And this did he swear them freely--Then leave would the princes pray 835 Who stood in the royal presence, and they wend from the hall their way. And tho' sorely the land was wasted, yet Gamuret scattered free Such royal gifts and goodly as if laden with gold each tree. And costly I ween the presents that vassal and friend must share From the open hand of the hero; and the queen deemed it right and fair. 840 Full many a bitter conflict had been fought ere the bridal feast, But peace had the foeman sealèd, and the land was from strife released; (Nor this song I myself have woven, but so was it told to me) And Eisenhart did they bury with honours right royally. To his grave did his kinsmen bear him, and the gold that his lands might bring 845 In a whole year long, did they spend there, of their free will they did this thing. And Gamuret bade his kinsfolk his riches and lands to hold And use as they would; tho' they craved not such boon from the hero bold. At dawn from before the fortress the foe would their camp withdraw, And those who were there departed; many litters with them they bore. 850 And the field was left unsheltered, save for one tent so great and fair, And the king he bade his servants that tent to his vessel bear. And he said to his folk that to Assagog would he take it, and yet I wot He did with that speech deceive them, for Assagog saw him not. Now that proud and gallant hero, his heart gave him little rest 855 Since he found there no deeds of knighthood, and gladness forsook his breast; Yet his dusky wife was dearer than e'en his own life might be, Ne'er knew he a truer lady whose heart was from falsehood free, She forgat not what 'seemed a woman, and with her as comrades good Went purity untarnished, and the ways of true womanhood. 860 He was born in Seville's fair city whom the knight would hereafter pray, When he grew of his sojourn weary, to sail with him far away; For many a mile had he led him, and he brought him unto this place, And a Christian was he, the steersman, nor like to a Moor in face. And wisely he spake, 'Thou shalt hide it from them who a dark skin bear, 865 Too swift is my barque for pursuing, from hence shall we quickly fare!'