And yet bare he grief and sorrow--Now the April sun was o'er, And had left behind a token in the garment the meadow bore, 600 With short green grass was it covered, so that coward hearts waxed bold, And won afresh high courage; and the trees did their buds unfold In the soft sweet air of the May-tide, and he came of the fairy race That aye loveth, or sweet love seeketh, and his friend she would show him grace. Then he looked on Queen Herzeleide, and he spake to her courteously, 605 'If in joy we would live, O Lady, then my warder thou shalt not be, When loosed from the bonds of sorrow, for knighthood my heart is fain; If thou holdest me back from Tourney I may practise such wiles again As of old when I fled from the lady whom I won with mine own right hand; When from strife she would fain have kept me I fled from her folk and land!' 610 Then she spake, 'Set what bonds thou willest, by thy word will I still abide.' 'Many spears would I break asunder, and each month would to Tourney ride, Thou shalt murmur not O Lady when such knightly joust I'ld run!' This she sware, so the tale was told me, and the maid and her lands he won. The three pages of Queen Anflisé and her chaplain were nigh at hand, 615 As the judgment was sealed and spoken they must hearken and understand, And he spake to the knight in secret, 'To my lady this tale was told How at Patelamunt thy valour did the guerdon of victory hold, And that there two kingdoms served thee--And she too hath lands I trow, And she thinketh _herself_ to give thee, and riches and gold enow!' 620 'As knighthood of old she taught me so must I hold fast alway By the strength of the knightly order, and the rule of the shield obey. Thro' her my shield have I won me, else perchance I had worn it not, Here doth knightly verdict bind me, be sorrow or joy my lot. Go ye homeward, and bear my service, her knight will I ever be, 625 And for her is my deepest sorrow tho' all crowns were awaiting me!' Then he proffered to them of his riches, but his gifts did they cast aside. Yet was she not shamed their lady, tho' homeward they needs must ride! And they craved not leave, but they rode thence, as in anger ye oft shall find, And the princes' sons, her pages, well-nigh did they weep them blind. 630