn doth vex him, his wife hath the hero
lost,
The queen who was Arthur's mother; a clerk who all magic knew
With him hath she fled, and Arthur doth after the twain
pursue; 120
'Tis now the third year since he lost them, his son alike and
wife--
And here is his daughter's husband, a hero well skilled in
strife,
King Lot is his name, of Norway--swift seeketh he
knighthood's prize,
But slow are his feet to falsehood, the knight so bold and
wise.
And here is his young son Gawain; as yet he too weak shall be 125
For any deed of knighthood--but now was the boy with me,
And he spake, were he not too feeble a spear-shaft as yet to
break
He were fain to do deeds of knighthood, in the Tourney his
part would take!
His lust for strife waketh early! Here Patrigalt's king hath
brought
Of spears a goodly forest; yet their valour shall be as
naught 130
When weighed against the gallant doings of the men of
Portugal,
Yea, _bold_ we in truth may call them, and shields do they
pierce right well.
And here are the men of Provence, with many a blazoned
shield;
And here the Waleis, to their onslaught the foemen perforce
must yield,
And they ride at their will thro' the combat, for men of the
land are they. 135
Many fight here for love's rewarding whose title I may not
say,
But all whom I here have named thee now lie, and the truth I
tell,
At great cost here within the city, for so the queen deemed
it well.'

'And without on the plain they hold them who deem their prize
lightly won,
Proud Arragon's haughty monarch, and the brave king of
Askalon. 140
Eidegast, he is there from Logrois, and the King
Brandelidelein
(The monarch is he of Punturtois), there too is bold
Lähelein.
And Morhold is there of Ireland, many pledges that knight
hath ta'en;
And many a haughty German doth camp on that battle plain.
To this country the Duke of Brabant hath come thro' the King
Hardeiss; 145
The king of Gascony gave him his sister the fair Aleiss,
(Yet his service ere that won payment) wrath against me those
princes drew:
Now I trust _thee_ to think of our kinship--For love's sake
do me service true!'
Quoth the king of Zassamank, 'Cousin, no thanks would I have
from thee
Whate'er I may do for thine honour, my will e'en as thine
shall be. 150
Doth thine ostrich yet stand un-nested? Thou shalt carry its
serpent's head
'Gainst thy foeman's demi-gryphon, _my_ anchor shall swift be
sped,
And find in his onslaught landing; himself shall a haven seek
Behind his steed on the gravel! If our wrath we be fain to
wreak,
And ride one against the other, I fell him, or he felleth
me-- 155
On my knightly faith as a kinsman this word do I swear to
thee!'

Then Kailet he sought his lodging, and his heart it was gay
and light.
Then arose on the plain a war-cry, 'fore the face of two
gallant knights,
They were Schyolarz of Poitou, and Gurnemanz of Graharz,
On the plain did they meet together; ere the eventide might
pass 160
The knights in their troops they rode forth, here by six and
there by three,
And they did gallant deeds of knighthood--nor otherwise might
it be.

And now it was fully noontide, and the knight in his tent
abode;
Then the king of Zassamank heard this, that o'er all the
field they rode,
'O'er the length and the breadth they gallop, and in knightly
order fight.' 165
And thither he rode, the hero, with many a banner bright;
But he rode not in search of conflict, at his leisure he
thought to see
What was done by one side and the other of fair deeds of
chivalry.
On the plain did they spread his carpet, where the knights in
strife would close,
And the shriek of the wounded horses o'er all the tumult
rose. 170
The squires stood round in a circle mid the clash of the
ringing steel,
And the heroes for fair fame battled, and the swords sang for
woe or weal.
There was sound as of splintered spear-shafts, but none need
to question, Where?
And his walls were of meeting foemen, by knightly hands
builded fair.

And so near was I ween the jousting that the maids from the
hall above 175
Might look on the toil of the heroes--But sorrow the queen
did move
Since the king of Zassamank did naught, nor mingled him in
the fight,
And she quoth, 'Ah! why came he hither? I had deemed him a
gallant knight!'
(Now the King of France, whose fair wife brought Gamuret
sorrow sore
When he fought for her sake, lay lifeless, and the queen
sought the wide world o'er 180
To know if from heathen countries he had come to his land
again.
'Twas love's power to the search that drove her, for love did
her heart constrain.)

And many brave deeds were done there of many a poor man bold,
Who yet for the highest strove not, which the queen for their
prize had told,
Herself and her two fair kingdoms,--they thought not such
prize to gain, 185
But they battled for other booty, tho' their hearts were for
payment fain.

Now clad was Gamuret's body in the harness whereby his wife
Might bring to her mind forgiveness, and the ending of bitter
strife.
The Scotch King Friedebrand sent it, as a gift, to repay the
woe
That with conflict he heaped upon her, nor shall earth of its
fellow know. 190
Then he looked well upon the diamond--'twas a helmet, thereon
they bound
An anchor, and jewels so precious were within its setting
found;
Nor small were the stones, but costly, and the weight it was
none too light
Of that helmet, and yet he bare it, and decked was the guest
for fight

And what was his shield's adorning? of gold of Araby fair, 195
And the boss it was rich and costly, and heavy the weight he
bare.
And the red gold shone so brightly that mirrored the face
therein,
And an anchor beneath of sable--I were fain to myself to win
That wherewith the knight was girded, full many a mark its
worth.
And wide was the coat emblazoned, and it reached e'en unto
the earth, 200
And I ween that few in battle such raiment shall think to
wear.
And if I have skill to praise it, or its value aright
declare,
It shone e'en as when there burneth thro' the night-time a
living flame,
And never a tint was faded, and its shimmer as lightning
came,
A feeble eye had feared it! And with gold was it all
inwrought, 205
That in Kaukasus' distant mountains from out of the rock was
brought
By gryphon claws, for they guarded, and shall guard it unto
this day.
And from Araby came the people who stole it by craft away,--
Elsewhere shall be none so precious,--and they bare it to
Araby
Where they weave Achmardi and Pfellel, and no vesture like
_that_ shall be! 210
His shield, round his neck he hung it--There stood a charger
proud,
Well-nigh to the hoof was it armed--and the squires cried the
war-cry loud,
And he sprang on his steed as he found it; and many a spear
of might
Did he break with strong hand in the Tourney, and where men
did the closest fight
There he brake a way thro' the mêlée, and came forth on the
further side, 215
And ever behind the Ostrich the Anchor did close abide.

Gamuret smote from off his charger Poytewin of Prienlaskors
And many another hero, their pledge must they yield perforce.
But what knight bare the cross he rejoiced him in the hero's
valiant deeds,
And much did he win by his valour, since he gave him the
captured steeds. 220

Now four banners, with self-same bearing, were led 'gainst
that gallant knight,
(And bold riders they rode beneath them, and their lord was a
man of might,)
And on each was the tail of a gryphon; and that hinder part I
trow
Was e'en as a hailstorm smiting, so rode they in goodly row.
And Gascony's king before them the fore part of that gryphon
bare 225
On his shield; he was skilled in battle, and his body was
armed full fair
As women alone might arm him; and he rode forth his knights
before
Where he saw on a helm the Ostrich, but the Anchor towards
him bore,
And he thrust him from off his charger, the brave king of
Zassamank,
And made of him there his captive. Here close thronged the
knightly ranks, 230
And the furrows were trodden level, and their locks must the
sword-blade know,
And many a wood was wasted, and many a knight laid low--
And they who thus fell, 'twas told me, they turned their
chargers round
And hied to the back of the Tourney, where none but the
cowards were found.

And so near was I ween the combat that the women might see
aright 235
Who there won the prize of valour; Rivalein that love-lorn
knight
With his spear hewed afresh a token, of Loheneis was he king,
And the crash of the splintered spear-shaft did aye with his
onslaught ring.
Of a knight did Morhold rob them, for he drew him from off
his steed
And lifted him up before him (unseemly methinks such deed) 340
And Killirjacac they called him,--and ere this King Lac had
ta'en
Such payment from him as in falling a knight from the earth
may gain--
So his deeds had been fair and knightly; then this valiant
man he thought
He would take him with never a sword-thrust, and the knight
in his arms he caught.
Then the hand of the valiant Kailet it smote from the
saddle-bow 245
The Duke of Brabant, Prince Lambekein, and the hero was laid
alow.
And what think ye they did, his soldiers? Their swords into
shields they turned,
And with them did they guard their monarch--And ever for
strife they yearned.

Then the King of Arragon smote him Uther Pendragon old,
From his charger adown on the meadow fell the king of the
Bretons bold, 250
And the flowers stood fair around him--Ah! I courteous am I,
I trow,
Since the Breton before Kanvoleis I lay on such couch alow,
Where never the foot of a peasant hath trodden unto this day,
Nay, perchance they may never tread there--'tis the truth and
no lie I say--
No more might he keep his saddle as he sat on his steed of
yore, 255
But his peril his friends forgat not, they fought fiercely
the hero o'er.

And many a course was ridden; and the king of Punturtois
Fell prone in his horse's hoof-tracks on the field before
Kanvoleis,
And low did he lie behind it--'Twas Gamuret dealt the blow--
'Ride on, on thy course, thou hero, and tread thy foemen
low!' 260
Strife giveth whereon to trample! Then Kailet, his kinsman
true,
Made the Punturtois his captive, tho' he scarce pierced the
mêlée thro'.
Brandelidelein was prisoner, and his folk they had lost their
king,
In his stead another monarch to their host did they captive
bring.
And hither and thither sped they, the heroes, in armour good, 265
And by blows and by trampling kneaded, of alum I ween their
food;
And dark on their skin the swellings, and many a gallant
knight
Might speak, as he knew, of bruises he had won him in
hard-fought fight.

Now as simple truth I say it, little rest was their portion
here,
By love were they forced to conflict, many shields with their
blazon clear, 270
And many a goodly helmet whose covering the dust should be.
And the meadow with flowers was sprinkled, and green turf ye
there might see,
And there fell on it many a hero, who of honour had won such
meed--
More modest were my desiring! 'Twould content me to sit my
steed.

Then the king of Zassamank rode forth a space from the
knightly fray 275
Where a rested steed did wait him, and the diamond he loosed
alway,
With no thought of pride in the doing, but the breezes blew
fresh and cool,
And the squires unbound his vizor, and his lips shone so red
and full.

I have named unto ye a lady--Her chaplain did hither ride,
And with him three noble pages, and strong squires were there
beside; 280
And pack-horses twain they led there, and the will of their
queen they'ld do,
She was Lady of France, Anflisé--Her chaplain was wise and
true,
And straightway he knew the hero, and in French should his
greeting be,
'Soit le bien venu, mon beau sire' to my lady as e'en to me,
As queen of France she reigneth whom the lance of thy love
doth smite, 285
And he gave to his hand a letter, and therein read the
gallant knight
A greeting fair, and a token it held of a finger-ring--
As pledge of the truth of his mission the chaplain the same
must bring
His lady of old received it from the hand of the Angevin--
Then he bowed as he saw the letter. Would ye hear what was
writ therein? 290

'Here biddeth thee love and greeting a heart that hath ne'er
been free
From grief since it knew thy service--Thy love is both lock
and key
To my heart, and my heart's rejoicing! For thy love am I like
to die,
If thy love afar abideth, then all love from my heart shall
fly.
Come thou, and take from my true hand crown, sceptre, and
kingdom fair, 295
It falleth to me as heirdom, and thy love well may claim a
share.
As payment for this thy service rich presents I send to thee,
Four pack-horses' chests well laden--I would thou my knight
shouldst be
In this the land of the Waleis, 'fore the city of Kanvoleis.
I care not if the queen shall see it, small harm may
therefrom arise, 300
For fairer am I, and richer, and I think me shall better know
To take the love that is proffered, and love in return
bestow.
Wilt thou live in true love as shall 'seem thee? Then here do
I bid thee take
My crown as thy love's rewarding--This I pray for my true
love's sake.'
And no more did he find in the letter--Then his squires once
more they drew 305
O'er his head the under-helmet; from Gamuret sorrow flew,
And he bound on the helm of diamond, 'twas harder than blade
might pierce,
For he thought again to prove him, and ride forth to conflict
fierce.
And the messengers did he bid them to lead to the tent for
rest:
And he cleared a space around him wherever the conflict
pressed. 310

This was vanquished, and that one victor--Did a knight
o'er-long delay
To win to him fame in battle, his chance might he find
to-day.
Here twain would joust together; in troops would these others
ride;
And the customs of friendly combat for a space did they lay
aside,
And sworn brotherhood nothing counted 'fore the strength of
fierce anger's might, 315
And the crooked was seldom straightened; nor spake they of
knightly right,
What they captured they kept, uncaring if another's hate they
won,
And from many lands had they ridden who with brave hands
brave deeds had done,

And their hurts but little grieved them. Here Gamuret heard
her prayer,
And e'en as Anflisé bade him, as her knight to the field
would fare; 320
'Twas a letter had brought the tidings--Ah! he giveth his
courage rein,
Is it love or the lust of battle that driveth him on amain?
Great love and strong faith they quicken his strength into
life anew.
Now see where his shield he beareth, King Lot, that hero
true,
His foemen to flight had forced him save for Gamuret's strong
right hand, 325
His charger in gallant onslaught brake its way thro' the
threatening band,
And Arragon's king was smitten from his horse with a spear of
reed,
'Schaffilor was his name, and the spear-point which thrust
him from off his steed
Bare never a waving pennon, from paynim lands 'twas brought,'
And the knight made the king his captive, tho' his folk they
had bravely fought. 330
And the inner force drave the outer far back on the grassy
plain.
'Twas a good vesper-play, yea, a Tourney; many spears did
they smite in twain--

Then Lähelein 'gain wax wrathful, 'Shall our honour be reft
away?
'Tis the fault of him of the Anchor! Now one of us twain
to-day
Shall lay in short space the other on a couch that he liketh
ill, 335
For here are they well-nigh victors!' Then they cleared them
a space at will,
And no child's play it was that combat--In such wise with
their hands they wrought
That a woodland was well-nigh wasted; and alike from their
squires they sought
'New spears! New spears! Bring them hither!' Yet Lähelein he
must know
Sorrow and shame, for his foeman thrust him down from his
horse alow, 340
And he smote him the length of the spear-iron in a shaft of
reed made fast,
And one read of itself his surety, for the knight to the
earth was cast.
(Yet better I like to read them, sweet pears on the ground
that lie
As thick as the knights lay round him! for his was the
victory!)

And the cry arose from many who had fallen in joust before, 345
'Fly! Fly! For the Anchor cometh!' Then a knight towards him
bore,
(A prince of the Angevin country) and grief was his comrade
true,
For he bare a shield inverted, and sorrow it taught anew
To the King, for the badge he knew it--Ah! why did he turn
aside?
If ye will, I the truth will tell ye, 'twas given in royal
pride 350
By Galoes the son of Gandein, Gamuret's brother true,
Ere Love this guerdon gave him that the hero in joust she
slew.

Then he loosed from his head the helmet: nor thro' grass, nor
thro' dust and sand
Did he make him a way to the conflict, but he yielded to
grief's command;
And his thoughts within him battled, that he sought not ere
this to hear 355
From Kailet, his friend and kinsman, how it fared with his
brother dear
That he came not here to the Tourney--Alas! tho' he knew it
not,
He had fallen before Monthorie--Sore sorrow was there his
lot,
For to anguish did love constrain him, the love of a noble
queen;
For his loss had she grieved so sorely that death had her
portion been. 360

And tho' sorely Gamuret sorrowed, yet had he in half a day
So many spear-shafts broken, were it Tourney indeed this fray
Then had he a woodland wasted. Did I think me to count each
spear
One hundred in fight had he shattered, each blazoned with
colours clear--
But the heralds, they won his pennons, in sooth were they
theirs of right-- 365
Then toward the fair pavilion he turned him, the gallant
knight.
And the Waleis squire rode after; and his was the coat so
fair,
All pierced and hewn with sword-thrust, which he did to his
lady bear;
And yet with gold was it precious, and it shone with a fiery
glow,
And right well might ye see its richness. Then joy did the
queen's heart know, 370
And she spake, 'A fair woman sent thee, with this knight, to
this distant land!
Now, courteous, I must bethink me lest these heroes ashamed
shall stand
Who have risked their fate in this venture--goodwill unto all
I bear,
For all do I count my kinsmen, since Adam's flesh we share,
Yet Gamuret's hand, I think me, the highest prize hath won.' 375
But by wrath constrained they battled till the shadows of
night drew on,
And the inner host the outer by force to their tents had
brought,
Save for Askalon's king and Morhold thro' the camp they their
way had fought.

Some were winners, and some were losers, and many sore shame
had earned,
While others won praise and honour. Then the foe from each
other turned, 380
Here no man might see--He who holdeth the stakes, if no light
he show,
Who would cast the dice in the darkness? To such sport were
the weary slow!

Men well might forget the darkness where Gamuret did abide,
'Twas as day--That in sooth it was not, but light shone on
every side
From many small tapers clustered. There, laid on the olive
wood, 385
Was many a costly cushion, and by each couch a carpet good.
Then the queen, she rode to the doorway with many a maid of
rank,
For fain would they see, those ladies, the brave king of
Zassamank.

Many wearied knights thronged after--The cloth had they borne
away
Ere she came to the fair pavilion; then the host he uprose
straightway, 390
And the monarchs four his captives (and many a prince was
there),
And she welcomed him with due honour, and she saw him, and
deemed him fair.
Then glad spake the queen of the Waleis, 'Thou art host where
we twain do stand,
And I, even so I think me, am hostess o'er all this land,
If thou deem it well I should kiss thee, such kiss seemeth
good to me!' 395
'Thy kiss shall be mine if these heroes, e'en as I, shall be
kissed by thee,
But if princes and kings must forego it, 'twere unfit I such
boon should crave!'
'Yea, e'en as thou wilt, so be it, tho' ne'er saw I these
heroes brave!'
Then she kissed, e'en as Gamuret prayed her, these princes of
noble line,
And he prayed her to sit, and beside her sat the King
Brandelidelein! 400

Then lightly they strewed, o'er the carpet, green rushes yet
wet with dew,
And he sat him down upon them whose presence brought joy anew
To the gracious queen of the Waleis; and love did her soul
constrain,
And as Gamuret sat before her his hand did she clasp again,
And she drew him once more towards her, and she set him her
seat beside. 405
No wife was she, but a maiden, from whose hand did such grace
betide.
Would ye know the name they called her? Herzeleide the queen
was she,
(And her cousin was hight Rischoydè, King Kailet should her
husband be,
And _he_ was Gamuret's cousin), and so radiant the queen, and
bright,
That e'en though they quenched the tapers, in her presence
'twould still be light! 410
(Were it not that a mighty sorrow his joy which aloft would
fly
Had beaten to earth, I think me he had wooed her right
readily.)

And courteous they spake to each other: then cup-bearers drew
anigh,
And from Assagog the vessels, and their cost might no man
deny;
And noble pages bare them, many costly bowls and fair, 415
Of precious jewels wroughten, and wide, none too small, they
were,
And none of them all were golden--'twas the tribute of that
fair land,
Which Eisenhart oft had proffered, when love's need nerved
his knightly hand.
And the drink unto each they proffered in many a coloured
stone,
And of emerald some, and of sardius, and of ruby some wrought
alone. 420

Then there drew near to his pavilion two knights who their
word must swear,
(To the outer host were they captive and from thence to the
town would fare.)
And one of them was King Kailet; and he looked upon Gamuret,
And he saw him sit heavy-hearted, and he spake, 'Dost thou
sorrow yet
For all men they own thy valour; Herzeleide and kingdoms
twain 425
Hast thou won, and all tongues have said it, to thy praises
all men are fain,
Be they Britons or men of Ireland--Who speaketh with foreign
tongue,
If France be their land, or Brabant, with one voice they thy
praise have sung,
That none here both skill and wisdom in strife like to thine
have shown.
True letter it is I read thee! No slumber thy strength hath
known, 430
When these knights thou hast put in peril who surety ne'er
sware of old,
Brandelidelein the monarch, and Lähelein, hero bold;
And Hardeiss and King Schaffilor; yea, and Rassalig the Moor,
Whom thine hand before Patelamunt o'erthrew and he surety
swore,
Such lesson thou there didst teach him--Yea, this doth thy
fame desire 435
That with every coming conflict it broader shall wax and
higher.'

'The queen sure will deem thou ravest, if in this wise thou
praisest me,
Yet I think not that thou shalt sell me, since the buyer the
flaw shall see;
Thy mouth is o'er-full of praises! Say, how hast thou come
again?'
'The worthy folk of Punturtois, this knight from fair
Champagne 440
And myself have loosed, and Morhold who this nephew hath
stolen of mine
Will set him free, if on thy part thou wilt free
Brandelidelein;
Otherwise are we captive to them, both I and my sister's son,
But such grace thou wilt surely show us--Here such
vesper-play was run
That it cometh not to a Tourney this while before Kanvoleis, 445
And in sooth do I know how it standeth! Here sit they before
mine eyes,
The strength of the outer army--now speak, tell me when and
how
They could hold the field against us? Much fame hast thou
won, I trow!'

Then the queen she spake to the hero from a true heart full
tenderly,
'Whate'er be my claim upon thee, I pray thee to let it be. 450
I were fain of thy service worthy--If here I my right shall
claim,
And thine honour thereby be tarnished, I will leave thee nor
mar thy fame!'

Then he sprang to his feet, the chaplain of Anflisé the wise
and fair,
And he quoth, 'Nay, my queen doth claim him, at her will to
this land I fare.
For his love hath she sent me hither, for his love she afar
doth pine, 455
And her love layeth claim upon him and _hers_ shall he be,
not _thine_.
O'er all women I ween doth she love him: here as messengers
hath she sent
Three princes, lads free from falsehood; and the one is hight
Lazident
Of noble birth from Greenland, and in Kärlingen doth he
dwell,
And his own hath he made the language; and the second his
name I'll tell, 460
Liodarz he, a count his father, and Schyolarz was he hight.
And who was the third? Will ye hearken, his kinship I'll tell
aright:
Belleflur she hath been his mother, Pansamur was his father's
name,
Liahturteltart they called him, of the race of the fays he
came.
Then they ran all three before him, and they spake, 'Wouldst
thy fortune prove? 465
(The queen of France doth proffer the chance of a worthy
love.)
Thou shalt play the game, and never a pledge shall be asked
from thee,
Nor thy joy be to sorrow forfeit, as it waxeth still fair and
free!'

Then e'en while they spake their errand Kailet he had ta'en
his seat
'Neath a fold of the royal mantle, and she spake to him low
and sweet, 470
'Now say, hath worse harm befallen? Methinks I the wounds
have seen?'
In that same hour his wounds and bruises she sought out, the
gracious queen,
With her white hands so small and shapely, which their wisdom
from God must win,
And sore was he cut and wounded on nose and on cheek and
chin.
He had won for his wife the cousin of the queen who such
honour fair 475
Would show him, herself would she tend him, and her hands for
his hurts should care.

Then e'en as courtesy bade her she spake unto Gamuret,
'The fair queen of France, it seemeth, her heart upon thee
hath set;
Now honour in me all women, and give what I here may claim,
Go not till men judge betwixt us, else thou leavest me here
to shame.' 480
This he sware unto her, the hero, and leave she from him
would crave,
And she passed thence, and then King Kailet, that monarch so
true and brave,
He lifted her to her saddle; and he turned him about once
more
And came into the pavilion, where his kinsman and friends he
saw.

Then spake he unto King Hardeiss, 'Aleiss thy sister fair 485
She proffered her love, I took it--Now wedded is she
elsewhere,
And a better than I is her husband! No longer thus wrathful
frown,
Prince Lambekein, he hath won her--tho' in sooth she shall
wear no crown,
Yet honour enough is her portion--Brabant and Hennegau
Do her service, and many a brave knight doth unto her bidding
bow. 490
If thy mind it shall turn to greet me let thy favour be mine
once more,
And take thou again my service of a true heart as aye of
yore.'

Then the king of Gascony answered as befitted a hero brave,
'Yea, soft is thy speech, yet if greeting I give thee as thou
dost crave,
Who hath offered to me such insult, men will deem _fear_ such
grace hath won, 495
For captive am I to thy cousin!' 'Yet ill shall he deal with
none,
Gamuret, he shall grant thy freedom, that boon my first
prayer shall be:
No man shall thereto constrain thee, yet my service the day
shall see
When thou as thy friend shalt claim me. For the shame, 'tis
enow I wot,
For whate'er _thou_ mayst do against me, thy sister, she
slayeth me not!' 500

Then all at his words laughed loudly. But their mirth it was
soon o'erpast
For his true heart the host constrainèd, and desire held him
once more fast,
And a sharp goad I ween is sorrow--Then the heroes they saw
right well
How he wrestled anew with sorrow and his joy in the conflict
fell;
And his cousin he waxed right wrathful, and he spake, 'Now
thou doest ill.' 505
'Nay, nay, for I needs must sorrow, and naught may my
yearning still
For the queen I have left behind me, afar on a heathen shore,
Pure wife and true is that lady, and my heart she hath
wounded sore.'

'And her purity doth constrain me to mourn for her love so
sweet,
Vassals and lands she gave me; yet joy for a true knight meet 510
Belakané of that hath robbed me! yet shame for a wavering
mind
I think me is right and manly--With such fetters her love did
bind
That she held me afar from Tourney, nor in search of strife I
went;
Then I thought me that deeds of knighthood should free me
from ill-content,
And here have I somewhat striven--Now many a fool would say 515
That I, for her colour, fled her, to my eyes was she light as
day!
For her womanhood true I sorrow; o'er all others her worth
stood high
As the boss from the shield outstandeth. And another grief
have I,
And here make I my moan unto ye, my brother's arms I saw,
But the shield on which they were blazoned, with point
up-turned they bore.' 520
(Ah! woe for the words that are spoken, and the tidings of
grief they bring!)
His eyes they o'erflowed with water, that gallant Spanish
king,
'Alas! O queen for thy madness, thro' thy love is Galoes
slain,
Whom every faithful woman from her heart shall mourn amain
If she would that her dealing win her true honour in true
man's thought. 525
Ah! queen of Auvergne I think me, tho' small grief it to thee
hath brought,
Yet thro' thee have I lost my kinsman, tho' his ending was
fit and fair,
For a knightly joust hath slain him who thy token in strife
would bear!
And these princes here, his comrades, their heartfelt grief
they show,
As in funeral train their shield's-breadth do they turn to
the earth below, 530
For thus hath great sorrow taught them--In this guise do they
knightly deeds,
Heavy-hearted that he, my cousin, serveth no more for true
love's meed!'

He hath won him another heart-grief as his brother's death is
told,
And he spake aloud in his sorrow, 'Now mine anchor hath found
its hold
And its haven in bitter rueing,' and the badge did he lay
aside, 535
And his grief taught him bitter anguish, and aloud the hero
cried,
'Galoes of Anjou! henceforward shall never a man deny
That on earth ne'er was born thine equal for manhood and
courtesy,
And the fruit of a free hand knightly from thine heart did it
bloom amain.
Ah! woe is me for thy goodness!' then to Kailet he spake
again, 540
'How goeth it with Schoettè, my mother, of joy bereft?'
'So that God hath had pity on her! When Gandein this life had
left,
And dead was Galoes thy brother, and thou wert not by her
side,
And she saw thee no more, then death brake her heart, and she
too hath died!'

Then out quoth the Gascon Hardeiss, 'Turn thy will to a manly
mien, 545
Thou shalt mourn but in fitting measure if true manhood thine
own hath been!'
But too great was the load of his sorrow, and the tears as a
flood must flow
From his eyes--Then all things he ordered that the knights a
fair rest might know,
And he went where he saw his chamber, of samite the little
tent,
And in grief and sore lamentation the hours of the night he
spent. 550

When there dawned another morning the knights together came,
The inner host and the outer, all who thought there to win
them fame;
Were they young or old, were they cowardly or brave, they
fought not that day.
And the light grew to middle morning: yet so worn were they
with the fray,
And the horses so spent with spurring, that the knights in
battle tried 555
Were yet by weariness vanquished--Then the queen herself
would ride,
And the valiant men from the open would she bring to the town
again,
And the best of the knights within there she bade ride to the
Leo-plain;
And straightway they did her bidding, and they rode in their
knightly ranks,
And they came ere the Mass was ended to the sad king of
Zassamank. 560

Then the benediction spoken, Herzeleide the queen she came,
And e'en as the folk upheld her, so she laid to the knight
her claim:
Then he spake, 'A wife have I Lady, and than life shall she
be more dear,
Yea, and e'en if I were without her thou another tale
shouldst hear
That afar should drive me from thee, if men here shall list
my right!' 565
But the queen she looked upon him, and she spake to the
gallant knight:

'Thou shalt leave thy Moorish lady for my love; stronger far
shall be
The blessing that baptism giveth! From heathendom set thee
free,
And wed me in Christian marriage, since my heart for thy love
doth yearn.
Or say shall the French queen's message to my shame and my
sorrow turn? 570
Sweet words did they speak her people, and thou heardest them
to the end!'
'Yea, she is in truth my lady. When I back to Anjou must
wend,
Then fair counsels and courteous customs with me from her
land I brought;
Yea, even to-day doth she help me whom from childhood to man
she taught.
She hath fled all that mars a woman--We were children then,
she and I, 575
Yet gladly we saw each other in the days that are long gone
by!
The noble queen Anflisé, in true womanhood hath she share,
From her lands a goodly income she gave me, that lady fair,
(In those days was I still a poor man), yet I took it right
willingly,
As a poor man thou still shalt count me, and Lady, shalt pity
me, 580
He is dead, my gallant brother--Of thy courtesy press me not,
Turn thy love where thou findest gladness, for sorrow is aye
my lot!'

'Nay, let me not longer sorrow; how wilt thou deny my claim?'
'Thy question I'll gladly answer, here a _Tourney_ thou didst
proclaim,
That Tourney hath not been holden, as many shall witness
bear' 585
'For the vesper-play hath marred it! The knights who had
foughten there
So well have they tamed their ardour that the Tourney hath
come to naught,'
'I did but defend thy city with others that bravely fought;
Thou shouldst force me not to withstand thee, here have
others done more than I,
Mine the greeting that _all_ may claim here, other right
would I still deny!' 590

Then, so hath the venture told me, they chose them, both man
and maid,
A judge o'er the claim of the lady, and their cause they
before him laid,
And it drew near to middle morning, and thus did the verdict
run,
'What knight hath bound on his helmet, and hath hither for
conflict come,
And hath fought, and the prize hath holden, then that knight
he shall wed the queen.' 595
And unto the judgment spoken the knights gave consent I ween.
Spake the queen, 'Mine thou art, and I'll yield thee fair
service thy love to gain,
And will give thee of joy such portion that thy life shall be
free of pain!'

And yet bare he grief and sorrow--Now the April sun was o'er,
And had left behind a token in the garment the meadow bore, 600
With short green grass was it covered, so that coward hearts
waxed bold,
And won afresh high courage; and the trees did their buds
unfold
In the soft sweet air of the May-tide, and he came of the
fairy race
That aye loveth, or sweet love seeketh, and his friend she
would show him grace.

Then he looked on Queen Herzeleide, and he spake to her
courteously, 605
'If in joy we would live, O Lady, then my warder thou shalt
not be,
When loosed from the bonds of sorrow, for knighthood my heart
is fain;
If thou holdest me back from Tourney I may practise such
wiles again
As of old when I fled from the lady whom I won with mine own
right hand;
When from strife she would fain have kept me I fled from her
folk and land!' 610
Then she spake, 'Set what bonds thou willest, by thy word
will I still abide.'
'Many spears would I break asunder, and each month would to
Tourney ride,
Thou shalt murmur not O Lady when such knightly joust I'ld
run!'
This she sware, so the tale was told me, and the maid and her
lands he won.
The three pages of Queen Anflisé and her chaplain were nigh
at hand, 615
As the judgment was sealed and spoken they must hearken and
understand,
And he spake to the knight in secret, 'To my lady this tale
was told
How at Patelamunt thy valour did the guerdon of victory hold,
And that there two kingdoms served thee--And she too hath
lands I trow,
And she thinketh _herself_ to give thee, and riches and gold
enow!' 620

'As knighthood of old she taught me so must I hold fast alway
By the strength of the knightly order, and the rule of the
shield obey.
Thro' her my shield have I won me, else perchance I had worn
it not,
Here doth knightly verdict bind me, be sorrow or joy my lot.
Go ye homeward, and bear my service, her knight will I ever
be, 625
And for her is my deepest sorrow tho' all crowns were
awaiting me!'
Then he proffered to them of his riches, but his gifts did
they cast aside.
Yet was she not shamed their lady, tho' homeward they needs
must ride!
And they craved not leave, but they rode thence, as in anger
ye oft shall find,
And the princes' sons, her pages, well-nigh did they weep
them blind. 630

They who bare their shields inverted their friends spake to
them this word,
'The queen, fair Herzeleide, hath the Angevin for her lord.'
'Say, who from Anjou hath fought here? Our lord is, alas,
elsewhere;
He seeketh him fame 'gainst the heathen, and grief for his
sake we bear!'
'He who shall be here the victor, who hath smitten full many
a knight, 635
He who smote and pierced so fiercely, he who bare on his helm
of light
An anchor rare and costly, that knight is the knight we mean,
And King Kailet he spake his title, Gamuret Angevin--I ween
Good fortune doth here befall him!' Then swift to their
steeds they sprung,
And their raiment was wet with the tear-drops that grief from
their eye-lids wrung, 640
When they came where their lord was seated they gave him a
welcome fair,
And he in his turn would greet them, and sorrow and joy were
there.

Then he kissed his knights so faithful, and spake, 'Ye no
more shall make
Such measureless moan for my brother, his place I with ye
will take.
Turn your shields again as befits them, and as men who would
joyful fare; 645
My anchor hath struck its haven; my father's arms I'll bear,
For the anchor it is a symbol that befitteth a wandering
knight,
He who willeth may take and wear it. I must rule my life
aright
As now shall become my station: I am rich now, when shall I
be
The lord of this folk? For my sorrow it worketh but ill to
me. 650
Queen Herzeleide, help me that thou and I may pray
The kings that are here and princes for my service awhile to
stay,
Till thou unto me hast yielded that which love from true love
may crave!'
Thus both of them made petition, and the heroes their promise
gave.

Then each one went to his chamber, and the queen to her
knight spake low, 655
'Now yield thyself to my tending, and a hidden way I'll
show!'
For his guests did they care as fitting tho' the host was no
longer there,
The folk they were all together, but the knight he alone must
fare
Save for two of his pages only--Then the queen and her
maidens bright
They led him where gladness waited, and his sorrow was put to
flight, 660
And regret was o'erthrown and vanquished--And his heart it
waxed high and brave
As is ever the lot of lovers! and her maidenhood she gave
The queen, fair Herzeleide: nor their lips did they think to
spare,
But close did they cling in kisses; grief was conquered by
joy so fair!

Then courteous deeds were begun there; for free were his
captives set, 665
And the Kings Hardeiss and Kailet were made friends by
Gamuret.
And such marriage feast was holden that he who had proudly
thought
Hereafter to hold such another much riches thereto had
brought.
For this did Gamuret purpose, his wealth he would little
spare,
But Arabian gold did he scatter mid the poor knights; and
jewels rare 670
Did he give to the kings and princes who were there with the
host I ween;
And glad were the wandering players, for rich gifts had their
portion been.

Let them ride whom he there had feasted, from the Angevin
leave they prayed.
Then the panther the badge of his father on his shield they
in sable laid;
And a small white silken garment, a shift that the queen did
wear, 675
That had touched her naked body who now was his wife so fair,
This should be his corslet's cover. And of foemen it saw
eighteen
Pierced thro' and hewn with sword-blade ere he parted from
her his queen,
And aye as her love came homeward on her body that shift she
drew:
And many a shield had he shattered; and their love it waxed
strong and true. 680

And honour enow was his portion ere his manly courage bore
The knight o'er the seas to conflict, for his journey I
sorrow sore.
For there came unto him true tidings, how the Baruch, his
lord of old,
Was beset by mighty foemen, by Babylon's princes bold:
And the one he was called Ipomidon, and Pompey his brother's
name 685
(For so hath the venture told me), a proud man of warlike
fame.
('Twas not he whom Julius Cæsar had driven from Rome of
yore).
His uncle was Nebuchadnezzar, who in books found the lying
lore
That he himself should a god be, (o'er this would our folk
make sport)
And of noble race these brothers, nor of strength nor of gold
spared aught. 690
From Ninus they came who was ruler ere ever Bagdad might be,
Nineveh did he found--Now an insult and a shame vexed them
bitterly,
The Baruch as vassals claimed them--So the combat was won and
lost,
And bravely the heroes battled, and on each side they paid
the cost.
Thus Gamuret sailed the water, and aid to the Baruch brought, 695
And gladly he bade him welcome; tho' I weep that that land he
sought!

How it chanced there, how went the conflict, gain or loss,
how the thing might be
Naught of that knew Queen Herzeleide; and bright as the sun
was she,
And her form it was fair to look on, and both riches had she
and youth,
And more than too much her gladness! I think me in very truth 700
She had sped past the goal of all wishes--And on wisdom her
heart was set,
And she won from the whole world favour; her fair deeds with
fair guerdon met,
And all men praised Herzeleide, the queen, as both fair and
true,
And the queen of three kingdoms was she, of Waleis and fair
Anjou,
Of these twain was she aye the ruler; and beside them in far
Norgals 705
Did she bear the crown and sceptre, in the city of
Kingrivals.
And so dear did she hold her husband, if never a maid might
win
So gallant a man, what recked she? She counted it not for
sin.

As for half a year he was absent she looked for his coming
sure,
For but in the thought of that meeting might the life of the
queen endure. 710
Then brake the sword of her gladness thro' the midst of the
hilt in twain,
Ah me! and alas! for her mourning, that goodness should bear
such pain
And faith ever waken sorrow! Yea, so doth it run alway
With the life of men, and to-morrow must they mourn who
rejoice to-day!

So it chanced that the queen one noontide in a restless
slumber lay, 715
'Twas as if with a start she wakened and by lightning was
borne away,
And towards the clouds it bare her, and they smote her with
mighty force,
The fiery bolts of Heaven, as they sped on their downward
course,
And sparks sprang from her floating tresses mid the fire of
the circling spheres,
And the thunder crashed loud around her, and the rain-drops
were burning tears. 720

For a little space was she conscious, then a grip on her
right hand fell,
And, lo! it was changed, the vision, and wondrous things
befell;
For then did she nurse a dragon, that forth from her body
sprung,
And its dragon life to nourish awhile at her breast it hung,
Then it fled from her sight so swiftly she might look on it
never more: 725
And her heart it brake for the anguish, and the terror and
grief she bore.

And never methinks a woman in slumber such woe hath seen,
But now had she been so joyful, alas! all was changed I ween,
And sorrow should be her portion, and her ill it waxed long
and wide,
And the shadow of coming sorrow did still on her heart abide. 730

Then she did what afore she could not, for the terror that on
her lay,
She stretched her limbs in her slumber, and moaned in her
grief alway,
And she cried aloud on her people; and many a maid sat by
And they sprang to her side at her summons, and wakened her
speedily.

Then Tampaneis he came riding, of her husband's squires the
chief, 735
And many a page was with him, and joy's goal was o'erpassed
in grief,
And they cried, 'He was dead, their master!' And her senses
forsook the queen,
And she fell aback in her anguish--And the knights spake,
'How hath this been?
Hath our lord been slain in his harness, who ever was armed
so well?'
And tho' sorely the squire must sorrow, to the heroes the
tale he'ld tell: 740
'No long life should he have, my master! His helm he put off
awhile,
The heat thereto constrained him--'twas accursed heathen
guile
That stole him from us, our hero--A knight took a he-goats
blood,
And from a long glass he poured it on the helmet of diamond
good,
And softer than sponge grew the diamond. May He Whom as Lamb
they show 745
With the Cross in His hold, have mercy on the deeds that are
wrought below!'

'Then when one host met the other: Ah! that was indeed a
fight,
And the knights who were with the Baruch they fought all as
men of might,
And there in the field by Bagdad full many a shield was
pierced,
As they flew each one on the other, and they mingled in
charges fierce, 750
And banner was mixed with banner, many fell who had bravely
fought,
And my lord's hand it did such wonders that his foemen became
as nought,
But Ipomidon he came riding, and with death would reward the
knight,
And he smote him down, and I think me many thousands they saw
that sight.'

'For my master, free from falsehood, rode against
Alexandria's king, 755
But, alas! for the guile of the heathen, this joust but his
death should bring,
For the spear cut sheer thro' the helmet, and it pierced
thro' my master's brain
(In his head did they find the splinters), yet the hero still
held the rein,
And dying he rode from the combat, o'er a wide plain his way
he'ld take,
And his chaplain he knelt above him, and in few words his
shrift he spake. 760
And he sent here the shift and the spear-blade that hath
robbed us of our friend,
He died free from sin--us his servants he did to the queen
commend!'

'At Bagdad was the hero buried, and the Baruch the cost would
pay,
With gold is it fair to look on, and rich is the tomb alway;
And many a costly jewel doth gleam where he lies at rest, 765
And embalmed was the fair young body (sad was many a faithful
breast);
And the grave-stone it is a ruby, and thro' it he shineth
clear,
And they granted us as with martyrs, the cross o'er his tomb
to rear,--
For as Christ by His death hath freed us, and to comfort that
soul so brave,
And for shelter we raised the symbol--And the Baruch the cost
he gave. 770
For the cross was of emerald wroughten: heathen counsel we
asked it not,
For they know not the Cross, nor the blessing that Christ's
death won for us I wot!
And the heathen they pray unto him as if he were a god in
truth,
Nor they do it the Cross to honour, nor hath Baptism taught
them ruth
(Tho' it looseneth _us_ from Hell's fetters when the
uttermost day shall dawn), 775
But his knightly faith and honour, who leaveth us here
forlorn,
Have wrought him a place in Heaven where he shineth with
Heaven's light,
And true penitence and confession--for falsehood e'er fled
that knight.'

'And there in his diamond helmet an epitaph did they grave,
And fast to the cross they fixed it o'er the tomb of that
hero brave, 780
And thus do they run the letters: '(_Through this helmet a
joust hath slain)
This hero who bare all manhood, and_ Gamuret _was his name,
As king did he rule o'er three kingdoms, in each land the
Crown he wore
Whom mighty princes followed--Anjou's land this hero bore,
And he lost his life for the Baruch at the city of Bagdad
fair._ 785
_And so high did it soar, his honour, that no knight may with
him compare,
Howe'er ye may test their dealings. Nor is he of woman born,
(I mean of the knightly order) to whose hand he his strength
had sworn.
But help and true manly counsel to his friends did he
steadfast give;
And thro' women much grief he suffered, for he would in their
favour live. 790
Baptized was he as a Christian tho' Saracens mourn him yet,
(This is truth and no lie)--All his lifetime since his years
were on wisdom set
His strength strove for fame and honour, till he fell in his
knightly pride,
Wish him bliss who here lieth buried! 'Twas by treason's hand
he died!_'

So spake the squire, and the Waleis who heard it must weep
full sore, 795
Cause hast they enow for sorrow! A living child she bore
Who of men was left unaided, Herzeleide the gracious queen,
With death the mother battled: her maidens were crazed I
ween,
Since they thought not to help their lady, for within her
womb she bare
Him who should be flower of all knighthood, if death did not
claim him there. 800
Then there came a wise man ancient to weep with his lady's
grief,
And he saw how with death she struggled, and he brought to
her swift relief;
For he forced her teeth asunder, and betwixt her lips they
pour
Water, and at their tending her senses they came once more.
Then she spake, and aloud she mourned him, 'My heart's
dearest, Ah! where is he? 805
For in sooth my heart's deepest gladness was in Gamuret's
chivalry,
Yet his valour of this hath robbed me--Now his _mother_ am I
and _wife_,
Tho' far younger was I, for within me do I carry his flesh
and life;
The love that we bore to each other hath been of such flower
the root,
And if God shall in truth be faithful, He withholdeth not
here the fruit. 810
Already too sore my sorrow for my husband so proud and brave,
What ill death hath wrought upon me! Her love never woman
gave,
But his heart it rejoiced in her gladness, and sad for her
grief was he,
Thus his true heart it gave him counsel who was aye from all
falsehood free.'

Now hearken yet more the story how the noble queen must
mourn, 815
Within her arms would she hold him, her child who was yet
unborn,
And she spake, 'Now God send me safely the child of my hero
fair,
For this is my heart's petition; God keep me from dark
despair,
'Twere Gamuret's second slaying if I thought myself to slay
While I bear of his love the token who was faithful to me
alway!' 820

Then careless of who might see her, the robe from her neck
she tore,
And her fair white breasts she tended with the wisdom of
mother-lore,
To her rosy lips she pressed them, 'Ah, thou food that shall
feed my son,
He hath sent thee before his coming who life from my life
hath won!'

And the queen it nothing vexed her that above her heart it
lay 825
The milk that her child should nourish, and softly she spake
alway,
'Twas true love that brought thee hither, if I yet unbaptized
should be
From thee had I won my baptism, and the tears which shall
flow so free,
And openly and in secret will I mourn for my husband dear!'
Then the shift with his life-blood crimsoned she bade them to
bring anear, 830
(Thus clad in the Baruch's army had Gamuret lost his life,
For he chose him a gallant ending in the turmoil and stress
of strife),
And then for the spear she prayed them wherewith was her
husband slain,
From Nineveh's Prince Ipomidon such guerdon he needs must
gain.
And tho' tattered and hewn to pieces yet the queen fain the
shift would wear, 835
As aforetime had been her custom when her lord did from
Tourney fare,
But her maidens who stood around her they took it from out
her hand,
And they carried them to the Minster, the highest from out
her land,
And the spear and the blood they buried as men bury a hero
dead,
And sorrow and bitter mourning thro' Gamuret's kingdom
spread. 840

And when fourteen days were ended a babe lay the queen
beside,
'Twas a son, and so great and goodly that the mother had
well-nigh died.

Now 'tis cast the die of the venture, and here doth my tale
begin,
For now is he born who henceforward this song for his own
shall win.
And now have ye heard the story of his father, his love and
grief, 845
Of his gallant life, and the treason that ended its span so
brief;
And ye know whence he came, the hero of this tale, and how
for long
He was hidden from deeds of knighthood, till his youth it
waxed bold and strong.

When the queen found sight and hearing she was fain on her
child to look,
And her maidens they bare him to her and the babe in her arms
she took; 850
And she saw his limbs soft rounded, and she knew she had born
a son,
And her maidens with her were joyful that the earth had a
man-child won.
(As he bare of a man the body, so manly was he of heart,
As a smith did he wield the sword-blade till fire from the
helm would start)
And no joy did she know, the mother, save ever her babe to
kiss, 855
And with soft words she spake to him ever, '_Bon fils, Cher
fils, Beau fils._'

And e'en as herself she bare him, so herself she his nurse
would be,
At his mother's breast was he nourished who was ever from
falsehood free.
And she thought she had won her husband by her prayers to her
arms again,
She all folly forsook, and meekness and truth in her heart
did reign. 860

And musing spake Herzeleide, 'The queen of Heaven high
Gave her breast to the dear Lord Jesu Who a bitter death
would die
As Man on the cross for man's sake, for thus did His love
begin:
Who thinketh light of His anger his soul's peace shall hardly
win,
Tho' he else were brave man and worthy--and this tale do I
know for true!' 865
Then the queen of the land she bathed her in heart sorrow's
bitter dew,
And her eyes on the babe rained tear-drops as soft in her
arms it lay,
For hers was the way of women, where a true heart holdeth
sway;
She could laugh and weep together, her heart joyed for her
baby's birth,
Yet the ford of her bitter sorrow had drowned in short space
her mirth. 870