p. 17The chariot they stopped in the green wood shade, An exchange ’twixt them of their clothes they made. p. 17 They change of their dress whatever they please, Their faces they cannot exchange with like ease. To Sir Samsing’s house the bride they conveyed, Of the ruddy gold no spare was made. On the bridal throne the bride they plac’d, They skinked the mead for the bride to taste. Then said from his place the court buffoon, “Methinks thou art Ingefred not Gudrune.” From off her hand a gold ring she took, Which she gave the buffoon with entreating look. Said he: “I’m an oaf and have drunk too hard, To words of mine pay no regard.” ’Twas deep at night, and down fell the mist, To her bed the young bride they assist. p. 18Sir Samsing spoke to his nightingales twain: “Before my young bride sing now a strain. p. 18 “A song now sing which shall avouch Whether I’ve a maiden or none in my couch.” “A maid’s in the bed, that’s certain and sure, Gudrune is standing yet on the floor.” “Proud Ingefred straight from my couch retire! Gudrune come hither, or dread my ire! “Now tell me, Gudrune, with open heart, What made thee from thy bed depart?” “My father, alas! dwelt near the strand, When war and bloodshed filled the land. “Full eight there were broke into my bower, One only ravished my virgin flower.” Upon her fair cheek he gave a kiss: “My dearest, my dearest, all sorrow dismiss; “My swains they were that broke into thy bower, ’Twas I that gathered thy virgin flower.” p. 19Fair Ingefred gained, because bride she had been, One of the King’s knights of handsome mien.
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