A bridge from the plain was builded that crossed o'er the river's flow, 35 And 'twas closed by a tower-portal; nor the squire at his task was slow, But he opened the gates, unwearied, when one would an entrance win. And above it there stood the palace, and the queen sat the hall within, And she gazed from the high hall window with many a maiden fair, And they looked on the squires beneath them to see what had brought them there. 40 'Twixt themselves had they taken counsel, and a tent did they rear on high For the winning of love ungranted a king wrought it in days gone by, ('Twas in service of Queen Belakané). The squires laboured with might and main Till the burden of thirty pack-steeds they raised on the grassy plain, A pavilion rich to look on, and the meadow it was so wide 45 That the silken ropes that held it might stretch forth on either side. And Gamuret, their master, ate without in the open air-- And then for his courtly entrance with skill would the knight prepare, Nor longer might be delaying--His squires take the spears straightway, And they bind them fast together, and five in each band they lay, 50 And the sixth in their hand they carry, with its pennon and anchor white; So proudly into the city came riding this gallant knight. Then the queen she heard the tidings that a noble guest was come From a far-off land and distant, and in sooth was he known to none. 'And courteous his folk in bearing; both heathen and French I trow, 55 And Angevin, some among them if their speech I aright may know; And their courage is high, and their raiment both rich and well shaped shall be. But now was I with his people, and they seem me from falsehood free, And they say, 'Who hath lust for riches, if he to our lord shall seek He will free him from fear of scarceness!' The while I with them did speak, 60 I asked them to tell of their master, and they thought not to hide the thing, But spake of a true heart freely, 'Of Zassamank is he king.'