More than the half of what he said
Have I forgotten, by my head,
And do but know ’twas false and bad,
It seemed as he an anvil had13350
For forging lies.
The Lover’s generosity
Had it but been
Known to the Lover, well I ween
That he had slain him, for none can
Compare with this most noble man
For knighthood. In his bounteous deeds
Of largess he by far exceeds
King Arthur, nay, his gifts are grander
Than those of far-famed Alexander.
Did he but own unbounded store
Of gold, like those famed men of yore,13360
His bounties far would overgo
Their gifts a hundred times I trow.
Yea, did he wealth of goods possess
To keep pace with his generousness,
Most bounteous were be of all men.
I pray you take this chaplet then,
Its flowers are sweet as dittany.
The Author.
I fear ’twould bring ill hap to me,
Fair-Welcome cried, whose very frame
Trembled with fear, while went and came13370
The colour to his cheeks.
She thrust
The gift on him, as needs he must
Accept it, though his hand away
He turned, and said: Forgive me, pray,
