THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
It happened one day that Galeana came to King Galafron in the great hall and saw Mainet carving
before her father. Turning to her mother, she said: “You are making an old man carve for me, while
my father, who is old, is served by Mainet, who is young. I had rather that he should carve before
me.” That evening the queen procured King Galafron’s consent. The queen sent for Mainet and
said to him: “You shall henceforth serve my daughter. But do it modestly, and in long-hemmed
garments.” (For Mainet was wont to wear a short jerkin.) She then gave him a rich scarlet gown
that reached down to his feet. Then he was sent to attend Galeana, while Aragonez (that is, Morand)
was sent to attend King Galafron.
Not a month had passed when Galeana ordered a meal prepared in a private chamber for herself
and three other ladies. This she did because she was burning with love for Mainet, though he never
looked at her and did not yet care for her. When all was ready, she found a way to remain alone in
the room with her duenna and Mainet, who was carving before her. Then Galeana said to Mainet,
in a joking tone: “Where does your love reside?” Mainet modestly blushed all over his face and did
not answer, and kept changing color for shame. The duenna said: “Tell me, Mainet, do you already
have a lady love?” He answered: “I am touched by sorrows other than the love of woman!” He
sighed, remembering the death of his father, and began to weep. Galeana was overcome with so
much pity for him, that she wept too, and then asked Mainet who he was and whence he came. He
replied: “I am from Barcelona, the son of a merchant who perished at sea.” The duenna said: “My
lady, he is not worthy of your love, for he is of low degree.” Galeana answered: “I do not believe
him, for his behavior shows him to be no merchant.” The she said to Mainet: “I want you to be my
lover.” Mainet replied, “Have pity, for God’s sake!” and continued, falling upon his knees before
her: “Madam, I am a poor squire, do not make a laughing-stock of me.” She saw that he doubted
her and told him: “I know you doubt me. Be aware that love only enters in a noble mind.” The