“What you now say is folly, gallant knight; emperors and kings ne'er won in true love's lists a greater prize than brave and courteous man: such love holds not to riches; noble heart and gentle grace have in his court more power than lands and titles. How many, folks there are of high descent whose worth is valued highly at a groat! How many others rolling in bright gold whose value would not buy a coat of mail! Hide, then, no longer in your single heart the thought with which it's filled; your valour and your deeds give you a claim to match upon this earth with the most fair, most high.”
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Sir Jaufry heaved a sigh, and thus, much moved, replied:
“Lady, forgive, I pray you, the avowal which you, forsooth, are destined now to hear,—avowal that no torture e'er had drawn, but which is due to those sweet words of yours. You, then, are she for whom my heart doth melt; she whom I love and fear and I implore; she who doth hold the keys of all my joys, my pains, and who can make of me, even at her will, foolish or wise, a coward or a brave.”
At length had Brunissende the fair attained the sum of her desire; yet she her joy concealed, and in a tone of playfulness exclaimed:
“Sir Jaufry, you are pleased to banter me; ne'er can I think I have the power you say.”
“A thousand times more power, you may believe, than I can ever tell.”