With that he gave a groan That did break asunder All the tender strings Of his gentle heart: She, who knew his voice, 85 At his tale did wonder; All her former joys Did to grief convert. Straight she ran to see Who this man should be, 90 That so like her love did speak; And found, whenas she came, Her lovely lord lay slain, Smeer'd in blood which life did break. Which when that she espied, 95 Lord, how sore she cried! Her sorrows could not counted be; Her eyes like fountains running, While she cryed out, "My darling, Would God that I had dy'd for thee!" 100 His pale lips, alas! Twenty times she kiss['e]d, And his face did wash With her brinish tears; Every bleeding wound 105 Her fair face bedewed, Wiping off the blood With her golden hairs. ["Speak, my love," quoth she,][L109] "Speak, fair prince, to me; 110 One sweet word of comfort give; Lift up thy fair eyes, Listen to my cries, Think in what great grief I live." All in vain she sued, 115 All in vain she wooed, The prince's life was fled and gone; There stood she still mourning 'Till the sun's returning, And bright day was coming on. 120 In this great distress Quoth this royal lady, "Who can now express What will become of me? To my father's court 125 Never will I wander, But some service seek Where I may placed be." Whilst she thus made her moan, Weeping all alone, 130 In this deep and deadly fear, A forester all in green, Most comely to be seen, Ranging the wood did find her there, Round beset with sorrow. 135 "Maid," quoth he, "good morrow. What hard hap hath brought you here?" "Harder hap did never Chance to a maiden ever; Here lies slain my brother dear. 140