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My nature's prideful sparkle in the blood
Break into furious flame; being repulsed
By Yniol and yourself, I schemed and
wrought

Until I overturn'd him; then set up
(With one main purpose ever at my heart)
My haughty jousts, and took a paramour;
Did her mock-honour as the fairest fair,
And, toppling over all antagonism,
So wax'd in pride, that I believed myself
Unconquerable, for I was wellnigh mad:
And, but for my main purpose in these
jousts,

I should have slain your father, seized yourself.

I lived in hope that sometime you would

come

To these my lists with him whom best you loved;

And there, poor cousin, with your meek

blue eyes,

The truest eyes that ever answer'd Heaven, Behold me overturn and trample on him. Then, had you cried, or knelt, or pray'd

to me,

I should not less have kill'd him. And

you came,

But once you came,-and with your own true eyes

Beheld the man you loved (I speak as one Speaks of a service done him) overthrow My proud self, and my purpose three years old,

And set his foot upon me, and give me life.

There was I broken down; there was I saved:

Tho' thence I rode all-shamed, hating the life

He gave me, meaning to be rid of it. And all the penance the Queen laid upon

me

Was but to rest awhile within her court;

Where first as sullen as a beast new-caged,
And waiting to be treated like a wolf,
Because I knew my deeds were known, I
found,

Instead of scornful pity or pure scorn,
Such fine reserve and noble reticence,
Manners so kind, yet stately, such a grace
Of tenderest courtesy, that I began
To glance behind me at my former life,
And find that it had been the wolf's
indeed.

And oft I talk'd with Dubric, the high saint,

Who, with mild heat of holy oratory, Subdued me somewhat to that gentleness, Which, when it weds with manhood,

makes a man.

And you were often there about the Queen, But saw me not, or mark'd not if you

saw;

Nor did I care or dare to speak with you, But kept myself aloof till I was changed; And fear not, cousin; I am changed indeed.'

He spoke, and Enid easily believed, Like simple noble natures, credulous Of what they long for, good in friend or foe,

There most in those who most have done them ill.

And, when they reach'd the camp the King himself

Advanced to greet them, and beholding her

Tho' pale, yet happy, ask'd her not a word,

But went apart with Edyrn, whom he held
In converse for a little, and return'd,
And, gravely smiling, lifted her from
horse,

And kiss'd her with all pureness, brotherlike,

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