| |
| “OUTSIDE the gate what do I hear, | |
| What on the bridgehead ringing? | |
| Let it resound upon my ear | |
| Within the hall—this singing!” | |
| Thus spake the king, the page ran out, | 5 |
| The boy came back, the king did shout: | |
| “Let in the aged singer!” | |
| |
| “Right noble masters that you are, | |
| Fair ladies, I salute you! | |
| Ah, what a heaven! Star by star! | 10 |
| Who knows the names that suit you? | |
| Before this splendour, light sublime, | |
| Close, eyes; for this is not the time | |
| To gaze in joyous wonder.” | |
| |
| Full chords he struck, and closed his eyes, | 15 |
| His voice in gladness raising; | |
| The knights looked up in gallant wise, | |
| The ladies down were gazing. | |
| The king, delighted with the lay, | |
| To honour him for song and play, | 20 |
| A golden chain then gave him. | |
| |
| “Oh, give me not the golden chain! | |
| Your knights it fitly graces, | |
| For hostile lances split in twain | |
| Before their dauntless faces; | 25 |
| Give it your chancellor to wear, | |
| Let him with all his burdens bear | |
| One more—this golden burden. | |
| |
| “I sing just as the wild bird sings | |
| That in the boughs is living, | 30 |
| The song, while from the heart it springs, | |
| Its own reward is giving. | |
| Yet one request alone be mine: | |
| Pray, let me drink your rarest wine | |
| From a pure golden goblet.” | 35 |
| |
| He took the cup, he quaffed it all: | |
| “Such wine is sweetest pleasure! | |
| Upon your house all blessings fall | |
| Where this is deemed small measure! | |
| If you fare well, remember me, | 40 |
| And thank your God as heartily | |
| As for this wine I thank you.” | |
| |
