"Queen Isolde, I know well the cause of your grief, and if you will grant the boon I shall ask, I promise to bring you Dame Bragwaine, safe and sound."
The queen was so glad to hear this, that without thought she agreed to grant his wish, thinking more of the lost lady than of what he might demand.
"I trust to your promise," said Palamides. "Remain here half an hour and you shall see her."
"I shall remain," said the queen.
Palamides then rode away, and within the time mentioned returned with the maiden, whom Isolde clasped to her heart with happy tears.
"Now, madam, I have kept my word," said Palamides; "you must keep yours."
"I promised you hastily," answered the queen; "and I warn you now that I will grant you nothing evil; so beware of your asking."
"My boon will keep till I meet you before the king," said Palamides. "What it is I shall not tell you now."
Then the queen rode home with her maiden, and Palamides followed close after, entering the court while Isolde was telling the king of what had happened.
"Sir king," said the knight, "your lady has told you of the boon she proffered me. The honor of knighthood requires that you shall make her word good."