'God comfort thee,' quoth the hero, 'for the death of my father dear, For truly we both must mourn him--But I think from no lips to hear Such wailing for my departing! As valour shall show the way, I seek knighthood in distant countries--So it standeth with me to-day.' Quoth the queen, 'Since to high love's service thou turnest both hand and heart, 165 Sweet son, let it not displease thee to take of my wealth a part That may serve thee upon thy journey; let thy chamberlain take from me Four chests, each a pack-horse burden, and heavy their weight shall be. And within, uncut, there lieth rich silk of Orient rare, No man as yet hath cut it, and many a samite fair. 170 Sweet son, I prithee tell me what time thou wilt come again, That my joy may wax the greater, and I look for thee not in vain!' 'Nay, that I know not, Lady, nor the land that shall see my face, But wherever I take my journey, thou hast shown unto me such grace As befitteth knightly honour: and the king he hath dealt with me 175 In such wise that grateful service his rewarding shall ever be. And this trust have I, O Lady, that for this thou wilt love him more Henceforward, whate'er the future yet keepeth for me in store.' And as the venture telleth, to the hand of this dauntless knight, Thro' the favour he won from a woman, and the working of true love's might, 180 Came a token fair, and its value was full thousand marks, I trow, E'en to-day an a Jew were craving a pledge, he would deem enow Such jewel, and ne'er disdain it--'Twas sent by his lady true, And fame did he win in her service, and her love and her greeting knew, Yet seldom his pain found easing--Then the hero he took his leave 185 Of mother, brother, and brother's kingdom, and many I ween must grieve Since his eyes never more beheld them. And all who his friends had been, Ere he passed from the land of his fathers, tho' the grace were but small, I ween, He gave them of thanks full measure; he deemed they too much had done, And, courteous, little thought him, that of right he their love had won! 190 Straighter his heart than straightness; did one of his praises speak In a full and fitting measure, then doubt were not far to seek, But ask ye of those his neighbours, or of men who in distant lands Had seen his deeds, then the marvel ye were swifter to understand.