Then the lad he was glad of his booty, and thus did he ride a while-- 345 Methinks there was little lacking that from hence he had gone a mile, Ere he came of whom I would tell you: on the dew he the tracks might see Of one who had sought his lady--The tent-ropes displaced should be Where the lad thro' the grass had ridden; then the gallant Duke and proud Found his lady within in sorrow, and Orilus spake aloud, 350 'Alas! for the service done thee--for smitten and put to shame Is the crown of my knightly honour, since another thy love can claim!' Then little, alas! might it profit that with streaming eyes she swore No lover had she save her husband,--he would hearken her tale no more. Then she spake in her fear and anguish, 'Twas a _fool_, he who came to me, 355 And yet tho' a fool, of all men I wot he may fairest be! My ring and my clasp gold-gleaming, he took them against my will!' 'Nay, I doubt not so well he pleased thee, thou didst grant him more favours still,' 'Now, God forbid! for his fool's garb and his javelin were e'en too near, It shameth us both, my husband, such words from thy lips to hear! 360 Are _queens_ wont to love thus lowly, that thou speakest such words of me? Thou wrongest our royal breeding, when thou deemest such things may be!'