After a while, and when the stars were already bright in heaven, the Moorish prince took up a guitar, and awakening its notes with a skilful hand, he sang thereto some stanzas, describing how he had been taken prisoner; and how, in his captivity, his anger at his own defeat had rendered it painful and intolerable to look on the happiness of others. Now, however, all was changed; and since he had beheld the matchless beauty of Gabrielle, his only grief was to reflect that he was here but as a transitory guest, and must soon take his departure; so that he would perhaps never behold that enchantress again. Hereupon, Sir Folko took another guitarre from the hands of the Lady Blanchefleur, and sang an answer to the Moorish champion, wishing, forsooth, that the morning might never dawn on them; but that the present hour,--the placid calm evening, with its bright stars and fragrant air, might be prolonged, and they might sit for ever as they were at that moment; but, alas! as this might not be, as their beautiful hostess, whose charms attracted them to stay, would of course command them to depart; so, like Darius and Alexander, the far-famed heroes of ancient times, they would go hence quietly, and in friendship with each other. “Nay,” said Gabrielle smiling, “if you desire that the words of your song should be taken in earnest, then you must know that I would willingly keep Darius here till his friend returns, trusting that Alexander, otherwise the Knight of Montfaucon, will also remain for at least one week in the society of his amiable sister.” “Good Heaven!” said Sir Folko, bowing gracefully to Gabrielle, “what a week of happiness have you now offered to me! And what a month to the Moorish prince! For in less time than a month it is impossible that I can return out of Normandy, whither I am now called by my duties as a baron and bannerett of the kingdom. Prince,” added he, turning to the Moor, “you are now the prisoner of this lady; but remember, that I depend no less on your adherence to the conditions which were made betwixt us when you came hither, not merely as a prisoner but a hostage.” The prince now seated himself at Gabrielle’s feet, saying, “This is the right place for a humble captive. But one word I must yet speak with you, Knight of Montfaucon:--you have laid on my shoulders the chains of an enchantress; and this is against the conditions of our contract. Know you not, that by this means you place it in my power to retract my word of honour, and to make my escape as soon as I am able?”