Or hath come, since the making of the world. Then murmured Arthur, 'Place me in the barge.' So to the barge they came. There those three Queens Put forth their hands, and took the King, and wept. But she, that rose the tallest of them all 375 And called him by his name, complaining loud, And dropping bitter tears against a brow Striped with dark blood: for all his face was white 380 420 Both for themselves and those who call them friend? For so the whole round earth is every way 425 Where falls not hail, or rain, or any snow. Nor ever wind blows loudly; but it lies Deep-meadowed, happy, fair with orchard lawns 430 And bowery hollows crowned with summer sea, Where I will heal me of my grievous wound.' So said he, and the barge with oar and sail Moved from the brink, like some fullbreasted swan That, fluting a wild carol ere her death, 435 Or cataract music Of falling torrents, Down from the mountain And streaming and shining on Silvery willow, Pasture and plowland, Innocent maidens, Garrulous children, Then, with a melody Touched at the golden Cross of the churches, Flashed on the Tournament, Flickered and bickered From helmet to helmet, And last on the forehead Of Arthur the blameless Rested The Gleam. Clouds and darkness The king who loved me, 50 50 |