Just now a song the sweetest was thrilling on mine ear,

That e’er from any singer I heard until this hour.

Would to God in heaven my chamberlain to raise such notes had power!”

[375]

Then she bade them bring her him who so sweetly sung;

Soon as the knight came forward, thanks were on her tongue.

For her with song the evening blissfully was ended;

By Lady Hilda’s women the minstrel-knight was carefully befriended.

[376]

Then spake the lovely Hilda: “Once more you must let us hear