Cliges

ALEXANDER'S WEDDING

ALEXANDER'S WEDDING But Alexanderdid not dare say what he sought in this affair, although he knew he could depend on being granted his sweet friend, 2190 yet feared to ask lest he annoy someone who would have felt sheer joy, but he preferred to suffer still than have her hand against her will, and so he asked a bit of leisure because, until he learned her pleasure, he would not make his own request. The golden cup he soon possessed; with that no leisure need there be. 2199 He took the gift; with courtesy a he begged the lord Gawain accept b the cup from him, a gift he kept c but did reluctantly obey. d ALEXANDER'S WEDDING a HEN Soredamors heard them convey 2200 real news of Alexander's fate, it put her in a blissful state, and when she learned he was alive, such joyfulness did she derive from that good news, in her belief o ' she'd never have an hour of grief She found it long until he paid the visit that he usually made. Shell have her will in due course yet, for one thing has them both beset, 2210 which one the more no one could measure. How Alexander longed at leisure o To feast on one sweet look from her! [65] CLICKS He had not wanted to defer his visit to the queen's own tent, but was detained and discontent that he had suffered a delay. As soon as he could get away, straight to the queens pitched tent he came. 2220 The queen met him and knew his frame of mind and thinking in large part, although he had not bared his heart, and yet she clearly had perceived. He entered and was well received. The queen was very genial; she well knew why he came to call. She summoned Soredamors to her, a further favor to confer. So these three only got them hence, 2230 far from the rest, in conference. The queen was first at speaking out, for she had not the slightest doubt their love was mutual and clear. He held her, and she held him, dear. She knew it firmly in her mind, and Soredamors could never find a better sweetheart than this man. She sat between them and began to share with them a line of reason 2240 that was in proper place and season. "Now, Alexander, I would rate love to be even worse than hate when it gives friends distress and rue and lovers know not what they do, when they keep hidden what they feel, for love takes effort, a good deal, and is confusing and head-spinning. Who fails to make a bold beginning [66] ALEXANDER'S WEDDING can hardly win the end result. The first step is most difficult; 2250 the threshold worst to cross above. I want to teach you two of Love, for I see Love is being cruel. I want to have you go to school. Take care that nothing is concealed. Your countenances have revealed most clearly to me what youVe done: of two hearts you have fashioned one. Do not conceal yourselves from me! You each would act so foolishly, 2260 if you won't make your thinking plain. Concealment leaves the other slain, and you will both be Love's assassins. I warn you, force and lustful passions in love you must not seek or sate. In marriage and in honored state remain in mutual company, and in this way, it seems to me, the love you feel will long endure. I promise, and you may be sure, 2270 if you re inclined toward matrimony, I shall arrange the ceremony/' When once the queen made her thoughts known, next Alexander voiced his own. "My lady, Ive no arguments to offer you in self-defense. I grant all you accuse me of and never would be free of Love, on which 1 1 1 always be intent. I'm gratified and well content 2280 that you are speaking as you do. Since my desire is known to you, why I should hide it I don't know. [67] CLIGES If I had dared to, long ago I'd have admitted what I feel, for it was grueling to conceal, but it could be that in her mind this maid is not the least inclined to have me or to be my own...