XXXI.

‘ Lady,’ quoth the page,‘ I bring

Evil news. Sir king, I say,

My good lord of yesterday,

Evil news,’ This king saith low,

‘ Yesterday, and yesterday,

The queen's yesterday we know,

Tell us thine.’‘ Sir king,’ saith he,

Hear. Thy castle in the night

Was surprised, and men thy flight

Learned but then; thine enemy

Of old days, our new king, reigns;

And sith thou wert not at pains

To forbid it, hear also,

Marvelling whereto this should grow

How thy knights at break of morn

Have a new allegiance sworn,

And the men-at-arms rejoice,

And the people give their voice

For the conqueror. I, Sir king,

Rest thine only friend. I bring

Means of flight; now therefore fly,

A great price is on thy head.

Cast her jewel'd mantle by,

Mount thy queen i’ the selle and hie

( Sith disguise ye need, and bread )

Down yon pleachèd track, down, down,

Till a tower shall on thee frown;

Him that holds it show this ring:

So farewell, my lord the king.’