'Twas on the solemn feast of sainted John, When knights past tale did in the castle won, That, supper done, 'twas will'd they all should fare Forth to the orchard green, awhile to ramble there. The queen, who long had mark'd, with much delight, The gallant graces of the Breton knight, Soon, from the window of her lofty tower, Mid the gay band espied him in a bower, And turning to her dames with blythe intent, 'Hence, all!' she cried; 'we join the merriment!' All took the word, to the gay band they hied, The queen, besure, was close to Lanval's side, Sprightly she seem'd, and sportfully did toy, And caught his hand to dance, and led the general joy, Lanval alone was dull where all was gay, His thoughts were fixed on his lovely fay: Soon as he deftly might, he fled the throng; And her dear name nigh trembled on his tongue, When the fond queen, who well had trac'd his flight, Stepp'd forth, and cross'd his disappointed sight. Much had she sought to meet the knight alone; Now in these words she made her passion known: 'Lanval!' she said, 'thy worth, long season past, 'In my deserv'd esteem hath fix'd thee fast: 'Tis thine this prosperous presage to improve:-- Say, gentle knight, canst thou return my love? The knight, ye wot, love's paragon ador'd, And, had his heart been free, rever'd his word; True to his king, the fealty of his soul Abhorr'd all commerce with a thought so foul. In fine, the sequel of my tale to tell, From the shent queen such bitter slander fell, That, with an honest indignation strong, The fatal secret 'scap'd Sir Lanval's tongue: 'Yes!' he declar'd, 'he felt love's fullest power! Yes!' he declar'd, 'he had a paramour! But one, so perfect in all female grace, Those charms might scarcely win her handmaid's place; Those charms, were now one menial damsel near, Would lose this little light, and disappear.' Strong degradation sure the words implied; The queen stood mute, she could not speak for pride; But quick she turn'd, and to her chamber sped, There prostrate lay, and wept upon her bed; There vow'd the coming of her lord to wait, Nor mov'd till promis'd vengeance seal'd her hate.