We then will help you gladly, and pay him back the ill that he has brought you.”

[681]

Before they yet had spoken unto the fair young maid,

Already of her sorrow her friends had taken heed.

The lady had been longing to see the heralds hourly;

Them in haste she sent for, the loss of land and honor, mourning sorely.

[682]

When they came before her, they found the queenly maid

Sitting sad, and weeping,— faithful love she had;

She asked them of her lover, and how they leave had taken,