Book I · GAMURET, part 2 of 11

¶And all men were sore for his sorrow, who truth and unbroken faith Bare ever throughout his lifetime, yea even unto his death. Then the elder son he summoned the princes from out his land, 85 And knightly they came, who rightly might claim from their monarch's hand, To hold, as of yore, their fiefdoms. So came they unto his hall, And the claim of each man he hearkened, and gave fiefs unto each and all.

¶Now hear how they dealt--As their true heart it bade them, both great and small, They made to their king petition, with one voice from the people all, 90 That to Gamuret grace and favour he would show with true brother's hand, And honour himself in the doing. That he drive him not from the land But give him, within his kingdom, a fair Burg that all men might see, That he take from that Burg his title, and he held of all tribute free!-- Nor the king was ill-pleased at their pleading, and he quoth, 'A small grace, I trow, 95 Have ye asked, I would e'en be better than your prayer, as ye straight shall know, Why name ye not this my brother as Gamuret Angevin? Since Anjou is my land, I think me the title we both may win!'

¶Then further he spake, the monarch, 'My brother in sooth may seek Yet more from my hand of favour than my mouth may as swiftly speak, 100 With me shall he have his dwelling--I would that ye all should see How one mother alike hath borne us; his riches but small shall be, While I have enough; of free hand would I give him both lands and gold, That my bliss may be ne'er held forfeit by Him, Who can aye withhold, Or give, as He deemeth rightful!' Then the princes they heard alway, 105 How the king would deal well with his brother, and they deemed it a joyful day!

¶And each one bowed him low before him. Nor Gamuret long delayed, But he spake as his heart would bid him, and friendly the words he said: 'Now hearken, my lord and brother, if vassal I think to be To thee, or to any other, then a fair lot awaiteth me. 110 But think thou upon mine honour, for faithful art thou and wise, And give counsel as shall beseem thee, and help as thou shalt devise. For naught have I now save mine armour, if within it I more had done, Then far lands should speak my praises, and remembrance from men were won!' Then further he spake, the hero: 'Full sixteen my squires shall be, 115 And six of them shall bear harness; four pages give thou to me Of noble birth and breeding, and nothing to them I'll spare Of all that my hand may win them. Afar in the world I'ld fare, (Somewhat I ere now have journeyed,) if Good Fortune on me shall smile, I may win from fair women favour. If a woman I serve awhile, 120 And to serve her she hold me worthy, and my heart speaketh not amiss, True knight shall I be and faithful! God show me the way of bliss! As comrades we rode together (but then o'er thy land did reign The King Gandein, our father), and sorrow and bitter pain We bare for Love's sake! At one while I knew thee as thief and knight, 125 Thou couldst serve, and thou couldst dissemble, for the sake of thy lady bright. Ah! could I steal love as thou couldst, if my skill were but like to thine, That women should show me favour, then a blissful lot were mine!'

¶'Alas! that I ever saw thee,' spake, sighing, the king so true, 'Who lightly, with words of mocking, my heart would in pieces hew 130 And would fain that we part asunder! One father hath left us both A mighty store of riches, I would share with thee, nothing loth. Right dear from my heart I hold thee; red gold and jewels bright, Folk, weapons, horse, and raiment, take thou as shall seem thee right, That thou at thy will mayst journey, and thy free hand to all be known. 135 Elect do we deem thy manhood, didst thou Gylstram as birthplace own, Or thou camest here from Rankulat, yet still would that place be thine, Which thou boldest to-day in my favour; true brother art thou of mine!'

¶'Sir King, thou of need must praise me, so great is thy courtesy! So, courteous, thine aid be given, if thou and my mother free 140 Will share with me now your riches, I mount upward, nor fear to fall, And my heart ever beateth higher--Yet I know not how I should call This life, which my left breast swelleth! Ah! whither wouldst go mine heart? I would fain know where thou shalt guide me--'Tis time that we twain should part.'

¶And all did the monarch give him, yea, more than the knight might crave, 145 Five chargers, picked and chosen, the best in his land he gave High-couraged, swift to battle; and many a cup of gold, And many a golden nugget, for naught would his hand withhold. Four chests for the road he gave him, with many a jewel rare Were they filled. Then the squires he took him who should for the treasure care, 150 And well were they clad and mounted; and none might his grief withhold When the knight gat him unto his mother, who her son in her arms did fold.

¶Spake the woman, as woman grieving: 'Wilt thou tarry with me no more, King Gandein's son? Woe is me! yet my womb this burden bore And the son of my husband art thou. Is the eye of God waxed blind, 155 Or His ear grown deaf in the hearing, that my prayer doth no credence find? Is fresh sorrow to be my portion? I have buried my heart's desire, And the light of mine eyes; will He rob me, who have suffered a grief so dire, Who judgeth with righteous judgment? Then the tale it hath told a lie, That spake of His help so mighty, Who doth help unto me deny!' 160

¶'God comfort thee,' quoth the hero, 'for the death of my father dear, For truly we both must mourn him--But I think from no lips to hear Such wailing for my departing! As valour shall show the way, I seek knighthood in distant countries--So it standeth with me to-day.'

¶Quoth the queen, 'Since to high love's service thou turnest both hand and heart, 165 Sweet son, let it not displease thee to take of my wealth a part That may serve thee upon thy journey; let thy chamberlain take from me Four chests, each a pack-horse burden, and heavy their weight shall be. And within, uncut, there lieth rich silk of Orient rare, No man as yet hath cut it, and many a samite fair. 170 Sweet son, I prithee tell me what time thou wilt come again, That my joy may wax the greater, and I look for thee not in vain!'