XXXI.

'Lady,' quoth the page, 'I bring Evil news. Sir king, I say, My good lord of yesterday, Evil news,' This king saith low, 'Yesterday, and yesterday, The queen's yesterday we know, Tell us thine.' 'Sir king,' saith he, Hear. Thy castle in the night Was surprised, and men thy flight Learned but then; thine enemy Of old days, our new king, reigns; And sith thou wert not at pains To forbid it, hear also, Marvelling whereto this should grow How thy knights at break of morn Have a new allegiance sworn, And the men-at-arms rejoice, And the people give their voice For the conqueror. I, Sir king, Rest thine only friend. I bring Means of flight; now therefore fly, A great price is on thy head. Cast her jewel'd mantle by, Mount thy queen i' the selle and hie (Sith disguise ye need, and bread) Down yon pleachèd track, down, down, Till a tower shall on thee frown; Him that holds it show this ring: So farewell, my lord the king.'