Page:Early poems of William Morris.djvu/38



"To make a queen say why some spots of red Lie on her coverlet? or will you say, 'Your hands are white, lady, as when you wed,

"'Where did you bleed?' and must I stammer out—'Nay, I blush indeed, fair lord, only to rend My sleeve up to my shoulder, where there lay

"'A knife-point last night': so must I defend The honour of the Lady Guenevere? Not so, fair lords, even if the world should end

"This very day, and you were judges here Instead of God. Did you see Mellyagraunce When Launcelot stood by him? what white fear

"Curdled his blood, and how his teeth did dance, His side sink in? as my knight cried and said, 'Slayer of unarm'd men, here is a chance!

"'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 grovell'd at his feet, And groan'd at being slain so young—'at least.'

"My knight said, 'Rise you, sir, who are so fleet At catching ladies, half-arm'd will I fight, My left side all uncovered!' then I weet.