Written of or named as excellent, In the midst of it turns a wheel Which represents the figure of the world; Wherein birds, in windows of glass, Sing if you will, and if not they are all mute. There puppies of various kinds, Not troublesome, and they make no noise: If you call them, they make much of you. On the benches flowers heaped and strewn— Great is the odour, but not excessive: Much balsam in vessels of crystal. A nurse says: ‘All things are yours. You will lie by yourself in that bed: We will all be sleeping here.’ They show her the wardrobe at one side, Wherein they say that they remain keeping watch. They wash the Lady’s face and hands With rose-water mixed with violets, For in that country such is the wont. They dress her hair, wind up her tresses, Stand round about her, help her to disrobe. Who takes her shoes off, happy she! Her shoes are by no means of leather. They look her in the face whether she is timorous: She prays them to stay. They tell her that they will sleep outside the bed, At her feet, on the cloths I have spoken of. ‘They make-believe to do so, and the Lady smiles. They put her to bed: first they hold her,— They turn the quilt over: and, her face being displayed, All the shows of gems and draperies Wane before that amorous beauty Which issues from the eyes she turns around. Her visage shines: the nurses disappear: The Lady closes her eyes, and sleeps. Then these nurses trick the Lady. They leave by the door which they had not shown her: They go to the bridegroom who is waiting outside. Him they tell of the trick. There come around the new knight, Young lord, puissant crown, Many donzels and knights who wait Solely for his chamber-service. They give him water, as to the Lady: His blond head each adorns, Bright his countenance. Every one Has gladness and joy, glad in his happiness. They leave him in his jerkin, they bring him within: They take off his shoes at the draped entry. They all without, and the nurses at one side, Stay quiet. A réveillée begins, And so far off that it gives no annoy. The comely King crosses himself, and looks: The Lady and the gems make a great splendour, And it seems to him that this Queen is asleep. He enters softly, and wholly undresses: It appears that the Lady heaves a sigh. The King is scared: he covers himself up in the bed. He signals to the birds to sing: They all begin, one by one, and low.[48] The signal tells them to raise their note: Higher they rise in singing—and perchance This noise may wake the Lady up. Again he signals that they should all trill louder.