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To see him enter were I fain,

Quoth he, but trust he may refrain

From outrage or unseemliness.

By body of God! thou dost express

Thyself, fair son, in wondrous wise:

A jewel art thou in mine eyes.

They ceased—no more was left to say,

And each one sped a different way,

Fair-Welcome to his chamber hied,

While the duenna must provide

For matters of the house. But when

Time, place, and season suited, then

The hag, with will the work to do

For which she gave her promise to

Fair-Welcome, down the stair of stone

Ran quickly, seeing him alone,

From out the tower, nor weary felt

Until she came to where I dwelt,

Hasting to tell me how I might

Get of Fair-Welcome speech and sight.

Then spake she as one wearied out.

If I should bring to you, past doubt,

News that your heart to joyance lifts,

May I then claim of you fair gifts?