Then turning to Lady Adelaide Bruce, he said: "I will sing the loves of Sir Trystan and the beautiful Isoud! they were young and noble; they were likewise comely too, lovely lady: but they were unfortunate in their loves. Grant, O heaven, that such a fate may never betide the Lady Adelaide or Sir David!" He then commenced—
the romaunt
OF SIR TRYSTAN AND LA BELLE ISOUD.
Arouse thee, old Cormac! recite the fond tale
Of Isoud La Belle of renowned Innisfail,[3]
Beauty's bright paragon; of chivalry tell
Sir Trystan the valiant, and Isoud La Belle.
A daughter of Erin, of Aöngus proud king
No story more noble a minstrel might sing!