19. A lady beautiful to see, Sat 'neath a gorgeous canopy. She was queen of that countrie, Lady of generous chivalry, And eke of lowly charity. The holy Palmers with reverence, Welcomed she to her residence; Gentle and kind was she. 20. But the knight would not be comforted, For restless recollection shed A sadness over all. In silent mood he wandered Through tower and lofty hall. 21. It fell on a day the Queen with her guest Were seated at the mid-day feast, When entered her favorite page in haste. In the early morning he went in quest Of eaglets' eyries, and on the crest Of a lofty mountain he found a nest, With golden treasure hid in its breast, Wrapped in a scarlet mantel. 22. No sooner beheld she the page's prize, Than the tears o'erflowed the ladie's eyes. My true and loyal knight she cries, (The palmer looked on with mute surprise.) Hast thou Sir Isumbras seen? One moment they gazed in silent survey, The mists of memory rolled away; And locked within his arms she lay-- The lost one found again. And there was feast and festival; Resounded then through bower and hall, The lute and joyous madrigal; And joustings there were in tournament, And breaking of lances in compliment, To the beauty of ladies bright; Then over the Sultan's fair domain, In peace the knight and lady reign; Till the king in all sincerity, Strove with pious zeal to free From the bonds of Infidelity, _His Paynim lieges hight_. 23. But no one there his cause upheld, Save God and the Queen, I trow; And were they e'er so valorous, Never could they withstand An armament so numerous, As the unbelievers' band. 24. Then by a chance miraculous, The tide of war was turned. As they might be sent in our Lady's name, Three knights came pricking o'er the plain, As if the ground they spurned. Came the first on a lion strong; On a leopard the second was borne-- The third bestrode a unicorn. Tall men and brave were they; The hosts of the Saracens fled in dismay, And repenting of their disloyalty, Returned they then to their fealty; And the knight and lady peacefully Together with their children, three Restored to them so happily, Reigned in tranquillity, Prosperously and long. 25. They lived and died in good intent; Unto Heaven their souls went. When that they dead were, Jesus Christ, Heaven's king, Give us aye his blessing, And shield us aye from care.