Softly the princess slumbered,--yet weapons of love she bore; A mouth so red and glowing, that a knight's heart had wounded sore, And e'en as she slept they parted asunder, her lips so bright, That the fire of love had kindled, (fit venture for gallant knight) And even as ivory snow-white, and little, and close the row 305 Of the teeth that gleamed white betwixt them--methinks that a man were slow To use himself to such kisses from a mouth that all men might praise-- I wot that so fair a guerdon but seldom hath crowned my days! A covering of richest sable over foot and knee was thrown, (For the heat she aside hath cast it, whom her lord had thus left alone) 310 And her form it was fairly fashioned, and wrought by a skilful hand, Since 'twas God Himself in His wisdom who so fair a work had planned. And long was her arm and rounded: on her snow-white hand a ring Gleamed golden, and when he saw it the lad to her side did spring; For had not his mother told him such jewels were the guerdon fair 315 That a knight well might crave? and he thought him he fain would such token bear! Then the lady awoke in terror as his clasp on her white arm fell, And gazed in startled wonder and wrath as beseemed her well; 'Who is it, who thus would shame me? Nay, sir, thou art all too free! Go, choose thee some fairer maiden, my favours are not for thee!' 320