Page:Tristram of Lyonesse and other poems (IA tristramoflyonesswinrich).pdf/66

 And thy mind evil that begat this thing, Yet stands the word once plighted of a king Fast: and albeit less evil it were for me To give my life up than my wife, or be A landless man crowned only with a curse, Yet this in God's and all men's sight were worse, To live soul-shamed, a man of broken troth, Abhorred of men as I abhor mine oath Which yet I may forswear not.' And he bowed His head, and wept: and all men wept aloud, Save one, that heard him weeping: but the queen Wept not: and statelier yet than eyes had seen That ever looked upon her queenly state She rose, and in her eyes her heart was great And full of wrath seen manifest and scorn More strong than anguish to go thence forlorn Of all men's comfort and her natural right. And they went forth into the dawn of night. Long by wild ways and clouded light they rode, Silent; and fear less keen at heart abode With Iseult than with Palamede: for awe Constrained him, and the might of love's high law, That can make lewd men loyal; and his heart Yearned on her, if perchance with amorous art And soothfast skill of very love he might For courtesy find favour in her sight And comfort of her mercies: for he wist More grace might come of that sweet mouth unkissed Than joy for violence done it, that should make His name abhorred for shame's disloyal sake.