"And English cliffs are not more white Than her women are, and scarce so light230 Her skies as their eyes are blue and bright;
"And in some port that he reached from France The Prince has lingered for his pleasaunce."[285]
But once the King asked: "What distant cry Was that we heard 'twixt the sea and sky?"235
And one said: "With suchlike shouts, pardie[286] Do the fishers fling their nets at sea."
And one: "Who knows not the shrieking quest When the sea-mew misses its young from its nest?"
'Twas thus till now they had soothed his dread240 Albeit they knew not what they said:
But who should speak to-day of the thing That all knew there except the King?
Then pondering much they found a way, And met round the King's high seat that day.245
And the King sat with a heart sore stirred, And seldom he spoke and seldom heard.
'Twas then through the hall the King was 'ware Of a little boy with golden hair,