Then she sailed to her distant kingdom, the young Queen Ekuba, I speak of the heathen princess; and they scattered to lands afar 1010 The folk who awhile abode there, on the fair plain of Plimizöl; And King Arthur and all his courtiers they gat them to Karidöl. Yet first they prayed leave, Klamidé and Kunnewaaré of fair Lalande, And Duke Orilus and his lady, Jeschuté of Karnant. Yet till the third day with Klamidé in the plain did the twain abide, 1015 And the marriage-feast was holden ere yet from the place they ride. Yet small was the pomp; in his kingdom, I ween, should it greater be. And free was his hand and knightly, and he dealt right courteously, For many a knight at his bidding henceforth must his man remain, And many a wandering minstrel did he gather within his train, 1020 And he led them into his kingdom, and in honour, rich gifts, and land He gave unto them, nor churlish would any refuse his hand. Now Duke Orilus and Jeschuté, to Brandigan the twain would fare For the love that unto Klamidé and Kunnewaaré they bare. For they thought them that fitting honour to their sister they scarce had done 1025 Till as queen they had seen her crownèd, and set on the royal throne. Now I know well if wise the woman, and true of heart she be, Who seeth this story written, of a sooth will she own to me That better I speak of women than I spake of _one_ erewhile; For true was fair Belakané, and free from all thought of guile, 1030 For dead was her love, yet lifeless he still o'er her heart did reign. And a dream filled fair Herzeleide with torment of fear and pain. And Queen Guinevere bewailed her full sorely for Ither's death, (And little I grudge her mourning, for no truer knight e'er drew breath). And I wot when King Lac's fair daughter rode forth such a shameful ride 1035 Then sorely I mourned the sorrow that, guiltless, she must abide. Sore smitten was Kunnewaaré, and torn was her golden hair; Now the twain they are well avengèd, and glory for shame they bear! And he who doth tell this story, he weaveth his ventures fair, And he knoweth right well to rhyme them, in lines that break and pair. 1040 And fain were I more to tell ye, an she give to my words good heed Who treadeth with feet far smaller than the feet that shall spur my steed! BOOK VII OBILOT ARGUMENT