THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
I need you to carve before me at the table; and I will have you know that there is not a lord in
Armenia who would not come if I sent for him.” Bevis replied, saying: “My lady, go back to your
chamber, for it is not to your honor for a tradesman’s son to carve before you. Take a nobler
servant than me, for I am a serf, and a slave of your father’s, purchased with money.” She took him
by the hand, and as they paced up and down in the stable, Bevis bowed and Drusiana sighed.
Bevis still had the garland of hay on his head, and she asked it of him. Said Augustine: “This garland
was not fashioned for you, but belongs to the reapers.” At last he managed to sit down on a little
bench, and said: “If you want it, you may take it.” Drusiana wanted him to put it on her head, and
asked him to do it. He, ever trembling with modest shame, would neither put it on Drusiana’s head
nor hand it to her, and she for shame could not throw her arms about his neck or kiss him. At last
she herself took the garland, placed it upon her head, and returned to her chamber. All night long
she had nothing else on her mind.
King Marcabrun and the other barons were with King Armin, and they began to talk on their behalf,
asking that Drusiana be given as a wife to King Marcabrun of Apollonia. But in this matter things
remained between yes and no. Amid all this a new thing befell.
15: Luciferus [summary]
Luciferus, a Saracen giant, son of the King of Buldras, arrived at the head of an army to demand Drusiana’s hand.
When Armin refused, Luciferus attacked, captured Armin and Marcabrun, and laid siege to the city.
Making Enemies
16
After King Armin and King Marcabrun were captured, all the people began to flee, and in the city
there arose much wailing and fear. One of King Armin’s brothers, whose name was Duke Hewellyn,