Then she spake, 'That will I, right gladly, thy shelter and shield I'll be, Thine heart, and thine heart's best comfort, since from grief thou hast set me free. 530 Thy friend will I be and comrade, and whatever chance betide, A roof 'gainst misfortune's stormcloud, safe dwelling wherein to hide. True peace this my love shall give thee, Good Fortune to thee I'll bring; That-thy strength may by naught be vanquished, I'll guard thee 'gainst host and king. Host am I alike and hostess--To combat I'll ride with thee, 535 An thou keepest my words in remembrance strength and bliss shall thy portion be.' Then out quoth the gallant Gawain, 'Yea, maiden, the twain I'll share, Since my life I vow to thy service, thy love and thy comfort fair.' And the hand of the little maiden the while in his strong clasp lay-- Then she quoth, 'To fulfil mine office I must hence to the Burg away, 540 Wouldst thou fare forth without my aiding, and without my token fight? Nay, for that all too dear I hold thee--My part will I play aright, And my token I will prepare thee, and if thou my pledge shalt bear Then I wot well that o'er all others thy glory shall blossom fair.' Then they went forth, the little maidens, and Gawain, the stranger guest, 545 They thanked with sweet words and kindly, and thus he his speech addrest, 'When older ye twain shall be waxen, were they spears, every woodland bough, And the forest bare naught but spear-shafts, then too poor were the crop, I trow! If your childhood shall thus be powerful, what then of your maidenhood? For your favour brave knights shall shatter both strong shield and spear-shaft good!' 550 Then forth sped the little maidens, and their hearts they were glad and gay; And she spake, the Burg-grave's daughter, 'Lady, I prithee say What wilt give to thy knight for a token, since naught but our dolls have we? An mine were but somewhat fairer I would give it right willingly Nor be wroth with thee for the taking, we should strive not o'er that I ween!' 555 Then Lippaut the prince o'ertook them half-way on the hillside green, And he saw Obilot and Clauditté, as up towards the Burg they sped, And he bade them stand still, and await him, and his daughter towards him fled.