And while the knight for succour sought,
And left me there forlorn,
My childbed pains so fast increas'd
Two lovely boys were born.
The eldest fair and smooth as snow
That tips the mountain hoar;
The younger's little body rough
With hairs was cover'd o'er.
But here afresh begin my woes:
While tender care I took
To shield my eldest from the cold,
And wrap him in my cloak,
A prowling bear burst from the wood,
And seiz'd my younger son:
Affection lent my weakness wings,
And after them I run.
But all forwearied, weak, and spent,
I quickly swoon'd away;
And there beneath the greenwood shade
Long time I lifeless lay.
At length the knight brought me relief,
And rais'd me from the ground:
But neither of my pretty babes
Could ever more be found.
And, while in search we wander'd far,
We met that giant grim;
Who ruthless slew my trusty knight,
And bare me off with him.
But charm'd by heav'n, or else my griefs,
He offer'd me no wrong;
Save that within these lonely walls
I've been immur'd so long.
Now surely, said the youthful knight,
You are Lady Ballisance,
Wife to the Grecian Emperor:
Your brother's king of France.
For in your royal brother's court
Myself my breeding had;
Where oft the story of your woes
Hath made my bosom sad.