THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
“Certainly not,” said the fisherman, “because you would seize me to sell me as a slave. Ask for
something else.”
Bevis pleaded with him so long, and made so many promises, that he invited him on his ship. He
had the merchants give three hundred golden coins to the crew, and they paid willingly so that he
would leave their ship, and Bevis descended into the fisherman’s little boat. As soon as he had left
the ship, they at once hoisted sail and fled to the high seas.
Bevis, as he neared land, asked the fisherman: “By your faith, tell me the truth: has King Marcabrun
done with Drusiana as you say.” The fisherman replied: “Certainly not, because he has set his
cousin, called Floris, as a guard upon her, with sixty knights and twelve damsels. Such was the
agreement when he sent for her from Armenia, and King Marcabrun gave his word, and ye would
never break it.” At this Bevis asked: “Why did the lady make this condition, to wait for a year?” He
replied: “I cannot tell you that, but I have heard say that a noble youth arrived in Armenia, whose
name was Bevis of Hampton, son of a duke called Guy of Hampton. He was sold to King Armin
and won a battle against a Turk called Luciferus, and accomplished many other feats, and was freed.
It happed that he struck a brother of King Armin’s, and fled for fear. The king had made search for
him through many regions, but could not find him.. Thus the king’s brother, whose name is
Hewellyn, prevailed on King Armin to give her in marriage to King Marcabrun. And Drusiana did
not wish this and asked for a year’s delay, in the event that Bevis would return. It is now three years
and four months since there have been news of Bevis. And you must know that it is now a capital
crime to make mention of Bevis, and that he has been declared an outlaw at the King Marcabrun’s
behest. Today concludes one year since Drusiana has joined her husband, and tomorrow she will be
united with the king. Therefore there is a great festival in the city; and I and many others are fishing