When he had heard, with bitter tears, 105 He made his answer then; "In what I did, let me be made Example to all men. I will return again," quoth he, "Unto my Ragan's court; 110 She will not use me thus, I hope, But in a kinder sort." Where when he came, she gave command To drive him thence away: When he was well within her court, 115 She said, he would not stay. Then back again to Gonorell The woeful king did hie, That in her kitchen he might have What scullion boys set by. 120 But there of that he was deny'd Which she had promis'd late: For once refusing, he should not Come after to her gate. Thus twixt his daughters for relief 125 He wandred up and down, Being glad to feed on beggars food, That lately wore a crown. And calling to remembrance then His youngest daughter's words, 130 That said, the duty of a child Was all that love affords-- But doubting to repair to her, Whom he had banish'd so, Grew frantick mad; for in his mind 135 He bore the wounds of woe. Which made him rend his milk-white locks And tresses from his head, And all with blood bestain his cheeks, With age and honour spread. 140 To hills and woods and watry founts He made his hourly moan, Till hills and woods and senseless things Did seem to sigh and groan. Ev'n thus posses'd with discontents, 145 He passed o'er to France, In hopes from fair Cordelia there To find some gentler chance. Most virtuous dame! which, when she heard Of this her father's grief, 150 As duty bound, she quickly sent Him comfort and relief. And by a train of noble peers, In brave and gallant sort, She gave in charge he should be brought 155 To Aganippus' court; Whose royal king, with noble mind,[L157] So freely gave consent To muster up his knights at arms, To fame and courage bent. 160 And so to England came with speed, To repossess King Leir, And drive his daughters from their thrones By his Cordelia dear. Where she, true-hearted, noble queen, 165 Was in the battel slain; Yet he, good king, in his old days, Possess'd his crown again.