“Well mayst thou blithely greet me, and give me the messenger’s meed
For tidings of good fortune and days from sorrow freed!
One seeketh thy love, O Lady: lo, here his heralds be.
He is noble among the noblest that in honour and majesty
Have ruled over royal dominions, or a knightly crown have worn.
Proud knights be his suitors. This message from thy brother to thee have I borne.”
Then answered the sorrow-burdened: “Now God forbid that ye,
Even thou and all my kinsmen, should make a mockery
Of me in mine affliction! How should I shadow the life
Of a man that hath known the heart’s love of a true and faithful wife?”