THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

Then Bernard and Gerard and the other lords took their leave and departed with the lady,
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© 2009 Max Wickert
accompanied by ten ladies-of-honor for her entourage, along with ten young damsels. But Falisetta
was reserved as her private confidante, and Bernard and Gerard rode by Bertha’s side, while
Gryphon, Spinard and Ptolemy rode with Falisetta, for they knew who she was. They paid her great
honor, and among themselves often commented that truly Falisetta could not be distinguished from
the queen, nor the queen from her, and all marveled how one resembled the other.
After many days they entered the realm of France, where all regions had been prepared to receive
them. As they drew near Paris, they were met by great crowds of people and many great lords.
When they were a league from Paris, they were met by King Pepin, who stopped with his entire
court. Then Gryphon of Maganza came up to Bertha and pointed out King Pepin to her, and she
grew very sorrowful thereat.
Falisetta’s Treachery
4
Bertha, undone by ignorance and unripe understanding, was troubled when she saw King Pepin.
She remembered how her mother had told her that he was old; but she had not mentioned that he
was short of stature and deformed, so that now her grief showed in her change of countenance.
Gryphon of Maganza saw and took notice of this.
When they entered Paris, there was much festivity, but as they were entering the royal palace, Bertha
was unable to rejoice. After they entered the chamber, Falisetta asked her why she was so pensive.
She replied: “Sister of mine, my mother has sent you to be my companion and my confidante, so
that I may put my trust in you and tell you all my secrets. Therefore, if you will do my will, I shall be
rid of much sorrow.” And she answered: “I will do anything to please you, even unto death.”