Then said the lovely maiden: “Thanks I give, my friend.”

She drew a ring from her finger, nought of gold were fairer,

And said: “I give it gladly; be this of my good-will to you the bearer.”

[399]

Now her word she pledged him, and with it gave her hand:

“Should she of a crown be wearer, and ever sway the land,

That ne’er by the hand of any need he be further driven

Than unto her in her castle; there to live in honor would leave be given.”

[400]

Of all she pressed upon him nothing would he take