XXIX. "'Twas at this coward King's command they slew my brother dear, And now I'm helpless in the land:--It is not death I fear, But loth, loth am I to depart, and leave my children so-- Now let me lay them to my heart, and kiss them ere I go."-- XXX. "Kiss him that lies upon thy breast--the rest thou mayst not see."-- "I fain would say an Ave."--"Then say it speedily."-- She knelt her down upon her knee: "O Lord! behold my case-- Judge not my deeds, but look on me in pity and great grace."-- XXXI. When she had made her orison, up from her knees she rose-- "Be kind, Alarcos, to our babes, and pray for my repose-- And now give me my boy once more upon my breast to hold, That he may drink one farewell drink, before my breast be cold."-- XXXII. "Why would you waken the poor child? you see he is asleep-- Prepare, dear wife, there is no time, the dawn begins to peep."-- "Now hear me, Count Alarcos! I give thee pardon free-- I pardon thee for the love's sake wherewith I've lovèd thee. XXXIII. "But they have not my pardon, the King and his proud daughter-- The curse of God be on them, for this unchristian slaughter!-- I charge them with my dying breath, ere thirty days be gone, To meet me in the realm of death, and at God's awful throne!"-- XXXIV. He drew a kerchief round her neck, he drew it tight and strong, Until she lay quite stiff and cold her chamber floor along; He laid her then within the sheets, and, kneeling by her side, To God and Mary Mother in misery he cried. XXXV. Then called he for his esquires:--oh! deep was their dismay, When they into the chamber came, and saw her how she lay;-- Thus died she in her innocence, a lady void of wrong, But God took heed of their offence--his vengeance stayed not long. XXXVI. Within twelve days, in pain and dole, the Infanta passed away, The cruel King gave up his soul upon the twentieth day; Alarcos followed ere the Moon had made her round complete.-- Three guilty spirits stood right soon before God's judgment-seat. TALES FROM THE GESTA ROMANORUM. CONTENTS.