That shone before as the sun so bright!"

She said, "Thomas, take leave at sun and moon,

And also at leaf that grows on tree;

This twelvemonth shalt thou with me gone[[25]],

And Middle-earth[[26]] shalt thou none see."

105

He kneelèd down upon his knee,

Underneath that greenwood spray,

And said "Lovely lady[[27]], rue on me,

Mild queen of heaven, as thou best may!