THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
remained very pensive. Drusiana meanwhile held splendid court, and there were two reasons why
Drusiana remained unrecognized: one was time, for Bevis had not seen her for fourteen years; the
other was that she had disguised herself in a way that made her impossible to recognize.
60: A Pause [summary]
Things remained in suspense during the night, while Margery grew impatient for an answer.
Husband and Wife Reunited
61
On the next morning there were great preparations for Margery’s wedding, and Bevis invited
Drusiana to the feast. When she entered with all her splendid company, it was impossible to say
how beautifully she was attired, with a gossamer veil covering her face, and her two sons decked out
like great lords. Gillian marveled to see such nobility.
When she entered the hall, Bevis said: “My lady, you have told me that you know where Drusiana
can be found. If you know, tell me, for I have promised to take this noble lady to wife, and her
dowry is the whole realm of Hungary.” Drusiana replied: “I have given command that she will
appear before you after dinner, with the two sons she bore you. If she does not come, then marry
your new wife.”
Bevis waited, and after the entertainment water was brought in to wash their hands. Margery was
there with more than a hundred ladies. When all the barons were seated at table, and Guy began to
carve before Bevis, and Sinibald to mix the wine and to taste the viands. The attendants did not
wish to let them do this, but Bevis told them to give them leave. Then the lords began to whisper:
“These youths certainly look a great deal like Bevis.” And as they continued to wait on Bevis and the