Then e'en at the daylight's dawning the boy would no longer stay, For the thought of King Arthur's glory yet heavy upon him lay. Then Queen Herzeleide kissed him, and she sped swift his steed behind, 275 And the sorrow of sorrows smote her when her boy she no more might find. (Hence he rode and what heart rejoiceth?) Then the queen from all falsehood free, Fell low on the earth, and grief tare her till death must her portion be! Yet I wot that her death so faithful it hath saved her from pains of Hell, And to be of such son the mother, it repayeth all anguish well! 280 Thus she, the root of all goodness whence humility's flower might blow, Herself on a pilgrimage wended that a goodly goal should know. Woe worth us! that none of their children should live still, to hand us down In these days when we look on falsehood their honour and fair renown. And therefore shall faithful women wish well to this lad so bold, 285 Who rideth fair ventures seeking, whose journey ye now behold! Then the gallant lad rode onward on his way toward Briziljan's wood, And he came to a rippling streamlet, and a cock well might wade that flood! And flowers in the grass were blooming, yet so darkling ran the wave That the lad he thought not to ford it; but as wit the counsel gave, 290 So he followed its course thro' the daylight, and he passed as he could the night, Till he saw once more the morning, and he came to a fair ford bright. On the further side was a meadow, and a tent decked the grass so green, And tall was the tent wide-spreading, and riches thereon were seen; 'Twas of samite of threefold colours, on the seams lay fair ribbons wide, 295 And a leathern covering hung there, 'gainst the rain-cloud to guard its pride. ('Twas Duke Orilus of Lalande, whose wife he beneath it found-- She lay there in peaceful slumber with riches happed fair around, A Duchess she was, well worthy the love of a gallant knight, And the venture it tells that Jeschuté was the name of that lady bright) 300