By weariness taught to slumber, but seldom throughout the night 900 On his other side did he turn him, he might well wait the morning light. Then the prince he bade his servants ere ever 'twas middle day, A bath, as was meet, make ready by the couch where the young knight lay, And roses they threw within it--And tho' he no call might hear The guest awoke from his slumbers, and he stepped in the waters clear. 905 I know not who sent them hither, but maidens richly dressed, Lovely and sweet to look on, all courteous sought the guest, They washed his wounds and bound them with their hands so soft and white, (Nor should this o'er strange have seemed him who was reft of wisdom's might) And both ease he felt and gladness, nor his folly they made him rue-- 910 Thus these fair and gentle maidens they tended the lad anew, And they spake 'twixt themselves, and he hearkened, yet never a word would say, Yet too early he might not deem it, for they shone as a second day, And their beauty it vied with the morning, yet his fairness outshone the twain, For naught to the youth was lacking that favour and praise might gain. 915 Then a linen cloth they proffered, but the lad he took it ill, An he robed himself before them, their presence should shame him still. Perforce must the maidens leave him, nor longer might linger there Tho' in sooth they would fain have questioned lest deeper the wounds he bare. (For such was the way of woman, and such is true woman's will, 920 Tho' scatheless themselves yet the sorrow of a friend it doth work them ill.) Then he strode to the bed, and he found there fresh raiment so fine and white, With a girdle he bound it round him, 'twas of silk and of gold so bright; And hosen of scarlet woollen they drew on the fearless knight, In sooth they well became him who was comely in all men's sight. 925 And of ruddy brown well fashioned, (nor lining they thought to spare) Were robe alike and mantle, and within was the ermine fair, And without were they decked with sable, both black and grey in hue; Then the gallant youth the mantle around his shoulders threw, With a belt so rich and costly he girt him found the waist, 930 And the fastening of the mantle with a golden clasp was graced.