THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

124
© 2009 Max Wickert
wishes. And you, lady Selvatica, greet Bevis on my behalf, and tell him to remember my daughter
and to be pleased not to lose his soul.” Having said, he dismissed them and said: “Go, with my
blessing!”
And she embarked with the above-mentioned company and left Armenia the Lesser. They crossed
the Gulf of Setalia, caught sight of Cyprus, Rhodes, Crete, Sicily and the shores of Barbary and
Spain. Entering the Ocean, they saw the Pillars of Hercules, and after sailing for many months
reached England at the harbor of Hampton eight days before the deadline. They entered the city
and took a rich palace for their lodging, and that palace belonged to Rupert of the Cross. There they
established themselves in rich surroundings, holding sumptuous court.
59
When Drusiana and her sons had rested for three days, Gillian had Guy and Sinibald mount their
steeds, and he mounted with them and ten of their young Armenian companions, and rode at
pleasure throughout the city, and they were much marveled at. On the fifth day they were invited to
court and they agreed to attend the feast, but not to eat; they therefore arrived there after supper.
When they entered the hall, Guy and Sinibald held each other’s hands, preceding Drusiana, with
Gillian at her side, and behind them all the youths they had brought with them.
Bevis and Rupert and old Sinibald and Thierry and Richard of Canterbury all rose, facing Drusiana,
and gave her great honor and reverence. She was placed in a seat of high honor, and sat down
between her two sons. Then the dancing began, amid the sound of many instruments. When they
had danced a long while, they bid the instruments cease, and Drusiana took up a harp while Guy
seized a lute and Sinibald a guitar, and they began to play. After some beautiful passages, the two
boys ceased and Drusiana took the guitar and began to sing. She sang of the love of Bevis and