"Slip slowly down some path worn smooth and even, Down to a cool sea on a summer day; Yet still in slipping there was some small leaven "Of stretched hands catching small stones by the way, Until one surely reached the sea at last, And felt strange new joy as the worn head lay "Back, with the hair like seaweed; yea all past Sweat of the forehead, dryness of the lips, Washed utterly out by the dear waves o'ercast, “In the lone sea, far off from any ships! Do I not know now of a day in spring? No minute of that wild day ever slips "From out my memory; I hear thrushes sing, And wheresoever I may be, straightway Thoughts of it all come up with most fresh sting: "I was half mad with beauty on that day, 'I was right joyful of that wall of stone, 'Yea right through to my heart, grown very shy With wary thoughts, it pierced, and made me glad; Exceedingly glad, and I knew verily, "A little thing just then had made me mad; I dared not think, as I was wont to do, "Held out my long hand up against the blue, And, looking on the tenderly darkened fingers, Thought that by rights one ought to see quite through, "There, see you, where the soft still light yet lingers, Round by the edges; what should I have done, If this had joined with yellow spotted singers, "And startling green drawn upward by the sun? But shouting, loosed out, see now! all my hair, And trancedly stood watching the west wind run "With faintest half-heard breathing sound: why there I lose my head e'en now in doing this; But shortly listen: In that garden fair "Came Launcelot walking; this is true, the kiss Wherewith we kissed in meeting that spring day, I scarce dare talk of the remembered bliss, "When both our mouths went wandering in one way, And aching sorely, met among the leaves; Our hands being left behind strained far away. "Never within a yard of my bright sleeves Had Launcelot come before: and now so nigh! After that day why is it Guenevere grieves? "Nevertheless you, O Sir Gauwaine, lie, Whatever happened on through all those years, God knows I speak truth, saying that you lie. "Being such a lady could I weep these tears If this were true? A great queen such as I Having sinned this way, straight her conscience sears; "And afterwards she liveth hatefully, Slaying and poisoning, certes never weeps: "Do I not see how God's dear pity creeps All through your frame, and trembles in your mouth? Remember in what grave your mother sleeps, "Buried in some place far down in the south, "Of pity that drew Agravaine's fell blow, "Through half your castle-locks! let me not shout For ever after in the winter night When you ride out alone! in battle-rout "Let not my rusting tears make your sword light! Ah! God of mercy, how he turns away! So, ever must I dress me to the fight, "So: let God's justice work! Gauwaine, I say, See me hew down your proofs." Guenevere recalls and answers a charge which had been brought against her by the spying Mellyagraunce, and now proceeds to relate how disdainfully Launcelot had dealt with him. "Did you see Mellyagraunce When Launcelot stood by him? what white fear "Curdled his blood, and how his teeth did dance, "Setter of traps, I pray you guard your head, By God I am so glad to fight with you, Stripper of ladies, that my hand feels lead "For driving weight; hurrah now! draw and do, For all my wounds are moving in my breast, And I am getting mad with waiting so.' "He struck his hands together o'er the beast, Who fell down flat, and groveled at his feet, And groaned at being slain so young: 'At least,' "My knight said, 'rise you, sir, who are so fleet "Up sprang Sir Mellyagraunce with great delight Upon his knave's face; not until just then Did I quite hate him, as I saw my knight “Along the lists look to my stake and pen With such a joyous smile, it made me sigh From agony beneath my waist-chain, when "The fight began, and to me they drew nigh; "And fast leapt caitiff's sword, until my knight Sudden threw up his sword to his left hand, Caught it and swung it; that was all the fight; "Except a spout of blood on the hot land; For it was hottest summer; and I know I wondered how the fire, while I should stand, And burn, against the heat, would quiver so, Yards above my head; thus these matters went; Which things were only warnings of the woe "That fell on me. Yet Mellyagraunce was shent, For Mellyagraunce had fought against the Lord; Therefore, my lords, take heed lest you be blent With all his wickedness; say no rash word "To drown you in your blood; see my breast rise, Like waves of purple sea, as here I stand; And how my arms are moved in wonderful wise, |