And all tear-bedewed were the eyelids of the Lady Guinevere, 565 For Prince Ither's death wrought sorrow unto many a woman dear. Now must King Klamidé seat him, on the bank by Plimizöl, And beside him sate Iofreit, who was son unto King Idöl; And 'twixt Klamidé and Gawain must the Waleis have his place-- And they know who tell the venture, none sate here of royal grace, 570 None who woman's breast had suckled, whose fame stood so high and fair, For courage and youthful beauty did the Waleis, as jewels, wear. And they owned, who there looked upon him, that many a maiden bright Saw herself in a darker mirror than the lips of this fair young knight. And on cheek and on chin his colour might well as fetters be 575 For those who should need such fetters, whose fancy flitteth free. Here might there be naught of changing--(of women my rede I trow For some they are ever wavering, and ever new friendships know!) But his look ever constant held them, till I wot well that thro' their eyes His entry he gained triumphant, and made of their hearts his prize! 580 Thus maiden and man beheld him, and his honour all men did praise, Till he found here the goal of sighing, and the end of his joyous days. For hither came one I must tell of, and faithful was she in truth Tho' discourteous her ways, and for sorrow, I ween, had she little ruth! And the folk for her message sorrowed--Now hear how the maid must ride, 585 Her mule it was tall as a war-horse, and branded on either side; And its nostrils were slit as is custom in the far land of Hungary, Yet her harness and bridle were costly, with rich work broidered cunningly. Soft and slow paced her mule, yet the maiden was not as a maid, I trow. What sought she? She came as 'twas fated, and sorrow must Arthur know. 590 And of wisdom forsooth this maiden might boast her a wondrous store, No tongue but she spake, French, Latin, and Paynim: in all such lore As men read in the highest heavens, Dialectics, Geometry, In all was she courteous trainèd, and her name it was called Kondrie. 'The sorceress' did men name her, nor her speech halted on its way, 595 Too ready her tongue, since rejoicing she smote into grief that day.