Then spake he unto King Hardeiss, 'Aleiss thy sister fair 485 She proffered her love, I took it--Now wedded is she elsewhere, And a better than I is her husband! No longer thus wrathful frown, Prince Lambekein, he hath won her--tho' in sooth she shall wear no crown, Yet honour enough is her portion--Brabant and Hennegau Do her service, and many a brave knight doth unto her bidding bow. 490 If thy mind it shall turn to greet me let thy favour be mine once more, And take thou again my service of a true heart as aye of yore.' Then the king of Gascony answered as befitted a hero brave, 'Yea, soft is thy speech, yet if greeting I give thee as thou dost crave, Who hath offered to me such insult, men will deem _fear_ such grace hath won, 495 For captive am I to thy cousin!' 'Yet ill shall he deal with none, Gamuret, he shall grant thy freedom, that boon my first prayer shall be: No man shall thereto constrain thee, yet my service the day shall see When thou as thy friend shalt claim me. For the shame, 'tis enow I wot, For whate'er _thou_ mayst do against me, thy sister, she slayeth me not!' 500 Then all at his words laughed loudly. But their mirth it was soon o'erpast For his true heart the host constrainèd, and desire held him once more fast, And a sharp goad I ween is sorrow--Then the heroes they saw right well How he wrestled anew with sorrow and his joy in the conflict fell; And his cousin he waxed right wrathful, and he spake, 'Now thou doest ill.' 505 'Nay, nay, for I needs must sorrow, and naught may my yearning still For the queen I have left behind me, afar on a heathen shore, Pure wife and true is that lady, and my heart she hath wounded sore.'