"By my troth, thou art a master in the science of delicate compliments. There was, I confess, a time when, with youthful vanity, I did esteem myself possessed of some skill, and could step along the gamut with any Don or Signor of them all; but that is long since, and I fear me that the gutturals of Northern Germany have quite driven out of my throat the liquids and vowels of Italy. However, to pleasure me, thou hast sung with infinite discretion and wonderful sweetness, a most delectable song; and now it were boorish not to attempt at least to repay thy musical favor."
So saying, the Knight sung in a manner and with an expression that proved him to be an accomplished musician, and in some contrast with the less artful style of Arundel, the following song:
"On golden Guadalquiver's banks
Are tinkling gay guitars,
To hail with song and smiling thanks,
The soldier from the wars.
"When glowing youth and beauty met,
Blush at each other's glance,
And, bounding to the castanet,
Entwine th' impassioned dance.