As she was given to me, so have I brought
her to you. She is the daughter of a poor vavasor. Through
poverty many an honourable man is brought low: her father, for
instance, is gentle and courteous, but he has little means. And
her mother is a very gentle lady, the sister of a rich Count.
She has no lack of beauty or of lineage, that I should not marry
her. It is poverty that has compelled her to wear this white
linen garment until both sleeves are torn at the side. And yet,
had it been my desire, she might have had dresses rich enough.
For another damsel, a cousin of hers, wished to give her a robe
of ermine and of spotted or grey silk. But I would not have her
dressed in any other robe until you should have seen her. Gentle
lady, consider the matter now and see what need she has of a fine
becoming gown." And the Queen at once replies: "You have done
quite right; it is fitting that she should have one of my gowns,
and I will give her straightway a rich, fair gown, both fresh and
new." The Queen then hastily took her off to her own private
room, and gave orders to bring quickly the fresh tunic and the
greenish-purple mantle, embroidered with little crosses, which
had been made for herself. The one who went at her behest came
bringing to her the mantle and the tunic, which was lined with
white ermine even to the sleeves.
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