XV
THE LAY OF GRAELENT
Now will I tell you the adventure of Graelent, even as it was told tome, for the Lay is sweet to hear, and the tune thereof lovely to bearin mind.
Graelent was born in Brittany of a gentle and noble house, very comelyof person and very frank of heart. The King who held Brittany in thatday, made mortal war upon his neighbours, and commanded his vassals totake arms in his quarrel. Amongst these came Graelent, whom the Kingwelcomed gladly, and since he was a wise and hardy knight greatly washe honoured and cherished by the Court. So Graelent strove valiantlyat tourney and at joust, and pained himself mightily to do the enemyall the mischief that he was able. The Queen heard tell the prowess ofher knight, and loved him in her heart for reason of his feats of armsand of the good men spoke of him. So she called her chamberlain apart,and said, "Tell me truly, hast thou not often heard speak of that fairknight, Sir Graelent, whose praise is in all men's mouths?"
"Lady," answered the chamberlain, "I know him for a courteousgentleman, well spoken of by all."
"I would he were my friend," replied the lady, "for I am in muchunrest because of him. Go thou, and bid him come to me, so he would beworthy of my love." "Passing gracious and rich is your gift, lady, anddoubtless he will receive it with marvellous joy. Why, from here toTroy there is no priest even, however holy, who in looking on yourface would not lose Heaven in your eyes."
Thereupon the chamberlain took leave of the Queen, and seekingGraelent within his lodging saluted him courteously, and gave him themessage, praying him to come without delay to the palace.
"Go before, fair friend," answered the knight, "for I will follow youat once."
So when the chamberlain was gone Graelent caused his grey horse to besaddled, and mounting thereon, rode to the castle, attended by hissquire. He descended without the hall, and passing before the Kingentered within the Queen's chamber. When the lady saw him she embracedhim closely, and cherished and honoured him sweetly. Then she made theknight to be seated on a fair carpet, and to his face praised himfor his exceeding comeliness. But he answered her very simply andcourteously, saying nothing but what was seemly to be said. Then theQueen kept silence for a great while, considering whether she shouldrequire him to love her for the love of love; but at the last, madebold by passion, she asked if his heart was set on any maid or dame.
"Lady," said he, "I love no woman, for love is a serious business,not a jest. Out of five hundred who speak glibly of love, not onecan spell the first letter of his name. With such it is idleness,or fulness of bread, or fancy, masking in the guise of love. Loverequires of his servants chastity in thought, in word and in deed. Ifone of two lovers is loyal, and the other jealous and false, how maytheir friendship last, for Love is slain! But sweetly and discreetlylove passes from person to person, from heart to heart, or it isnothing worth. For what the lover would, that would the beloved; whatshe would ask of him that should he go before to grant. Without accordsuch as this, love is but a bond and a constraint. For above allthings Love means sweetness, and truth, and measure; yea, loyalty tothe loved one and to your word. And because of this I dare not meddlewith so high a matter."
The Queen heard Graelent gladly, finding him so tripping of tongue,and since his words were wise and courteous, at the end she discoveredto him her heart.
"Friend, Sir Graelent, though I am a wife, yet have I never loved mylord. But I love you very dearly, and what I have asked of you willyou not go before to grant?"
"Lady," said he, "give me pity and forgiveness, but this may not be.I am the vassal of the King, and on my knees have pledged him loyaltyand faith, and sworn to defend his life and honour. Never shall hehave shame because of me."
With these words Sir Graelent took his leave of the Queen, and wenthis way.
Seeing him go in this fashion the Queen commenced to sigh. She wasgrieved in her heart, and knew not what to do. But whatever chancedshe would not renounce her passion, so often she required his love bymeans of soft messages and costly gifts, but he refused them all. Thenthe Queen turned from love to hate, and the greatness of her passionbecame the measure of her wrath, for very evilly she spoke of Graelentto the King. So long as the war endured Graelent remained in thatrealm. He spent all that he had upon his company, for the King grudgedwages to his men. The Queen persuaded the King to this, counsellinghim that by withholding the pay of the sergeants, Graelent might in nowise flee the country, nor take service with another lord. So at theend Graelent was wonderfully downcast, nor was it strange that he wassad, for there remained nothing which he might pledge, but one poorsteed, and when this was gone, no horse had he to carry him from thecountry.
It was now the month of May, when the hours are long and warm. Theburgess, with whom Graelent lodged, had risen early in the morning,and with his wife had gone to eat with neighbours in the town. No onewas in the house except Graelent, no squire, nor archer, nor servant,save only the daughter of his host, a very courteous maid. When thehour for dinner was come she prayed the knight that they might sit atboard together. But he had no heart for mirth, and seeking out hissquire bade him bridle and saddle his horse, for he had no care toeat.
"I have no saddle," replied the squire.
"Friend," said the demoiselle, "I will lend you bridle and saddle aswell."
So when the harness was done upon him, Graelent mounted his horse, andwent his way through the town, clad in a cloak of sorry fur, whichhe had worn overlong already. The townsfolk in the street turned andstared upon him, making a jest of his poverty, but of their jibeshe took no heed, for such act but after their kind, and seldom showkindliness or courtesy.
Now without the town there spread a great forest, thick with trees,and through the forest ran a river. Towards this forest Graelent rode,deep in heavy thought, and very dolent. Having ridden for a littlespace beneath the trees, he spied within a leafy thicket a fair whitehart, whiter even than snow on winter branches. The hart fled beforehim, and Graelent followed so closely in her track that man and deerpresently came together to a grassy lawn, in the midst of which spranga fountain of clear, sweet water. Now in this fountain a demoiselledisported herself for her delight. Her raiment was set on a bush nearby, and her two maidens stood on the bank busied in their lady'sservice. Graelent forgot the chase at so sweet a sight, since neverin his life had he seen so lovely a dame. For the lady was slender inshape and white, very gracious and dainty of colour, with laughingeyes and an open brow, certainly the most beautiful thing in all theworld. Graelent dared not draw nigh the fountain for fear of troublingthe dame, so he came softly to the bush to set hands upon her raiment.The two maidens marked his approach, and at their fright the ladyturned, and calling him by name, cried with great anger,
"Graelent, put my raiment down, for it will profit you little even ifyou carry it away, and leave me naked in this wood. But if you areindeed too greedy of gain to remember your knighthood, at least returnme my shift, and content yourself with my mantle, since it will bringyou money, as it is very good."
"I am not a merchant's son," answered Graelent merrily, "nor am I ahuckster to sell mantles in a booth. If your cloak were worth thespoil of three castles I would not now carry it from the bush. Comeforth from your bathing, fair friend, and clothe yourself in yourvesture, for you have to say a certain word to me."
"I will not trust myself to your hand, for you might seize upon me,"answered the lady, "and I tell you frankly that I put no faith in yourword, nor have had any dealings with your school."
Then Graelent answered still more merrily, "Lady, needs must I sufferyour wrath. But at least I will guard your raiment till you come forthfrom the well and, fairest, very dainty is your body in my eyes."
When the lady knew that Graelent would not depart, nor render againher raiment, then she demanded surety that he would do her no hurt.This thing was accorded between them, so she came forth from thefountain, and did her vesture upon her. Then Graelent took her gentlyby the left hand, and prayed and required of her that she would granthim love for love. But the lady answered, "I marvel greatly that youshould dare to speak to me in this fashion, for I have little reasonto think you discreet. You are bold, sir knight, and overbold, to seekto ally yourself with a woman of my lineage."
Sir Graelent was not abashed by the dame's proud spirit, but wooed andprayed her gently and sweetly, promising that if she granted him herlove he would serve her in all loyalty, and never depart therefromall the days of his life. The demoiselle hearkened to the words ofGraelent, and saw plainly that he was a valiant knight, courteous andwise. She thought within herself that should she send him from her,never might she find again so sure a friend. Since, then, she knew himworthy of her love, she kissed him softly, and spoke to him in thismanner, "Graelent, I will love you none the less truly, though we havenot met until this day. But one thing is needful that our love mayendure. Never must you speak a word by which this hidden thing maybecome known. I will furnish you with deniers in your purse, withcloth of silk, with silver and with gold. Night and day will I staywith you, and great shall be the love between us twain. You shallsee me riding at your side; you may talk and laugh with me at yourpleasure, but I must never be seen of your comrades, nor must theyknow aught concerning your bride. Graelent, you are loyal, brave, andcourteous, and comely enough to the view. For you I spread my snareat the fountain; for you shall I suffer heavy pains, as well I knewbefore I set forth on this adventure. Now must I trust to yourdiscretion, for if you speak vainly and boastfully of this thing thenam I undone. Remain now for a year in this country, which shall be foryou a home that your lady loves well. But noon is past, and it is timefor you to go. Farewell, and a messenger shortly shall tell you thatwhich I would have you do."
Graelent took leave of the lady, and she sweetly clasped and kissedhim farewell. He returned to his lodging, dismounted from his steed,and entering within a chamber, leaned from the casement, consideringthis strange adventure. Looking towards the forest he saw a varletissue therefrom riding upon a palfrey. He drew rein before Graelent'sdoor, and taking his feet from the stirrup, saluted the knight. SoGraelent inquired from whence he rode, and of his name and business.
"Sir," answered he, "I am the messenger of your lady. She sends youthis destrier by my hand, and would have me enter in your service, topay your servitors their wages and to take charge of your lodging."
When Graelent heard this message he thought it both good and fair. Hekissed the varlet upon the cheek, and accepting his gift, caused thedestrier--which was the noblest, the swiftest and the most speedyunder the sun--to be led to the stable. Then the varlet carried hisbaggage to his master's chamber, and took therefrom a large cushionand a rich coverlet which he spread upon the couch. After this he drewthereout a purse containing much gold and silver, and stout clothfitting for the knight's apparel. Then he sent for the host, andpaying him what was owing, called upon him to witness that he wasrecompensed most largely for the lodging. He bade him also to seek outsuch knights as should pass through the town to refresh and solacethemselves in the company of his lord. The host was a worthy man. Hemade ready a plenteous dinner, and inquired through the town for suchpoor knights as were in misease by reason of prison or of war. Thesehe brought to the hostelry of Sir Graelent, and comforted them withinstruments of music, and with all manner of mirth. Amongst them satGraelent at meat, gay and debonair, and richly apparelled. Moreover,to these poor knights and the harpers Graelent gave goodly gifts, sothat there was not a citizen in all the town who did not hold him ingreat worship, and regard him as his lord.
From this moment Graelent lived greatly at his ease, for not a cloudwas in his sky. His lady came at will and pleasure; all day long theylaughed and played together, and at night she lay softly at his side.What truer happiness might he know than this? Often, besides, he rodeto such tournaments of the land as he was able, and all men esteemedhim for a stout and worthy knight. Very pleasant were his days, andhis love, and if such things might last for ever he had nothing elseto ask of life.
When a full year had passed by, the season drew to the Feast ofPentecost. Now it was the custom of the King to summon at that tidehis barons and all who held their fiefs of him to his Court for a richbanquet. Amongst these lords was bidden Sir Graelent. After men hadeaten and drunk the whole day, and all were merry, the King commandedthe Queen to put off her royal robes, and to stand forth upon thedais. Then he boasted before the company,
"Lord barons, how seems it to you? Beneath the sky is there a lovelierQueen than mine, be she maid, lady or demoiselle?"
So all the lords made haste to praise the Queen, and to cry and affirmthat in all the world was neither maid nor wife so dainty, fresh andfair. Not a single voice but bragged of her beauty, save only thatof Graelent. He smiled at their folly, for his heart remembered hisfriend, and he held in pity all those who so greatly rejoiced in theQueen. So he sat with covered head, and with face bent smiling to theboard. The Queen marked his discourtesy, and drew thereto the noticeof the King.
"Sire, do you observe this dishonour! Not one of these mighty lordsbut has praised the beauty of your wife, save Graelent only, who makesa mock of her. Always has he held me in envy and despite."
The King commanded Graelent to his throne, and in the hearing of allbade the knight to tell, on his faith as vassal to his liege, for whatreason he had hid his face and laughed.
"Sire," answered Graelent to the King, "Sire, hearken to my words. Inall the world no man of your lineage does so shameful a deed as this.You make your wife a show upon a stage. You force your lords to praiseher just with lies, saying that the sun does not shine upon her peer.One man will tell the truth to your face, and say that very easily canbe found a fairer dame than she."
Right heavy was the King when he heard these words. He conjuredGraelent to tell him straightly if he knew a daintier dame.
"Yes, Sire, and thirty times more gracious than the Queen."
The Queen was marvellously wrathful to hear this thing, and prayed herhusband of his grace to compel the knight to bring that woman to theCourt of whose beauty he made so proud a boast.
"Set us side by side, and let the choice be made between us. Shouldshe prove the fairer let him go in peace; but if not, let justice bedone on him for his calumny and malice."
So the King bade his guards to lay hands on Graelent, swearing thatbetween them never should be love nor peace, nor should the knightissue forth from prison, until he had brought before him her whosebeauty he had praised so much.
Graelent was held a captive. He repented him of his hasty words, andbegged the King to grant him respite. He feared to have lost hisfriend, and sweated grievously with rage and mortification. But thoughmany of the King's house pitied him in his evil case, the long daysbrought him no relief, until a full year went by, and once again theKing made a great banquet to his barons and his lieges. Then wasGraelent brought to hall, and put to liberty on such terms that hewould return bringing with him her whose loveliness he had praisedbefore the King. Should she prove so desirable and dear, as his boast,then all would be well, for he had naught to fear. But if he returnedwithout his lady, then he must go to judgment, and his only hope wouldbe in the mercy of the King.
Graelent mounted his good horse, and parted from the Court sad andwrathful. He sought his lodging, and inquired for his servant, butmight not find him. He called upon his friend, but the lady did notheed his voice. Then Graelent gave way to despair, and preferred deathto life. He shut himself within his chamber, crying upon his dear onefor grace and mercy, but from her he got neither speech nor comfort.So seeing that his love had withdrawn herself from him by reason ofhis grievous fault, he took no rest by night or day, and held his lifein utter despite. For a full year he lived in this piteous case, sothat it was marvellous to those about him that he might endure hislife.
On the day appointed the sureties brought Graelent where the King wasset in hall with his lords. Then the King inquired of Graelent wherewas now his friend.
"Sire," answered the knight, "she is not here, for in no wise might Ifind her. Now do with me according to your will."
"Sir Graelent," said the King, "very foully have you spoken. You haveslandered the Queen, and given all my lords the lie. When you go frommy hands never will you do more mischief with your tongue."
Then the King spoke with a high voice to his barons.
"Lords, I pray and command you to give judgment in this matter. Youheard the blame that Graelent set upon me before all my Court. Youknow the deep dishonour that he fastened on the Queen. How may such adisloyal vassal deal honestly with his lord, for as the proverb tells,'Hope not for friendship from the man who beats your dog!'"
The lords of the King's household went out from before him, andgathered themselves together to consider their judgment. They keptsilence for a great space, for it was grievous to them to deal harshlywith so valiant a knight. Whilst they thus refrained from words acertain page hastened unto them, and prayed them not to press thematter, for (said he) "even now two young maidens, the freshest maidsin all the realm, seek the Court. Perchance they bring succour tothe good knight, and, so it be the will of God, may deliver him fromperil." So the lords waited right gladly, and presently they saw twodamsels come riding to the palace. Very young were these maidens, veryslender and gracious, and daintily cloaked in two fair mantles. Sowhen the pages had hastened to hold their stirrup and bridle, themaidens dismounted from their palfreys and entering within the hallcame straight before the King.
"Sire," said one of the two damsels, "hearken now to me. My ladycommands us to pray you to put back this cause for a while, nor todeliver judgment therein, since she comes to plead with you for thedeliverance of this knight."
When the Queen heard this message she was filled with shame, and madespeed to get her from the hall Hardly had she gone than there enteredtwo other damsels, whiter and more sweetly flushed even than theirfellows. These bade the King to wait for a little, since theirmistress was now at hand. So all men stared upon them, and praisedtheir great beauty, saying that if the maid was so fair, what thenmust be the loveliness of the dame. When, therefore, the demoisellecame in her turn, the King's household stood upon their feet to giveher greeting. Never did woman show so queenly to men's sight as didthis lady riding to the hall. Passing sweet she was to see, passingsimple and gracious of manner, with softer eyes and a daintier facethan girl of mother born. The whole Court marvelled at her beauty, forno spot or blemish might be found in her body. She was richly dressedin a kirtle of vermeil silk, broidered with gold, and her mantle wasworth the spoil of a king's castle. Her palfrey was of good race,and speedy; the harness and trappings upon him were worth a thousandlivres in minted coin. All men pressed about her, praising her faceand person, her simplicity and queenlihead. She came at slow pacebefore the King, and dismounting from the palfrey, spoke verycourteously in this fashion.
"Sire," said she, "hearken to me, and you, lord barons, give heed tomy pleading. You know the words Graelent spake to the King, in theears of men, when the Queen made herself a show before the lords,saying that often had he seen a fairer lady. Very hasty and foolishwas his tongue, since he provoked the King to anger. But at least hetold the truth when he said that there is no dame so comely but thatvery easily may be found one more sweet than she. Look now boldly uponmy face, and judge you rightly in this quarrel between the Queen andme. So shall Sir Graelent be acquitted of this blame."
Then gazing upon her, all the King's household, lord and lackey,prince and page, cried with one voice that her favour was greater thanthat of the Queen. The King himself gave judgment with his barons thatthis thing was so; therefore Sir Graelent was acquitted of his blame,and declared a free man.
When judgment was given the lady took her leave of the King, andattended by her four damsels departed straightway from the hall uponher palfrey. Sir Graelent caused his white horse to be saddled, andmounting, followed hotly after her through the town. Day after dayhe rode in her track, pleading for pity and pardon, but she gave himneither good words nor bad in answer. So far they fared that at lastthey came to the forest, and taking their way through a deep wood rodeto the bank of a fair, clear stream. The lady set her palfrey to theriver, but when she saw that Graelent also would enter therein shecried to him,
"Stay, Graelent, the stream is deep, and it is death for you tofollow."
Graelent took no heed to her words, but forced his horse to enter theriver, so that speedily the waters closed above his head. Then thelady seized his bridle, and with extreme toil brought horse and riderback again to land.
"Graelent," said she, "you may not pass this river, however mightilyyou pain yourself, therefore must you remain alone on this bank."
Again the lady set her palfrey to the river, but Graelent could notsuffer to see her go upon her way alone. Again he forced his horse toenter the water; but the current was very swift and the stream wasvery deep, so that presently Graelent was torn from his saddle, andbeing borne away by the stream came very nigh to drown. When the fourmaidens saw his piteous plight they cried aloud to their lady, andsaid,
"Lady, for the love of God, take pity on your poor friend. See, how hedrowns in this evil case. Alas, cursed be the day you spake soft wordsin his ear, and gave him the grace of your love. Lady, look how thecurrent hurries him to his death. How may your heart suffer him todrown whom you have held so close! Aid him, nor have the sin on yoursoul that you endured to let the man who loved you die without yourhelp."
When the lady heard the complaint of her maidens, no longer couldshe hide the pity she felt in her heart. In all haste she turned herpalfrey to the river, and entering the stream clutched her lover bythe belt. Thus they won together to the bank. There she stripped thedrowned man of his raiment, and wrapping him fast in her own drymantle cherished him so meetly that presently he came again to life.So she brought him safely into her own land, and none has met SirGraelent since that day.
But the Breton folk still hold firmly that Graelent yet liveth withhis friend. His destrier, when he escaped him from the perilous river,grieved greatly for his master's loss. He sought again the mightyforest, yet never was at rest by night or day. No peace might he find,but ever pawed he with his hoofs upon the ground, and neighed soloudly that the noise went through all the country round about. Many aman coveted so noble a steed, and sought to put bit and bridle in hismouth, yet never might one set hands upon him, for he would not sufferanother master. So each year in its season the forest was filled withthe cry and the trouble of this noble horse which might not find itslord.
This adventure of the good steed and of the stout knight, who wentto the land of faery with his love, was noised abroad throughout allBrittany, and the Bretons made a Lay thereof which was sung inthe ears of many people, and was called a Lay of the Death of SirGraelent.
