I have named unto ye a lady--Her chaplain did hither ride, And with him three noble pages, and strong squires were there beside; 280 And pack-horses twain they led there, and the will of their queen they'ld do, She was Lady of France, Anflisé--Her chaplain was wise and true, And straightway he knew the hero, and in French should his greeting be, 'Soit le bien venu, mon beau sire' to my lady as e'en to me, As queen of France she reigneth whom the lance of thy love doth smite, 285 And he gave to his hand a letter, and therein read the gallant knight A greeting fair, and a token it held of a finger-ring-- As pledge of the truth of his mission the chaplain the same must bring His lady of old received it from the hand of the Angevin-- Then he bowed as he saw the letter. Would ye hear what was writ therein? 290 'Here biddeth thee love and greeting a heart that hath ne'er been free From grief since it knew thy service--Thy love is both lock and key To my heart, and my heart's rejoicing! For thy love am I like to die, If thy love afar abideth, then all love from my heart shall fly. Come thou, and take from my true hand crown, sceptre, and kingdom fair, 295 It falleth to me as heirdom, and thy love well may claim a share. As payment for this thy service rich presents I send to thee, Four pack-horses' chests well laden--I would thou my knight shouldst be In this the land of the Waleis, 'fore the city of Kanvoleis. I care not if the queen shall see it, small harm may therefrom arise, 300 For fairer am I, and richer, and I think me shall better know To take the love that is proffered, and love in return bestow. Wilt thou live in true love as shall 'seem thee? Then here do I bid thee take My crown as thy love's rewarding--This I pray for my true love's sake.' And no more did he find in the letter--Then his squires once more they drew 305 O'er his head the under-helmet; from Gamuret sorrow flew, And he bound on the helm of diamond, 'twas harder than blade might pierce, For he thought again to prove him, and ride forth to conflict fierce. And the messengers did he bid them to lead to the tent for rest: And he cleared a space around him wherever the conflict pressed. 310