'Well I know that in righteous anger for a lesser sin than thine Full many had slain the sinner, but I would not such deed were mine! For the service of knightly honour that to thee I had offered fair, 395 Henceforth shalt thou know but lacking; nor thy need do I think to spare-- No more with thy white arms circled in love and in peace I'll lie, Those golden days of love's glory have faded and passed us by, But pale be thy mouth so rosy, and tear-dimmed thy shining eyes, For joy shall be put far from thee, and thy heart's songs be turned to sighs!' 400 Then sadly she looked upon him, that princess so fair and true, 'May it be for the honour of knighthood what seemeth thee best to do, Wise art thou indeed and loyal, and I in thy power may be, And I know well that heavy sorrow and pain thou canst bring on me: To the ordeal, I prithee, put me, and do this for all women's sake, 405 Thereafter, an I be guilty, for my sin do thou vengeance take! If another's hand shall slay me, (for _thee_ were such deed un-meet) Then gladly I'll die--Dost thou scorn me? then welcome is death, and sweet!' Then he broke out in bitter anger, 'If thy pride be still so great, It is meet I should meekness teach thee, tho' the lesson be all too late-- 410 No more shall we be companions, together no more we'll eat; Be our marriage couch forgotten and the hours of communion sweet. This garment in which I found thee thy only robe shall be, And instead of jewelled bridle hempen twist will I give to thee; Thy steed be the guest of hunger, and thy saddle once decked so fair 415 Shall be robbed of its goodly trappings!' and with hasty hand he tare The samite adown, and he brake it, the saddle she rode erewhile, (Nor her gentle ways and seemly might his angry wrath beguile) With a hempen cord he bound it--Too soon had she won his hate! As he did this he spake, 'Now Lady, 'tis best we no longer wait, 420 Could I reach him who shared thy favours, then fulfilled were my heart's desire, The venture I'ld face, though as dragon he were breathing forth flames and fire!' Then with weeping instead of laughter she passed from out the tent That lady so rich in sorrow, and sadly her way she went; Yet more than she mourned her shaming she wept her lord's grief, I ween, 425