The lady of the land told her guest what pleasure his coming gave her.

‘My lord, I have heard much of your prowess as a knight. I beg you of your courtesy to forgive me if I complain to you of sorrows that touch my heart.’

‘You shall not call on my aid in vain, ma’am. Whatever it is that has vexed or vexes you, if this right hand can ward it off, let it be duly appointed to your service. I am but one man, but if any has wronged you, or wrongs you still, I interpose my shield. But that will scarcely cow the enemy.’

At this a prince politely interposed, ‘If we had a leader our enemies would not escape so lightly, now that Vridebrant has sailed away. Back at home he is freeing his own country, now that the kinsmen of King Hernant (whom he slew for Herlinde’s sake) are harrying him; for they will not refrain of their own accord. But he has left some stout fighters behind: Duke Hiuteger, who has wrought great havoc on us, and all his company. They fight with skill and vigour. Gaschier of Normandy, too, that grand old campaigner, has many mercenaries here and Kaylet of Hoskurast knights in greater number, a host of warlike strangers. It was Vridebrant, King of Scots, with four allies, who brought them to this country, together with many warriors fighting for their hire. Down by the sea to the west lie Isenhart’s men, their eyes streaming with tears. Never, since their lord was slain in joust, have they been seen anywhere but they were overwhelmed with grief. It rains in their hearts to overflowing.’

‘Tell me, if it is your pleasure, why they hem you in so fiercely with their armies,’ the stranger asked his hostess, like the gallant man he was. ‘You have so many brave fighting men. It saddens me to see them borne down by the malice of enemies bent on ruining them.’

‘I will tell you, sir, since you wish it. À noble knight once served me. Fine qualities burgeoned on him like blossoms on a spray. This knight was brave and discerning. Loyalty bore fruit in him nourished from deep roots. His breeding excelled all breeding. He was more modest than a woman. He was brave and daring. No hand more liberal ever grew on knight in any land before. (What will happen when we are gone I do not know, let others say.) He was untutored in the ways of perfidy. In hue he was a blackamoor like me. His father was King Tankanis. He too had high renown. My suitor’s name was Isenhart. As a woman I betrayed myself to let him serve me for love without his bringing it to a happy consummation, so that I must forever rue it. People imagine I sent him to his death, but treachery is not in my nature, though his vassals accuse me of it.