Baldwin bethought him of the maiden fair, Whose fame had gone abroad, and everywhere Looked, till his eyes fell upon one who seemed Fairer than mind had pictured, brain had dreamed. She sat upon a golden seat, alone, In priceless robes ; upon her head a crown, Well worth a county : there, row over row, Full many a sapphire shone with richest glow, And many a pearl and many a gem beside Glittered therein the gold beneath to hide. Her robe was broidered : three long years and more Toiled on it he who wrought it ; and thrown o'er A costly mantle lay : from far 'twas brought In some sweet isle beyond the ocean wrought. Full seven years a Moslem lady bent Above her loom, and still her labour spent, While slowly grew the robe ; for buckle light, A rich carbuncle glowed, which day and night Shone like the sun of heaven clear and bright. And when Lord Baldwin saw this damsel fair, So mazed he was, he nearly fainted there. " Baldwin," said Poliban, " look not so pale, If 'tis for doubt or fear your spirits fail." " Nay," said Lord Baldwin, " but a sudden pain, Yet see I what would make me well again." Then the Prince led them all, these nobles three, And to his daughter brought them courteously. * Fair daughter," said he, " is there none of these, Great princes all and brave, that can you please ?" " Yea, sire," the maid replied, " I see my lord, The noblest knight is he who wears a sword. These ten long years I sit, and hope, and wait, For him, my husband, promised me by fate. Now leaps my heart : the weary time is past, My knight, my liege, my lord, is come at last." When Baldwin heard these words, joy and surprise Held all his heart ; but then, across his eyes, Fell on him a sudden cloud of doubt, and fear Ban through his chilled brain lest those praises dear For a companion, not himself, were told. And, for he could not silence longer hold, S