The False Queen

Up on high the moon was riding,
High as the sun in blaze of day,
When, within her chamber hiding,
With the Queen the Condé lay.

No one knows it, knight or lady,
In the good King's court that dwelleth,
Save but one, the pale Infanta;
She to none her sorrow telleth.

Out and spake the blushing mother,
To the maiden wan and weeping,
"Daughter, thou my shame wilt cover;
Lo! my life is in thy keeping!

"Child, my German lord hath gold,—
Gold and pearl! he'll give to thee;
Gowns and mantles manifold,
Blazon'd with embroidery."—

"May an evil fire consume them!"—
Out and spake the damosel;
"There's a false man in thy chamber,
While my father loves thee well."—