After they had eaten, and while with them he sat

After they had eaten, and while with them he sat, The lord of the land of Garadie the maidens did entreat To say by whom such fair ones were brought unto that shore. The children, at his asking, only felt their sorrow grow the more.

First answered him the eldest of those who with him sat: “I come from a far-off kingdom, (my lord, now hear my fate;) I was born in the land of India, a land wherein my father Was king while he was living, but I, alas! the crown must leave to another.”

Then spake the maid next younger: “I too have come from far; Erewhile a strong old griffin did me from Portugal bear. A king in the land was my father; none than he was prouder, Nor for a mighty ruler, far or near, were ever praises louder.”

Then the youngest maiden, who by the earl sat near, To him spoke low and modestly, and said: “I pray you hear; From Iserland I was carried, my father there held power; But from those who hoped to rear me, alas! afar was I borne in an evil hour.”