Then Meljanz he stept him nearer, and she held fast to Gawain's hand, And she took the pledge of her monarch mid the knights who did round them stand. 'Sir King, 'twas ill-done I think me, if a _merchant_ he be my knight As my sister hath said, to yield thee as his captive on field of might!' 930 Thus spake Obilot, the maiden; then to Meljanz she gave command, He should yield his pledge to her sister, and swear it hand clasped in hand; 'Thou shalt have her for Love, for thy knighthood, as her Love and her Lord art thou Henceforward, of true heart gladly, and ye twain to my will shall bow!' God spake by the lips of the maiden, her will it was done straightway, 935 And Frau Minne with power and wisdom again o'er their hearts held sway, And knit afresh the meshes, and fettered the twain anew; From the folds of her flowing mantle her small hand Obie drew, And she touched the arm of her lover, and weeping, her lips so red Kissed the wound he had won in jousting, since it was for her sake he bled. 940 And his arm was bathed in the tear-drops that flowed from her eyes so bright-- How waxed she thus bold 'fore the people? 'Twas Love bade her claim her right; And fulfilled was the wish of Lippaut, and naught of his bliss should fail, Since God had willed that his daughter henceforth as his queen he hail! How the wedding feast was holden, ask them who took their share 945 Of wedding gifts, or wandering, to Beaurosch had thought to fare. If they fought, or were fain to rest them, of that I no word may tell, But they say in the hall of the palace Sir Gawain would bid farewell To her for whose leave he came there, and sore wept the little maid And spake, 'Now take me with thee,' but Gawain her wish gainsaid, 950 And scarce might her mother tear her from the knight--leave he prayed them there, And Lippaut he proffered service for the good-will he towards him bare. And his gallant host, Scherules, with his folk he would not delay To ride awhile with the hero; and he wended a woodland way, And they gave him guides for his journey, and food lest he ill should fare, 955 And he bade them farewell, and sorrow Gawain for the parting bare. BOOK VIII ANTIKONIE ARGUMENT