Then a space did she step towards him, and a kiss from her guest she prayed; And, herself, by the hand she took him and they sat them, both man and maid In a window wide, that looked forth from the palace upon the foe, And a covering of wadded samite was spread o'er the couch below. 370 Is there aught that than day is lighter? Then it likeneth not the queen! Yet else was she fair to look on, as a woman should be, I ween, But unlike to the dew-dipped roses was her colour, yea, black as night. And her crown was a costly ruby, and thro' it ye saw aright Her raven head. Then as hostess she spake to her guest this word, 375 That greatly she joyed at his coming, 'Sir, Knight, I such tale have heard Of thy knightly strength and prowess--Of thy courtesy, hear me fair, For fain would I tell of my sorrow, and the woe that my heart doth bear!' 'My help shall not fail thee, Lady! What hath grieved, or doth grieve thee now, I think me aside to turn it, to thy service my hand I vow! 380 I am naught but one man only--Who hath wronged or now wrongeth thee My shield will I hold against him--Little wroth shall thy foeman be!' Then a prince he spake out courteous, 'The foe would we little spare, Did our host not lack a captain, since Friedebrand hence must fare. He defendeth afar his kingdom--A king, one Hernant by name 385 (Whom he slew for the sake of Herlindè) his kinsmen against him came, And evil enow have they wrought him, nor yet from their strife forbear-- Yet he left here full many a hero, and among them, Duke Heuteger With his gallant deeds of knighthood, and his army, hath pressed us sore, They have skill and strength for the conflict. And many a soldier more 390 With Gaschier of Normandy came here, and a hero wise is he. Many knights hath he brought to this country (and wrathful guests they be): Kailet of Hoscurast. All these hath he brought upon our fair land With his comrades four, and his soldiers, the Scottish king Friedebrand! And there, to the West, by the sea-coast doth Eisenhart's army lie, 395 And their eyes shall be fain for weeping; nor in secret, nor openly Hath one seen them, and failed to marvel at their grief and their sorrow sore, Since their lord hath been slain in battle with the heart's rain their eyes run o'er.'