He sought the friar, the gray old priest
Who loved his father's board.
The friar he turned him to the east
And reverently adored.
He said: "A godless name you bear,
A godless life you've led,
And whoso wins along with you,
His spirit shall have dread.
"Oh, hasten, get your guilty soul
From every burden shriven;
Yet you are bound for flame and dole,
But I am bound for heaven."
He sought the lady bright and proud,
Who sate at his right hand:
"Make haste, O Love, to follow me
Into the sunless land."
She said: "And pass you in your prime?
Heaven give me days of cheer!
And keep me from the sunless clime
Many and many a year."
All heavily the sun sank down
Among black clouds of fate.
There came a woman fair and wan
Unto the castle gate.
Through gazing vassals, idle serfs,
So silently she sped!
The winding staircase echoed not
Unto her light, light tread.
His lady eyed her scornfully.
She stood at his right hand;
She said: "And I will follow you
Into the sunless land.
"There is no expiation, none.
A bitter load I bore:
Now I shall love you nevermore,
Never and nevermore.
"There is no touch or tone of yours
Can make the old love wake."
She said: "But I will follow you,
Even for the old love's sake."