n of each of them. She notices and thinks
she sees that these changes of colour are the fruit of love. But not
wishing to embarrass them, she pretends to understand nothing of what
she sees. In this she did well, for she gave no evidence of what was in
her mind beyond saying: "Look here, damsel, and tell us truly where the
shirt was sewed that this knight has on, and if you had any hand in
it or worked anything of yours into it." Though the maiden feels some
shame, yet she tells the story gladly; for she wishes the truth to be
known by him, who, when he hears her tell of how the shirt was made, can
hardly restrain himself for joy from worshipping and adoring the golden
hair. His companions and the Queen, who were with him, annoy him and
embarrass him; for their presence prevents him from raising the hair to
his eyes and mouth, as he would fain have done, had he not thought that
it would be remarked. He is glad to have so much of his lady, but he
does not hope or expect ever to receive more from her: his very desire
makes him dubious. Yet, when he has left the Queen and is by himself, he
kisses it more than a hundred thousand times, feeling how fortunate he
is. All night long he makes much of it, but is careful that no one shall
see him. As he lies upon his bed, he finds a vain delight and solace in
what can give him no satisfaction. All night he presses the shirt in his
arms, and when he looks at the golden hair, he feels like the lord of
the whole wide world. Thus Love makes a fool of this sensible man,
who finds his delight in a single hair and is in ecstasy over its
possession. But this charm will come to an end for him before the sun's
bright dawn. For the traitors are met in council to discuss what they
can do; and what their prospects are. To be sure they will be able to
make a long defence of the town if they determine so to do; but they
know the King's purpose to be so firm that he will not give up his
efforts to take the town so long as he lives, and when that time comes
they needs must die. And if they should surrender the town, they need
expect no mercy for doing so. Thus either outcome looks dark indeed, for
they see no help, but only death in either case. But this decision at
last is reached, that the next morning, before dawn appears, they shall
issue secretly from the town and find the camp disarmed, and the knights
still sleeping in their beds. Before they wake and get their armour
on there will have been