XIII
The king and knight the arras held apart.
"Now by God's rood," the king cried, "if there is
A fairer woman in my court than this,
To-night thine arms clasp her,—or Isobel!"
Guldemar bent his bright bold look serene,
Upon his liege—and held his body well—
"Sire," he said, "one is more fair—the queen,"
"Now by God's rood," the king cried, "if there is
A fairer woman in my court than this,
To-night thine arms clasp her,—or Isobel!"
Guldemar bent his bright bold look serene,
Upon his liege—and held his body well—
"Sire," he said, "one is more fair—the queen,"
XIV
The monarch dropped the arras and stood close,
His eyes on Guldemar's, and pride, and hate,—
Sudden for love and gifts,—rode hot, elate.
Guldemar's sword and gloves lay on the floor.
The king snapped his own sword in two, then pale
Cursed Guldemar, . . . who felt the chain he wore
Prick him to fire beneath his coat of mail.
His eyes on Guldemar's, and pride, and hate,—
Sudden for love and gifts,—rode hot, elate.
Guldemar's sword and gloves lay on the floor.
The king snapped his own sword in two, then pale
Cursed Guldemar, . . . who felt the chain he wore
Prick him to fire beneath his coat of mail.
19
