Then in secret one looked upon him, and the chamber with blood was red, 335 And the lion alike and the hero they lay as the twain were dead. 'Twas a fair and gracious maiden who saw thro' a loop-hole high, And her face it grew wan, and the colour from her lips and her cheek must fly. And youth was so heavy-hearted that old age sore must mourn her tale. Yet Arnivé was wise, and her wisdom did here o'er the woe prevail, 340 And still for this deed must I praise her, she drew near to aid Gawain, And from peril of death she freed him who freedom for her would gain. Then herself she was fain to behold him, and they gazed thro' the window small, And naught might they tell, those women, of what waited them in the hall. Was it news of a joyful future? Or of woe that should last for aye? 345 And the queen's heart it sore misgave her that the hero had died that day, (And the thought brought her grief and sorrow,) since he sought him no better bed, But silent he lay, and rested on the corse of the lion his head. And she spake, 'From my heart I mourn thee, if thy manhood so true and brave Hath won thee no better guerdon, and thy life thou hast failed to save. 350 If death here hath been thy portion for our sake, who shall strangers be, And thy truth to such fate hath brought thee, then for ever I'll mourn for thee. And thy virtue I'll praise, tho' the counting of thy years I may never know!' And she spake to the weeping women, as they looked on the knight laid low, 'Ye maids who shall be baptizèd, and by water have won a place 355 In God's kingdom, pray ye unto Him, that He show to this hero grace!'