He bowed as in a weary deference
To childish fate. “Surely I know you, Madam;
You are among the creatures of distinction
Whose quality may be seen even in the dark.
You are Queen Morgan, a most famous lady,
And one that only kings in holy joy
Could ask or dream to be their messenger.
What new persuasion has the King conceived
Beyond this inspiration of your presence?”
To childish fate. “Surely I know you, Madam;
You are among the creatures of distinction
Whose quality may be seen even in the dark.
You are Queen Morgan, a most famous lady,
And one that only kings in holy joy
Could ask or dream to be their messenger.
What new persuasion has the King conceived
Beyond this inspiration of your presence?”
“It is not dark,” she said; “or not so dark
But that a woman sees—if she be careful
Not to fall down these memorable stairs
And break her necessary little neck
At Tristram’s feet. And you might make of that
Only another small familiar triumph
Hardly worth sighing for. Well then, the King
Is vexed and vicious. Your man Gouvernail
Says you are sick with wine. Was that the best
That your two heads together could accomplish?
Will you not for the King’s sake, or the Queen’s,
Be more compliant, and not freeze to death?”
But that a woman sees—if she be careful
Not to fall down these memorable stairs
And break her necessary little neck
At Tristram’s feet. And you might make of that
Only another small familiar triumph
Hardly worth sighing for. Well then, the King
Is vexed and vicious. Your man Gouvernail
Says you are sick with wine. Was that the best
That your two heads together could accomplish?
Will you not for the King’s sake, or the Queen’s,
Be more compliant, and not freeze to death?”
“Madam, say to the King that if the King
Command me, I will come. Having said that,
Command me, I will come. Having said that,
[ 30 ]
