So the wife wept above the body of the maiden.  Whilst the lady sat weeping, a weasel came from under the altar, and ran across Guillardun’s body.  The varlet smote it with his staff, and killed it as it passed.  He took the vermin and flung it away.  The companion of this weasel presently came forth to seek him.  She ran to the place where he lay, and finding that he would not get him on his feet, seemed as one distraught.  She went forth from the chapel, and hastened to the wood, from whence she returned quickly, bearing a vermeil flower beneath her teeth.  This red flower she placed within the mouth of that weasel the varlet had slain, and immediately he stood upon his feet.  When the lady saw this, she cried to the varlet,

“Throw, man, throw, and gain the flower.”

The servitor flung his staff, and the weasels fled away, leaving that fair flower upon the floor.  The lady rose.  She took the flower, and returned with it swiftly to the altar pace.  Within the mouth of the maiden, she set a flower that was more vermeil still.  For a short space the dame and the damsel were alike breathless.  Then the maiden came to herself, with a sigh.  She opened her eyes, and commenced to speak.

“Diva,” she said, “have I slept so long, indeed!”

When the lady heard her voice she gave thanks to God.  She inquired of the maiden as to her name and degree.  The damsel made answer to her, “Lady, I was born in Logres, and am daughter to the King of that realm.  Greatly there I loved a knight, named Eliduc, the seneschal of my sire.  We fled together from my home, to my own most grievous fault.  He never told me that he was wedded to a wife in his own country, and he hid the matter so cunningly, that I knew naught thereof.  When I heard tell of his dame, I swooned for pure sorrow.  Now I find that this false lover, has, like a felon, betrayed me in a strange land.  What will chance to a maiden in so foul a plight?  Great is that woman’s folly who puts her trust in man.”

“Fair damsel,” replied the lady, “there is nothing in the whole world that can give such joy to this felon, as to hear that you are yet alive.  He deems that you are dead, and every day he beweeps your swoon in the chapel.  I am his wife, and my heart is sick, just for looking on his sorrow.  To learn the reason of his grief, I caused him to be followed, and that is why I have found you here.  It is a great happiness for me to know that you live.  You shall return with me to my home, and I will place you in the tenderness of your friend.  Then I shall release him of his marriage troth, since it is my dearest hope to take the veil.”