The Ring of True Love
I will give you a ring, Sir Gareth,
(Said the Lady of Lyonesse)
But how, in my heart, can I spare it?
If I wear it, my beauty increaseth,
If I spare, it grows less.
This virtue it has too, Sir Gareth:
(Said the Lady of Lyonesse)
To make a new knight in thy likeness
And to brightness turn shade, and lend honour
A bright sword in the press.
And this virtue it has too, Sir Gareth,
(Said the Lady of Lyonesse)
To turn dark into light, and make bright too
Dead of night, and arm the pale rider
With the shield, Steadfastness.
Thy grace be the greater, Sir Gareth:
And my beauty be less.
This is love, that can suffer and bear it;
Yes, for love's sake, lose all and forswear it!
Said the Lady of Lyonesse.