Yea also, and little honour,” said the King, “were this for me.
By thy queenly heart and thy kindness, let me now draw nigh unto thee!
And if thou dost abhor my embraces, and my love dost wholly contemn,
This hand of mine shall touch not so much as thy vesture’s hem.”
Then loosed she the King, that hanging he should not longer abide;
And he went to the couch, and he laid him in sooth by that fair one’s side,
Yet so far off, and he bare him so fearful-reverent,
That he stirred not her fine-spun vesture; nor once did her heart relent.
Then came who waited upon them, which bare to them fresh attire
Whereof upon such a morning was more than heart could desire.