speak together softly, face to face.  Isoude showed him her delight.  She showed in what fashion she strove to bring peace and concord betwixt Tristan and the King, and how grievously his banishment had weighed upon her heart.  Thus sped the hour, till it was time for them to part; but when these lovers freed them from the other’s arms, the tears were wet upon their cheeks.  So Tristan returned to Wales, his own realm, even as his uncle bade.  But for the joy that he had had of her, his friend, for her sweet face, and for the tender words that she had spoken, yea, and for that writing upon the wand, to remember all these things, Tristan, that cunning harper, wrought a new Lay, as shortly I have told you.  Goatleaf, men call this song in English.  Chevrefeuille it is named in French; but Goatleaf or Honeysuckle, here you have the very truth in the Lay that I have spoken.

XI

THE LAY OF EQUITAN

In ancient days many a noble lord lived in Brittany beyond the Seas.  By reason of their courtesy and nobleness they would gladly keep in remembrance the deeds that were done in the land.  That these marvellous things should not be forgotten they fashioned them into Lays.  Amongst these Lays I have heard tell of one which is not made to die as though it had never been.

Equitan, lord of Nantes, was a loyal and courteous gentleman, of great worth, beloved by all in his own country.  He was set on pleasure, and was Love’s lover, as became a gentle knight.  Like many others who dote on woman, he observed neither sense nor measure in love.  But it is in the very nature of Love that proportion cannot enter into the matter.

Equitan had for seneschal a right brave and loyal knight, who was captain of his army, and did justice in his realm.  He was often abroad upon his master’s business, for the King would not forego his delight for any reason whatever.  To dance, to hunt, to fish within the river—­this was all his joy.  This seneschal was married to a wife, by whom great evil came upon the land.  Very desirable was the lady; passing tender of body, and sweet of vesture, coiffed and fretted with gold.  Her eyes were blue; her face warmly coloured, with a fragrant mouth, and a dainty nose.  Certainly she had no peer in all the realm.  The King had heard much in praise of this lady and many a time saluted her upon the way.  He had also sent her divers gifts.  Often he considered in his mind how best he might get speech with the dame.  For his privy pleasure this amorous King went to chase in that country where the seneschal had his castle.  The lady being in her own house, Equitan craved a lodging for the night.  By this means when the hunt was done, he could speak with her, and show what was in his heart.  Equitan found the lady as discreet as courteous.  He looked closely upon her, for she was fair of face and person, and sweet of semblance and address.  Love bound