Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/115

Rh, to pray for the maiden’s release, and the sea-king forced Proteus to give her up.

Then Cymoent bore Florimel to her own bower under the waves, and nursed her with tenderest care, and each day Marinell drank in from her sweet eyes whole draughts of that fateful passion from which formerly the careful Cymoent had guarded him. The sea-nymph no longer feared the prophecy of Proteus, because Neptune had given his protection to the happy pair.

When she was recovered from her imprisonment, Marinell brought his lovely bride to Faery-land, and the day was fixed when the nuptials should be celebrated. All the court of Faery was bidden to attend, and great preparations were made for feast and tournament.

When the guests were well-nigh assembled, Braggadochio rode in with a veiled lady, and dismounting led her with him to the guest-hall. This lady was no less than the false Florimel whom before he had borne away from Sir Satyrane’s tourney. When she had taken off her veil, and all present had beheld her, there was much whispering and confusion among the guests. For all who looked on her, were ready to declare that this was their fair hostess, whom they had seen only a little time before, moving