THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

the appointed span of my life, and commend myself to you, my lord Richier. Phegra Albana
commends herself full of longing to see you.”
45
17
© 2009 Max Wickert
When Richier had read this letter he, he said to the servant: “I will give you an answer this evening,”
for he did not wish any of his companions to know of it, and he motioned to one of his own
servants to bring the man to his chamber. Upon returning home, Richier called him to his room
(they had already put the horse sent by Phegra into Richier’s stable), and Phegra’s messenger upon
arrival began in piteous words to describe the actions of his love-struck lady and oath that she had
made him swear, and her beauty and gentleness, and her desperate love for Richier. Also, he
promptly gave him the pearl coronet and the sword. Then they went to look at the horse.
When Richier heard of the love of that lady, he, rapt in countless conjectures, grew thoughtful. He
treated her messenger with great honor. At night, he could not sleep, fearful of being deceived. In
the morning the servant said to Richier: “My lord, if you feel any doubt, cast me into your prison,
and then send one of your own servants to Phegra. If you find any treachery in me, do with me
what you wish.” Richier questioned him closely about the lady’s condition, and the servant praised
her highly, speaking of her infinite beauty. Richier sighed as he spoke with him, and he felt as if he
were talking with the lady herself. At last, overcome by the power of love, he decided to go and see
her before the expiration of the truce.
On the third day, without the knowledge of his father or any other person, disguised and in armor,
and mounted on the horse that Phegra had sent him, he went on his way with the servant. Within a
few days they crossed into Sicily, and from Sicily they reached Barbary by ship. Having come to
court, he secretly presented himself to Phegra in her chamber, and when she saw him she, in the