But I
will pass over the rest, and you shall hear of the joy and
pleasure in the bridal chamber. Bishops and archbishops were
there on the night when the bride and groom retired. At this
their first meeting, Iseut was not filched away, nor was Brangien
put in her place. (23) The Queen herself took charge of their
preparations for the night; for both of them were dear to her.
The hunted stag which pants for thirst does not so long for the
spring, nor does the hungry sparrow-hawk return so quickly when
he is called, as did these two come to hold each other in close
embrace. That night they had full compensation for their long
delay. After the chamber had been cleared, they allow each sense
to be gratified: the eyes, which are the entrance-way of love,
and which carry messages to the heart, take satisfaction in the
glance, for they rejoice in all they see; after the message of
the eyes comes the far surpassing sweetness of the kisses
inviting love; both of them make trial of this sweetness, and let
their hearts quaff so freely that hardly can they leave off.
Thus, kissing was their first sport. And the love which is
between them emboldened the maid and left her quite without her
fears; regardless of pain, she suffered all. Before she rose,
she no longer bore the name of maid; in the morning she was a
new-made dame.
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