Book I · GAMURET, part 4 of 11

¶When the young Angevin had hearkened to the tale of their bitter pain, He proffered to them his service for such payment as knight may gain, 260 (As it oft shall befit a hero)--They should say for what goodly prize He should dare the hate of their foemen? And they answered him in this wise With one mouth the hale and the wounded--Naught would they from him withhold, But lord should he be of their treasure, of their jewels alike and gold, A fair life should he lead among them!--But such payment he little sought, 265 For many a golden nugget from Araby had he brought. And dark as night were the people who in Zassamank dwelt alway-- And the time it seemed long unto him that he need in their midst must stay-- But he bade them prepare a lodging, and methinks it became them well The best of their land to give him, since awhile he with them would dwell. 270 And the women they looked from the windows, and they gazed on the noble knight, And they looked on his squires, and his harness, how 'twas fashioned for deeds of might. Then they saw how the knight, free-handed, on his shield of ermine bare Full many a pelt of sable; the Queen's Marshal he read it fair, The badge, for a mighty anchor, and little he rued the sight, 275 If his eye spake the truth unto him ere this had he seen the knight, Or one who bare his semblance--At Alexandria it needs must be, When the Baruch besieged the city--and unequalled in strife was he!

¶So rode the gallant hero, in stately guise and meet; Ten pack-horses heavy-laden they led first adown the street, 280 And twenty squires behind them; and his people they went before, And lackeys, cooks, and cook-boys, at the head of the train they saw. And stately I ween his household, twelve pages of lineage high Rode next to the squires, well-mannered, and trained in all courtesy, And Saracens were among them; and behind them in order fair 285 Came chargers eight, and a covering of sendal did each one bear. But the ninth it bore a saddle, and the shield ye have known ere now Was borne by a squire beside it, and joyful his mien, I trow. And trumpeters rode behind it, for in sooth they must needs be there, And a drummer he smote his tambour, and swung it aloft in air. 290 And as naught had the hero deemed it, this pomp, if there failed to ride Men who on the flute were skilful, and three fiddlers were at their side, And they hasted not nor hurried; and behind them the hero came, And his shipman he rode beside him, a wise man of goodly fame.

¶And much folk was within the city, and Moors were both man and maid. 295 Then the hero he looked around him, and, lo! many a shield displayed, Battle-hewn and with spear-thrust piercèd they hung on each wall and door. And wailing and woe was their portion; for the knight at each window saw Many men lie sorely wounded, who to breathe the air were fain, And e'en tho' a leech might tend them no help might they think to gain 300 Who were hurt too sore for healing--In the field had they faced the foe, And such shall be their rewarding who in conflict no flight will know-- Many horses were led towards him, sword-hewn and with lance thrust through; And on each side stood dusky maidens, and black as the night their hue.

¶Then his host gave him kindly greeting--and of joy did he reap his meed-- 305 A rich man was he and mighty, and many a knightly deed With thrust and blow had his hand wrought when his post at the gate he found; And many a knight was with him, and bandaged their heads and bound, And their hands in slings were holden; yet tho' sorely wounded still They did many deeds of knighthood, nor were lacking in strength and skill. 310

¶Then the Burg-grave of the city, with fair words did he pray his guest To deal with him and his household in such wise as should seem him best. And the host, he led the hero to his wife, and courteously Did Gamuret kiss the lady, small joy in the kiss had he! Then they sat them down to the table, and e'en as the feast was o'er, 315 The Marshal he gat him swiftly to the queen, and the tidings bore, And craved from her goodly payment, as to messenger shall be due. And he spake, 'It shall end in gladness, the grief that erewhile we knew, We have welcomed here, O Lady, a knight of such gallant mien, We must thank the gods who have sent him, for our need they have surely seen.' 320

¶'Now tell me upon thine honour who this gallant knight may be?' 'Lady, a dauntless hero, and the Baruch's man is he, An Angevin he, of high lineage; Ah me! little did he spare Himself, when his foemen seeking he forth to the field would fare. How wisely, with skill and cunning, he avoided the threatening blow, 325 And turned him again to the onslaught! Much sorrow he wrought his foe-- Ere this have I seen him battle, when the princes of Babylon Their city of Alexandria had fain from the Baruch won, And with force from its walls would drive him, and many a man lay dead In the overthrow of their army, for their venture was but ill-sped. 330 And such deeds did he do, this hero, that no counsel was theirs but flight: And there did I hear his praises, for all spake of this gallant knight As one who, without denial, had won him, in many a land, The crown of true knightly honour, by the strength of his own right hand.

¶'Now fain would I speak with the hero, see thou to the time and way; 335 E'en now might he ride to the castle, for peace shall be kept to-day. Were it better that I should seek him? He is other than we in face, Pray Heaven it not displease him, but our need with the knight find grace! I would that I first might know this, ere the rede from my folk I hear That I show to this stranger honour--If it pleaseth him to draw near, 340 Say, how shall I best receive him? Shall the knight be so nobly born That my kiss be not lost, if I kiss him?' 'Nay, hold me of life forsworn If he be not of kings the kinsman! Lady, this word I'll bear To thy princes, that they shall clothe them in raiment both fit and fair, And stand before thee, in due order, ere yet to thy court we ride, 345 And the same shalt thou say to thy ladies--In the city he doth abide; I will ride below, and will bring him to thy palace, a worthy guest, For no fair or knightly virtue shall be lacking that noble breast.'