Never in all King Arthur's court were sadder nuptials than these. No
feasting, no joy, but only gloom and heaviness, which, spreading itself
from the wretched Sir Ulric, infected all the court. Many a fair dame
pitied him sorely, and not a knight but thanked his gracious stars that
he did not stand in the like ill fortune.
After the wedding ceremonies, as Ulric sat alone in his chamber, very
heavy-hearted and sad, his aged bride entered and sat down hear him.
But he turned his back upon her, resolving that now she was his wife,
he would have no more speech with her.
While he sat thus inattentive, she began to speak with him, and in
spite of his indifference, Sir Ulric could but confess that her voice
was passing sweet, and her words full of wit and sense. In a long
discourse she painted to him the advantage of having a bride who from
very gratitude would always be most faithful and loving. She instanced
from history and song all those who by beauty had been betrayed, and by
youth had been led into folly.
Pages:
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155