Then the maiden Bené saw them, and knew them, the squires twain Who came to the court of King Arthur from Gramoflanz' kingly train, And she spake, 'Here should no man linger, will ye that I bid them go, 555 The folk, from our tent? It were ill-done, methinks, that all men should know How sorely my lady sorroweth for the sake of her love so dear; Methinks it might lightly happen that too many the tale should hear!' Then forth from the tent went Bené, and in secret unto her care The squire gave the folded letter, and the golden ring he bare, 560 And they, too, had heard the wailing of the maid, and they knew full well Why she sorrowed, and this their errand they fain to the king would tell. And they asked of the maiden Bené if she their friend would be? And she spake, 'Stand without the circle till I bid ye to come to me!' Then Bené, the gentle maiden, she told them within the tent 565 That without two squires were waiting, from Gramoflanz hither sent, And fain would they speak with King Arthur--'But unfitting it seemeth me That we call them unto our counsels, and that witnesses they should be. On my lady must I avenge me, if thus they shall see her weep, I bade them await my bidding, and without there their station keep!' 570 Quoth Arthur, 'Are they the pages whom I saw behind me ride? Of noble birth shall the twain be, methinks, it might well betide That so wise are they both and courteous they might give us counsel good, Methinks of their king's love either would treat in a fitting mood?' Quoth Bené, 'Nay, that I know not, but Sire, of thy grace, this ring 575 And the letter which now I bring thee, they bare hither from their king. As but now I left the pavilion, of the pages, one gave it me. Now see, Lady, do thou take it, for methinks it is meant for thee!'